Thomas McStay was Galway's best athlete at the recent National Cross-Country Championships which moved to Donegal after a 23-year absence.
McStay placed 16th, and fifth overall at U23 level, which was strong enough to win selection for international duty for the upcoming European Cross-Country championships, while Finlay Daly of University of Galway and Sligo AC ran well in 20th spot.
Hosted by Cranford AC on a spectacular course at Rosapena Golf Course, in Downings, the championships boasted Ireland's top athletes, with some superb and exciting races held over a very fast and open course. The senior, U23 and junior races acted as selection trials for the upcoming Europeans in Turin, Italy in December
The senior races produced two new senior title holders - the men’s race was won impressively by young Cork star Darragh McIlhenny of UCD AC, with clubmate Sarah Healy won the women's race.
Craughwell men’s squad placed 10th overall, led by William Fitzgerald who had a superb day placing 27th overall, with Jamie Fallon, Jack Miskella and Paddy Noonan the scoring four. Thomas McStay helped GCH to 13th overall, and was backed up by scorers John Moroney, Aaron Brennan, with Conor Byrne and David Bohan.
GCH women's team placed 10th overall in a highly competitive club field. They were led home by Ellen Moran in 30th with a solid run, and she was ably supported by Aine O'Farrell, Siobhan Egan, and Eimear O'Leary and Niamh Hennelly. University of Galway athlete Fiona Everard of Bandon AC ran a stormer as she finished ninth overall in a great performance in this her comeback season
At juvenile level, the programme featured the U12 to U18 All Ireland championships, and Galway athletes came home laden with silverware.
The Tuam U14 girls won All Ireland bronze medals with a terrific display. First home was the outstanding Eimear Fallon in sixth, with the squad featuring Rachel Treacy, Rebecca Moynihan, Taillte O’Callaghan, Ruby Maguire, Grace McGrath, and Erin Burke.
Not to be outdone, South Galway U14 boys' team also secured third place, led by a super run by Luke Walsh to finish 10th, and backed up by Liam Bailey, Ciaran Considine, Brendan McGuane, Brian King and Adam Keane
Patrick Lee of CRH finished in an excellent ninth place at U14 level, with Aaron Byrne just behind in 11th for East Galway AC. Keilah Murray of GCH secured a silver medal as part of the second-placed Connacht team in the U14 provincial category
Ballinderreen 10km
Sunday sees the Galway 10km road race championships being held alongside the Ballinderreen 10k. The race will be hosted by South Galway AC. The event kicks off at 12.30pm. Entry is online on Njuko.net or on the day at Race HQ, Ballinderreen Community Centre.
