There was yet more success for Galway athletes at the second weekend of action at the National Senior Track and Field Championships in Morton Stadium.
Sean Breathnach secured his 18th outdoor national title with a comprehensive victory in the Weight for Distance throw, with a best throw of 8.24 metres. He also claimed bronze in the shot put behind Finn Valley brothers John and James Kelly. Despite Achilles trouble, Breathnach still managed a best of 16.39 metres.
Sarah Quinn of NUI Galway AC and St Colman’s South Mayo excelled in the 100m hurdles, taking gold with a great finish to pip Lily Ann O’Hora, while Robert McDonnell of GCH made the 200m final with a personal best of 21.40 to take fourth place overall in a high-quality field.
GCH was well represented. Robert Meagher, Patrick Lyons and Joseph Doherty competed well in the heats of 200m, while three Galway women were in action in the 800m heats. Sinead Gaffney of Craughwell placed seventh, and the GCH duo of Sarah Lanigan and Kathryn Casserly were fifth and eighth respectively.
In the Men’s 800m five Galway athletes competed in the heats, but just missed a final spot. GCH athlete Keith Fallon in fourth was closest, with good outings also from young stars Barry Murphy of GCH, and the Craughwell trio of Ben Garrard, Luke Evans, and Jack Miskella, who made a brave front running effort to qualify that just came up short.
East Galway AC 5k
East Galway AC's 5k race on Saturday in Skehana produced some great times seen across the field of some 100 athletes. GCH runner David Carter was first over the line in 15.57, just ahead of Shane Scully of Nenagh Olympic in the same time, with Tony Harty of Killarney Valley AC third in 15.59.
The first woman home was Fiona Santry of East Cork AC in a fast 17.37, ahead of Edel Gaffney second in 18.11, and Anne Marie Connellan of Ennis Track AC third in 18.25.
