The Hollymount international road races took place last Sunday under the stewardship of Seán Reilly. There is always a high quality field in this race run over a course which encompasses three demanding laps to make the 10K distance in the men's race. The women's race is over 3K and was dominated by Mary Gleeson and her Mayo AC team mates. Ballina AC athletes Michelle Reynolds and her sister Ann Egan put in solid performances. They are used to much longer events but added the snappy 3K event to their repertoire.
These races were also race eight of the Mayo AC league with valuable points on offer to the top 25 finishers in the races. It was also a sobering experience for all present as a perfectly observed minute of silence was held in honour of Mayo AC secretary Pádraig Cullina who died recently. All in Ballina AC wish to pay tribute to Pádraig who was one of the gentlemen of the athletic scene in Mayo for many years.
The race was won by Seán Connolly from Tallaght AC, who was followed three seconds later by Brian Maher from Kilkenny City Harriers. Both rank among the best road runners in Ireland at present and it was great to see athletes of that calibre in Mayo. In third place was the ageless Gerry Ryan from Craughwell AC who put in a very strong performance ahead of the talented Emmett Dunleavy from Sligo AC. The fifth man home was Ballina AC's Roger Barrett who led his team mates to a memorable victory in the team competition. Barrett was the first Mayo man across the line, emphasising his fine form.
The ever improving Michael Canty from Ballina AC finished in eighth place with Seán Gallagher in 10th place. Both were second and third from Mayo across the line. The team event is decided on the placing of the top four on a team, and with three in the top 10 Ballina needed a strong fourth place runner. The ever dependable Tommy Neville did not disappoint with a strong finish in 17th place and, coincidentally, he was the fourth Mayo man across the line thus showing the good form of the Ballina team.
Mayo AC mourns the death of Padraic Cullina
The death has occurred of Padraic Cullina, secretary of Mayo AC, following a short illness. Since taking up athletics in 1980 Padraic made an outstanding contribution to the sport as an athlete, an event organiser, and in administration.
Over the past 30 years he has competed right across the spectrum of athletics from track and field (indoor and outdoor ), cross country, and road racing winning numerous Mayo, Connacht, and national medals in the process.
Originally he competed in the colours of Claremorris AC but in 1987 he was one of the founding members of Mayo AC and without doubt was one of the driving forces behind the club’s many successes in the past 23 years, holding numerous official positions including club secretary for the past seven years.
He was one of the leaders of the Mayo AC Fit4life group based in Claremorris and was always there to pass on his expert advice to members. He was a regular medal winner at the AAI Masters Track and Field in recent years, and competed for the last time at the National Masters Outdoors in Tullamore last August winning a silver medal.
In addition to all this Padraic was also involved in numerous community organisations in his native Irishtown with the same enthusiasm and dedication. Mayo AC and the wider athletics community wish to express their sincere sympathy to Padraic’s wife Marie, his children Kevin, Laura, Joseph, Jemma, his parents, sister, and family.
