Pictures: Best foot forward for Kilkenny's big event - the Castlecomer Wellie Race 2026!

New Year’s Day in Castlecomer was a throwback to the good old days, as a record crowd thronged the streets for the 46th annual Wellie Race and Float Parade.

A carnival atmosphere ignited when special guests the Timahoe Male Voice Choir took to the reviewing stand. The warm-up was provided by the excellent Barrett family and friends and soon the square was rocking to the strains of the Laois Choir under the baton of Damien Bowe.

It was apparent from the early increase in registration that the numbers participating in the race would be very healthy. A whopping 674 walkers, trotters and runners braved the 4km Kiltown Circuit.

First man home was Pa O’Reilly of Crettyard, who is a member of St Abban’s AC — he also plays football with Crettyard and sings with Timahoe MVC.

TAP HERE FOR MORE NORTH KILKENNY NEWS

Ciara Byrne from Jenkinstown, a midwife in St Luke’s Hospital, built on her success last year with back-to-back victories. In the veterans’ section victory went to John Fennell of Portlaoise who is married to Miriam Holland, formerly of the Clogh Road.
For the senior ladies winner, the net was spread much larger with Margaret Purcell all the way from Glenmore, Co Louth crossing the line in first place. Here again there is a local connection: Margaret is married to Tony Purcell, Clogh.

RACE PERSONALITY
Race personality Edward Hayden was in scintillating form, from lifting the spirits of both patients and staff at Castlecomer District Hospital to a superb display of camaraderie and empathy with both runners and parade participants.

Wellie Race Results
Men: 1 Pa O’Reilly, 2 Shane Cadigan, 3 Michael Bergin, 4 Paddy Brennan, 5 Daithi Reginald Mealy, 6 Paul Mahon, 7 Neil Murtagh, 8 Kealan Ring, 9 Liam Power, 10 Cillian Maher.
Veterans: 1 John Fennell, 2 PJ Doyle, 3 Pat Tobin.
Ladies: 1 Ciara Byrne, 2 Breda Mulcahy, 3 Therese Muldowney, 4 Aoibhinn Fennelly, 5 Kate Malone, 6 Mairead Malone, 7 Kathy McPartland, 8 Orla Maher, 9 Aoibhinn Malone, 10 Ruth Cassin.
Senior Ladies: 1 Margaret Purcell, 2 Bridget Rochford, 3 Miriam Holland.
Fancy Dress & Float Parade
Children’s Individual: 1 Sick 7 (Tom O’Mahony), 2 Telegram Boy (Seanie O’Mahony).
Group (two to five): 1 Six-Seven (Zara and Gavin Holohan).
Group (six or more): 1 Great Castlecomer Bake Off (Ali Farrell, Hannah Cody, Freddie Farrell. Tadhg Farrell, Thomas Farrell, Paul Cody).
Adult Individual: 1 The Tea Chest (Willie Joe Meally), 2 Edward Hayden Cookery School (Martin Walsh), 3 Ned the Master (Eimear Malone).
Adult Group (two to five): 1 Rory McIlroy Gives it Wellie (Ballyhemmon Brigade), 2 Around the World in 80 Days (Conahy Vintage Club); 3 Alice (Shortalls Pub) ; The Wedding on the Bicycle made for two (Christy Cody & Eugene Maher).
Float: 1 Powley Health and Fitness Centre (Michael Brennan), 2 The Grand Auld Bake Off (Cox’s Flock), 3 Avalon House Hotel House of Guinness (Jimmy Comerford), 4 Sister Act Reborn (Majella Deevy), 5 Erin’s Own Going up in the World. (Michael Owens).