Fastlane Half Marathon: Start time, route, and all to know about Dublin race
The Fastlane 3/4 Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k takes on a flat course with long straight lines, and those who complete the race will receive a bespoke medal.
It is sure to be an enjoyable afternoon for competitors as well as families and friends in glorious sunshine – here is everything to know ahead of the race getting underway: Plenty of running events are popping up yearly. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The Fastlane 3/4 Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k takes place on Sunday, May 18. Running has seen a huge growth in popularity in Ireland. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The race will get underway at 9.30am on Sunday morning.
The race will get underway parallel to Lock View Road in Clondalkin before taking a route along the Grand Canal and looping back as its start point becomes its finish line.
The course – flat at a total elevation gain of 27m – will take in the sights of the Grand Canal and the newly surfaced perimeter of Grange Castle business park.
While an exact figure isn't known, there were a total of 1556 race finishers in FastLane's 2024 event, which excluded the newly-added 3/4 marathon category. A total of roughly 2,000 entrants should be expected on account of the extra race category – as well as the growth of running year on year in Ireland and globally.
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Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
Irish rugby's biggest issues heading into new season
With a marathon season over, there is a brief window to take stock of the shape of Irish rugby before the next campaign begins. And the unsustainable demands on players thanks to a merciless calendar should be a global warning. On specifically Irish interests, the Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. The Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan A period of significant change awaits, provincially and nationally. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland: ignoring the tyranny of World Cup cycles. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland. Pic:Ireland's failure to get past New Zealand in 2023 was not down to a failure to nurture new talent. While the enormous reliance on Johnny Sexton looked regrettable as he struggled to find an opening late on against the All Blacks, there was no compelling alternative over the preceding weeks, months or years. Farrell won't pick his teams in November or next spring based on games due to be played in two years' time. Ireland couldn't get past New Zealand in 2023. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland But if that doesn't impel him to shake his squad up in the new season, the evidence of the one just over should. Ireland flatlined for much of it, through November and into the Six Nations. Some of this can be addressed through selection, with James Lowe and Bundee Aki obviously vulnerable, but more options are needed in the back row, too. However, team selection is only a part of it. Farrell will not need reminding of what happens when a team fails to update its tactics – he was part of Joe Schmidt's support staff during the misbegotten 2019 when buoyant World Cup hopes were done for long before the tournament started. Bundee Aki and James Lowe. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile It was clear from the first match of that Six Nations that Ireland had been worked out, and in the absence of Plan B, disaster couldn't be averted. Farrell's priority now should be to steer the national team away from revisiting that fate. There were signs at times in Australia of Schmidt visiting the type of game on the Lions that Ireland don't like: the breakdown was a mess, power carriers kept the defence in retreat, and come the third Test, the Lions couldn't summon an answer. It was a similar story against France in Dublin in the Six Nations. A tweaked game-plan is vital – especially given the access to Irish coaches enjoyed by players from England, Scotland and Wales over the past two months. Ireland have relied on Jamison Gibson-Park. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The dependency on Jamison Gibson-Park was evident long before Sexton retired. In fact the latter's final season saw the scrum-half rival him as Ireland's most influential player. His influence has grown and Ireland's reliance on him has, too. He had a fine Lions tour, implementing Farrell's plan perfectly and barely putting a foot wrong. He will, though, be 34 next February and while there's no sign of him slowing down, the need for ready-made alternatives is becoming pronounced. Jamison Gibson-Park had a fine Lions tour. Pic:It helps in that regard that Craig Casey had an excellent season in another campaign beset by turmoil in Munster, and he earned the honour of leading the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Beyond him, Ben Murphy at Connacht has been identified as a coming force, but Fintan Gunne in the Leinster academy excites connoisseurs of the scrum-half art. Gunne won an Under-20 Grand Slam two years ago, and looks to be right in the thick of the succession planning at Leinster for life after Gibson-Park and Luke McGrath. Craig Casey led the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady Casey will be the understudy to Gibson-Park for the season ahead, but there were times last term when he rivalled the form of the Leinster player, and it was obvious he should have been promoted to the bench ahead of Conor Murray on a consistent basis. That will happen now, but it would take injury or an extended collapse in the form of Gibson-Park for Casey to take his place. The incumbent showed in Australia that he has recovered his best form, and if the plan remains to bed in Sam Prendergast at No10, the head coach will be minded to pair him with a more experienced scrum-half. In a country with decidedly finite resources, it's hard to avoid a dependence on influential players, but there is clearly scope to encourage competition for the No9 shirt. It's a position where, unlike other parts of the pitch – wing, flanker, even second row – there is a decent spread of options and potential. That should be explored, and not just in the November Test against Japan. More importantly, rewarding form should be the policy. Andrew Porter is one of the most impressive athletes in the world game. