Rio Olympian Mick Clohisey of Raheny Shamrocks was the winner of the 15th annual edition of the Fields of Athenry10k.
This was Clohisey's fifth successive win of this event held on St Stephen's Day, and on a glorious day for running, he finished in a time of 30.35, just over two seconds ahead of local runner Matt Bidwell. Bidwell of GCH ran strongly to finish in 32.48, ahead of Brian Furey of Rathfarnham AC, third home in 33.12. The first woman home was Loughrea native Laura Shaughnessy of DSD AC, who took the women's title in a superb new course record of 35:03. She was followed by Jane Ann Meehan of Athenry AC in 37.43, with Grainne Ni Uallchainn of GCH third in 38.48.
Masters category winners were Clare Rowe GCH and Sean Burke of Tuam AC at O40 level, Eddie Newman and Carmel Brannigan GCH at O50, and Martin Kearney GCH and Judith Roche of Loughrea at O60.
More than 1,000 athletes took to the fast and flat course for this 15th edition of the famous race, hosted by local club Athenry AC.
Allianz Resolution Run 2017
The Resolution Run 5K road race was held in beautiful winter sunshine on New Year’s Day around Galway city, attracting some 300 athletes for the first road race of the year in the county. Many of Galway’s top athletes were in action, including Keith Fallon of GCH who led the race from start to finish, easing to victory in 16.06. Matt Bidwell of GCH claimed another second of the festive season in 17.21 and Maree’s Michael Kerrin was third home in 17.40. Kathryn Casserly of GCH was the women's winner with an impressive win in 18.50, her second win in a row in the event. She was followed by Catherine Thornton of Crusaders AC in second in 19.29, and Aoife King, of GCH in third in 19.37.
North West Games
Athlone IT indoor arena hosted the Northwest Indoor games over the Christmas period, and a number of Galway athletes competed. Eamonn Hornibrook of GCH won the masters 1500m in a time of 4.40. There was a win for Seamus Leddy of GCH in the 1km walk, and also victory for Sean McDermott of Castlegar AC in the masters 800m in 2.17.
GCH juvenile Ava McKeown won her 800m event with a fantastic last lap performance. Despite being overtaken with 100m to go, she came into final straight and stormed to the front to take victory in an impressive display. Liam Shaw of Athenry AC won the U12 shot putt, throwing a new PB of 11.33m, and was two metres clear of second place.
