Productive day out for local clubs at provincial track & field
GALWAY clubs had great success on day two of the Connacht Track and Field Championships which were held on Saturday last in Claremorris, with wins for athletes from Galway City Harriers, South Galway, Athenry, Tuam and Craughwell.
At senior level, Katie O’Donoghue of Craughwell again excelled as she claimed a terrific four gold medal haul in the 100m, Shot, High Jump and Long Jump. Sinead Gaffney won an exciting 800m race from Maebh Brannigan of GCH, while Jack Miskella captured the men’s 800m.
Jean O’Connor of GCH won the 1500m title, while Castlegar’s Stephen Casserly produced a trademark fast finish to win Masters gold in the 1500m. In the field, Shane O’Rourke of Tuam took gold in the High Jump while Mary Barrett of Loughrea took Shot Putt and Discus Masters gold. Clubmate Brendan Lynch won both the Senior Triple and Long Jumps.
Ronnie Warde of Castlegar had a fantastic day, winning triple gold at Masters level in the 100m, 200m and 400m events. Majella Loftus of GCH won the 100m and 200m Masters Gold, clocking personal bests. Justin Lane of Tuam took the 100m hurdles title and the Hammer.
At U14 level, David Mannion of South Galway won a double in the 75m hurdles and the 200m while his brother Stephen claimed the 800m title and Long Jump gold. In the girls events, Ava McKeon of GCH won the 200m and the 75m hurdles, and her clubmate Leana Nic Dhonncha won well in the 800m. In the 1500m distance event, Isabella Burke of GCH and Andrew Horan of South Galway were victorious. In the Walks, Sean Kelleher of South Galway impressed in taking the gold medal. Cillian Griffin of GCH took the boys 80m title
In the Field events, Liam Shaw of Athenry AC was a double champion, winning both the Shot Putt and Discus titles. Jade Moorhead and Evan Hallinan won High Jump gold for Craughwell. Caitlin Griffin of Loughrea was crowned Connacht Discus champion at U14 level, while Aoibhe Fahy of Craughwell took the Javelin gold.
In the U15 Girls events, Emma Moore took double gold for GCH in the 200m and 800m. Aisling Finn of South Galway won the 100m. Athenry’s Aoibhe Deeley won the sprint hurdles, while Rosin Geaney of South Galway continued to shine, claiming gold in the 2k Walk event.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.