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Ireland finished the Six Nations ranked fifth of six teams for the percentage of scrums won. Their 75% success rate was better only than Scotland's, and the figures confirmed the eye test of the previous rounds. It was evidence that a part of the game where Ireland believe themselves formidable remains one where officials disagree. This invariably brings the conversation back to Andrew Porter. One of the most impressive athletes in the world game, his willingness to play for an hour or more in every game has been a priceless asset for Farrell's sides. But his tendency to concede penalties has been a recurring problem, and so it proved on the Lions tour, as well. Specifically, in the third Test he was unable to cope with the power of recalled Wallaby tighthead Taniela Tupou. He deserved some sympathy in that regard given Will Skelton was backing up Tupou, but it nonetheless raised long-standing concerns about his technique. The Six Nations last season saw an Irish scrum deprived of Tadhg Furlong bear up well initially before finding itself in deep trouble. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie It also gave opposing fans a fresh chance to criticise his scrummaging online. The problem for Ireland is that plenty of referees agree. The Six Nations last season saw an Irish scrum deprived of Tadhg Furlong bear up well initially before finding itself in deep trouble. It didn't lose a scrum in the opening match against England, and then lost one in beating Scotland at Murrayfield. That was given against Cian Healy, who had replaced Porter with 11 minutes left in the match. The round-three fixture against Wales was supposed to be a gimme, but instead the hosts, under temporary management, were magnificent and frightened Ireland. Cian Healy has retired. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile They channelled their resistance through the scrum, where the recalled WillGriff John dominated Porter. Ireland's travails weren't helped by the decision to select Thomas Clarkson for his first start at tight-head just as the team's previous stability in the set-piece gave way. They conceded four first-half penalties at the scrum, two apiece agianst Porter and Clarkson. A repeat of that disaster was avoided against France; Porter was instead embroiled in the ugly fallout to the injury suffered by Antoine Dupont, with France publicly highlighting the roles they claimed he and Tadhg Beirne played in the injury. That came to nought, but Ireland ended the championship with a listing set-piece and old fears stirring again. They needed to be confronted once more. Leinster suffered a disastrous semi-final loss to Northampton in the Champions Cup. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher The four Irish provinces will begin the new campaign under various states of stress. Ireland's over-reliance on Leinster looks less like a quirk of the system here than the actual system; Leinster are now the base of the pyramid, keeping everything else supported. That is an indirect compliment to the work Leo Cullen has done over the past decade, but their completely disastrous semi-final loss to Northampton exposed poor planning and terrible selection. Leinster to win the Champions Cup in the coming campaign. It's as simple as that. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. The departures of Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray deprive him of players who were past their prime, but priceless in terms of experience and influence. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. Pic: DJ Mills/AFP via Getty Images More of the burden now falls on Tadhg Beirne, but Craig Casey is shaping up to be a big influence, too. McMillan's problem is the same one that has undone every coach at Thomond Park: big expectations that an ordinary playing group are expected to deliver. The flow of underage talent at Ulster is creating genuine excitement, and not just because there is precious little else for fans to seize on. Richie Murphy's reputation remains strong, and there is a handful of potential breakout players, led by Nathan Doak, who could improve the side. Consistency remains a major problem, which itself is down to too little quality. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game, and it seems an inspired choice by Connacht. His reputation alone means what fans expect will rise a notch or two above the normal. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher His two best players will not, based on recent evidence, appear a whole lot, given the injury problems of Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki. Lancaster is masterful at developing talent, though, and the Connacht squad will improve under his watch. Under the traditional measure, that will mean more Ireland call-ups, and Ben Murphy is primed to step up and compete with Casey and Gibson-Park. But beyond that, the need for four province functioning effectively is vitally important with uncertain times looming. It's not been like that for too long, but the Irish system is too small and delicately poised for passengers.
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
How many of Ireland's Lions will make it to World Cup?
