The East Mayo Athletics Club (Charlestown) competed in the first XC race of the season on Mellett’s Hill, Swinford. 47 of the club’s athletes took part as they braved the wet and windy conditions navigating their way round the tough and undulating hills of a daunting course.
First up the Under-8 girls were led home by Aoife Egan (4th) with Aoibhe, Grace, Katie and Jenna all hot on her heels in what was a fine overall team performance.
Congratulations to Senan Tiernan who came second in the boys Under-8 race with Caelan 4th, Frank 5th, Ted 6th and Luke 7th in a fabulous team effort by a very talented group of boys.
In the girls Under-10 1000m race, Phoebe surged home in 4th place with great times and places also being recorded by Mischa, Eloise, Kyra, Aoibhe and Sophie. Keep up the good work girls!
Rian (7th) led the boys home in a very strong and competitive boys Under-10 1000m race with very good displays also being recorded by James, Robert, Daniel, Freddie, Mikey, Sean and MJ as they did the club proud at the manner of their displays.
Congratulations to Sophie Tiernan who came 11th overall in the Under-12 2000m, securing her place in the Connacht finals to boot. Not far behind her were Lucia, Tegan, Kayleigh, Alva, Holly and Chloe who all ran their hearts out in very tough conditions.
Another great display was put in by Harry Dooney as he came 9th in the boys Under-12 2000m and made it through to the Connacht finals on the back of this sterling run. Well done also to Sean, Danny, Brian and Rory all ran with great courage and gusto and did themselves proud at the way they powered up the home straight.
Congratulations to the girls Under-14 team consisting of Cliona, Katie, Mary Peig and Robyn for winning the bronze medal in the 3000m race. Cliona and Katie, who came 10th and 11th, respectively also secured their places in the Connacht finals on the back of two very gutsy and tenacious performances. Well done to Darragh Egan on his stellar performance in the boys 3000m race.
An historic day for the club got even better as they were represented for the first time in the adult competitions. In the Over-35s ladies 4000m congratulations to Miriam Munnelly (Colleran) who came in first place and clocked a remarkable time considering the conditions and prevailing wind with Anita Dooney following her home in second place to complete a terrific performance by the ladies who did the club proud as they scorched their way around the course and beat a very good field in the process.
In the final race of the day David Tiernan showed his remarkable versatility and athleticism as he careered through the finishing tape in fourth place in the Over-35s men’s 6000 metres in what was a terrific run by the men with a granite set of lungs. This rounded off a terrific day for the club who are really making their presence felt on the athletics circuit as the club continues to go from strength to strength.
Thanks to all at Swinford Athletics Club for hosting an excellent and well run event.