Craughwell youngsters were in fine form at Castlegar AC's annual open cross country meet on Saturday,
In perfect conditions for running on a testing course in Merlin Woods City Park, Craughwell's athletes took the top two places in the juvenile 2k race.
Oisin Davis of Craughwell AC came in ahead of clubmate John Cormican, while the club also took victory in an exciting 4x 500m senior relay.
The race of the day was the women's 4km which proved a tight battle for the honours. Eventually it was Galway City Harriers' international Aisling Joyce who claimed victory, after a great battle with Aine O'Farrell of Athenry in second, and Niamh Hennelly also of GCH in third. Only five seconds separated the top three.
The men's 6km was held over a four-lap course, and Pat Chesser of Ennis Track showed great grit and determination as he stormed to victory ahead of a top-class field. Donal O'Mahony of An Riocht came in second with Ferbane AC’s Mick Fogarty third. GCH claimed the team titles.
Galway athletes also produced some excellent runs at the Charleville Half Marathon on Sunday.
Jane Ann Meehan placed fourth in a time of 1.20, while Kevin Mooney of Craughwell AC showed his class, placing 16th in a very fast 72 minutes.
Conor Dolan of GCH also had an excellent run, clocking 74.50. There were other good runs from Neasa De Burca of GCH with 1.25 and second V40 lady, Kieran Tierney (1.23 at O50 level ), Martin Kearney of GCH who won the O60 title, while Gearoid Hynes of GCH, and South Galway athletes Greg Lundon and John Whiriskey all went sub 80 minutes,
Fixtures
Loughrea Grey Lake 10k: Loughrea AC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and the famous Grey Lake 10k Road Race will be held Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm, with a large field expected. The race has a great history with athletes such as Seb Coe, Eamonn Coughlan, and Jerry Kiernan all having competed in the past. Race Day headquarters is as usual at the Temperance Hall, Barrack Street in Loughrea. The junior race starts at 1.15pm and the senior race at 2.30pm.
The event is AAI approved, and is €20.
Carna 10k Conamara: The Carna 10k, organised by lkocal Connemara Athletic Club, takes place on Saturday in Connemara at 3pm. Race HQ is at the Carna Bay Hotel, in Carna, with a €20 registration fee online and on the day. The race starts and finishes at Carna Bay Hotel.
Galway Primary Schools Races: The annual Galway Primary Schools Cross Country races are being held over two weeks in Nolan Park, Renmore, with the finals next Tuesday October 2. Almost 2,000 pupils will participate over both days in what is one of the highlights of the athletics year in Galway.