Irish players were hugely influential on the recent Lions tour but how many will be as central to Ireland's World Cup campaign in 2027? Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Keenan's was the most remarkable story of the 2025 Lions, recovering from savage illness to become the second Test hero. Had a bit of a dip after his Olympics sojourn but he has the right age profile to be a leader at Australia 2027 and his experience and security will be central to Ireland's ambitions. Age at next World Cup: 32 Prospects: Good Ireland's unluckiest Lion. Ringrose's form was excellent and deserved Test recognition until concussion issues intervened. His specialist outside centre skills are not easily replicated, and given his meticulous conditioning, his powers will be just as potent in 2027 – the only caveat here is further injury complications. Garry Ringrose. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Excellent Hansen possesses just the type of game-breaking qualities that could prove vital to Ireland ending their 40 years of World Cup pain. Not the biggest or fastest winger on the circuit, but the Connacht man has an eye for an opportunity that sets him apart and he will only be 29 in 2027. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Lowe has unique power and distribution skills that no other Ireland wide man can emulate. However, the Leinster winger did not have his best tour and continues to be dogged by defensive insecurities as well as a lack of out and out speed. Lowe has been a key factor in Ireland's success under Farrell, but his age is against him and making the next World Cup looks a long shot. Age at next World Cup: 25 Prospects: Excellent Farrell spotted something in the Naas youngster from a long way out and Osborne has delivered – making the most of his unexpected Lions chance with a big, two-try performance. Age is not an issue and he brings the right combination of power and panache. Osborne's versatility adds to his appeal, but inside centre is his natural home and the No12 jersey should be his for the foreseeable future. Bundee Aki. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 37 Prospects: Unlikely Aki has done his adopted state some service over the years and had some big moments on this tour also – although his form did not merit elevation above Sione Tuipulotu and the last Test looked to be an outing too far. This feels like the right time for him to step off the international stage – it is vital that he does not impede succession plans in the midfield. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful The fact he will be 35 at the next tournament counts against him but Gibson-Park is so influential, there is an imperative to protect him over the next two years. Ireland have talented options at No9 in Craig Casey, Ben Murphy and Nathan Doak but, even though he may end up on the bench, Gibson-Park's nous needs to be retained if possible. Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent It is surprising his selection ahead of the irrepressible Ellis Genge did not cause more outrage among the sizeable English media contingent on the Lions tour. Not in peak form for Lions but remains massively influential in the Ireland pack and will be hitting his peak at the next World Cup. Age at next World Cup: 28 Prospects: Excellent Uniformly admired across the rugby globe with justifiable claims on the title of best hooker in the game. Sheehan will be spearheading Ireland's challenge at the next World Cup, possibly even leading the team out as captain, if the decision is taken to lessen the burden on Caelan Doris's shoulders. Dan Sheehan of British & Irish Lions during the third test match. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Very good There were wobbly lineout issues, not all of his making, but Kelleher remains elite back-up for Sheehan in a key position with Gus McCarthy adding to Ireland's strength in this area. His presence in the squad for Australia 2027 to negotiate an arduous campaign is essential. Age at next World Cup: 34 Prospects: Hopeful Falls into the same category as Gibson-Park – too good to leave out regardless of age issues. Furlong has a lot of mileage in arguably the most intense position on the field and injuries have been his chief tormentor over the last two years. Protecting him over the next two is absolutely key to Ireland's hopes. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Enhanced his reputation on this Lions tour, both on and off the field (his double act with Genge was the stand-out feature of the Lions' behind-the-scenes footage). However, the Connacht tighthead (below) faces a challenge to stay at the top level deep into his 30s and Ireland need to assess the alternatives. Tadhg Furlong. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 27 Prospects: Excellent In many ways, Clarkson was the big success story of the 2024-2025 Irish rugby season. He has stepped up whenever called upon and his age profile and high ceiling mean that when the next World Cup rolls around, Clarkson should be right at the top of his game. Age at next World Cup: 26 Prospects: Excellent Ireland's answer to Will Skelton will only get better and his impact was best emphasised by how the Lions struggled in his absence. Farrell needs more like him, with Munster's Edwin Edogbo the best bet, and McCarthy will be a rallying figure for the foreseeable future. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful An exceptional player who, like Gibson-Park and Furlong, needs to be protected to ensure his presence in 2027. Even so, it will be a challenge given Beirne's attritional style and advancing years but the Munster back five star (inset) is a stand-out talent and remains key to Ireland's hopes. James Ryan. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Was having a superb impact for the Lions until forced off with injury in the third Test. Should be hitting his peak at Australia 2027 and can be the Martin Johnson-esque fulcrum of the Irish pack. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful Another elite operator whose age is against him. Conan operates in the most contested area of the Ireland team but has the conditioning and the nous to stay in the mix, injuries allowing. His experience could be vital. Age at next World Cup: 34 Prospects: Very good It is safe to expect a big two years from Van der Flier (above) as he seeks to erase his Lions frustrations and end his stellar career on a high. The Leinster openside's form was superb for the Lions and should have earned him a start in the third Test. Another who is heading for his mid-30s but Van der Flier will ensure he is in peak physical state and there is no specialist openside near him in the Irish game – one of the big issues on Farrell's to-do list.
