SEAN KELLY had to settle for third place in the 25th Annual Hamper Race in Carrick-on-Suir yesterday. There was a local winner, however, as Paul Butler was out on his own at the finish. Raymond Clarke beat Kelly for second.

Some 170 signed on and after the leisurely spin of 22 miles, most of them raced for five laps of a one-mile circuit in the town.

With four laps to go, Butler went ahead. The next time around he was 15 seconds clear of a group of 20, with Kelly prominent in chasing the leader.

With a mile to go, Butler held his advantage and although it was reduced as the others fought it out behind him, he was still 11 seconds ahead at the line.

Clarke led Kelly out of the final corner and he could not get past. Kelly said afterwards he enjoyed the race as much as usual.

On Kelly's advice, the racing did not start at Kilsheelan but only from three miles outside Carrick. And He said that he hoped next year it could be ten laps of the town.

Last month, Butler accompanied Kelly on a trip to South Africa and Butler won a criterium in Port Elizabeth, with Kelly second.