World Masters Update: More silverware for Michael, Dunboyne AC and Team Ireland.

A fantastic end to the championships for Michael Cornyn today after the very difficult decision he took yesterday. Michael had spend over an hour with the 400m withdrawal form in hand trying to justify the decision but it turned out to be the right decision as he won a team bronze in the O45 half marathon despite Tom O’Connor and Michael dropping down a 10 year age gap.

Michael had not run a half marathon for over 30 years but went out steady going through 10k in 44 minutes (his best for 10k in last 45 years was 42min) but was still feeling fresh.  Even though he struggled on a steep hill at the 18k mark, Michael came home in 1 hour 34 minutes, with his 2 team mates finishing ahead, this was enough to secure team bronze behind winners South Korea & Spain.  Michael finished 16th overall in his o55 category.

Despite very tired and sore legs, Michael had only 4hours before he needed to line out for the 4×200 relay final. The Irish O55 team didnt have any sprint specialists on it but the team members had all won Gold medals at various distances in this Championships already. Joe Gough of West Waterford AC was to be the lead off runner (Joe won gold in the World o60 800m earlier in week & had just finished 3rd in the 1500m).  The 2nd runner was Brian Lynch who earlier in the week won Gold in the 3000m and had just won another gold in the 1500m. The 3rd leg runner was Tom O’ Connor who, with Michael, had secured team bronze that morning in the Half Marathon while also winning individual bronze medal in that event. Michael was on the anchor leg to bring the team home.

With USA, GB, Finland, and Chinese Taipei in the final it was going to be difficult to win a medal. Joe Gough ran a brilliant first leg to leave Ireland in the lead.  Brian Lynch was overtaken by GB but still ran a great leg holding on to 2nd.  Tom O’Connor took over next and again chasing the British held their 2nd place and Michael ran another strong final leg to bring the team home to a brilliant World silver medal‎.

So Michael is coming home with a full set of Word Championships medals ….a Gold, Silver and Bronze.  6 races in 6 days and we are sure Michael is very tired  but very happy.  Well done on a great Championships, Michael. You did your club and country proud. We look forward to having a good look at the medals on your return.   Congratulations.