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
Galway edge out Cork in lively All-Ireland camogie final
Galway have claimed their first All-Ireland camogie title since 2021 after a fiery encounter with Cork at Croke Park. The Rebels were trying to make it three-in-a-row but a red card and a missed penalty meant the glory was Galway's to take home. Only one point separated the sides in the end, with Carrie Dolan firing over a fantastic free in the dying minutes to seal the deal. Galway claimed the All-Ireland title. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Cork showed immense strength to fight back after being reduced to 14 players following Hannah Looney's dismissal right at the end of the first half. Galway held a five-point lead at half-time, a margin they fully deserved after displaying relentless hunger and aggression from the throw-in. Cork had an early chance to take control, but Katriona Mackey's penalty was saved by Sarah Healy eight minutes in, following a foul on Amy O'Connor. Cork players were left devastated. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The sides were evenly matched early on, level three times, but Mairead Dillon's goal after 14 minutes gave Galway their first lead. That moment shifted the momentum decisively. Riding a wave of confidence, Galway outscored Cork 0-6 to 0-3 heading into the break, with their ferocious tackling in the middle third disrupting Cork's attempts to carry the sliotar forward. Aoife O'Donoghue opened the scoring, setting the tone, and while Cork responded through Hannah Looney, Emma Murphy, and an Amy O'Connor 45, Galway were more efficient. Carrie Dolan and O'Donoghue kept the scoreboard ticking over with accuracy and intent. It was a fiery clash. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Cork briefly led through a Saoirse McCarthy free, but a midfield error proved costly as O'Donoghue pounced on a turnover to set up Dillon's clinical goal. Galway continued to build, with Dolan slotting two frees, Ailish O'Reilly contributing twice from open play, and Caoimhe Kelly adding another. Cork stayed in touch through points from Aishling Thompson (twice) and an O'Connor free. But disaster struck just before the break when Looney received a red card in first-half injury time, leaving Ger Manley's side a player down and a mountain to climb. To their credit, Cork responded with grit and urgency. Murphy scored from play and O'Connor added a free to cut the deficit within eight minutes of the restart. However, Galway used their numerical advantage well, exploiting space. Niamh Mallon and Dolan (free) hit back to maintain the margin. With only one Cork starting forward scoring from play, the bench was called upon to inject energy, and the tide began to turn. Thompson, McCarthy, Laura Treacy, and Laura Hayes led the Cork resurgence, forcing turnovers and raising their intensity across the field—effort that had been lacking earlier. McCarthy and Hayes reduced the gap to three, but O'Reilly and Dolan pushed it back out to five again. Still, Cork refused to lie down. McCarthy nailed two difficult frees, and then Thompson produced a sublime pass to the hard-running Orlaith Cahalane, who found a rare pocket of space and buried the sliotar at the near post. Suddenly, it was a one-point game heading into four minutes of stoppage time. Momentum was firmly with Cork as Galway struggled to convert possession into scores, but with time slipping away, Galway won a free near the sideline. From a tight angle, Dolan struck it sweetly between the posts. Cork pressed once more, desperately seeking an equaliser to force a replay. They had a strong shout for a free when Clodagh Finn was brought down, but it was waved away. Galway cleared their lines and corralled Cork into the corner under the Hogan Stand as the final whistle blew, securing a dramatic win on a day when Cork's hearts were left broken.
