NUI Galway men’s cross country team, coached by Matt Lockett, retained the team title at the Trinity Sports Grounds in Dublin on Saturday with a superb display.
The famous Green Fox trophy made its way back to NUIG for the second year in a row - a testament to the strength in depth of cross country running in the west.
International athlete Donal Devane was NUIG’s top scorer in a high-quality field, placing fourth behind winner Keelan Kilreehil, with Finley Daly next home in seventh for the college. Third scorer was Sean Cotter in 10th with a hugely impressive performance, while Donal Farren came in 11th, Aaron Brenna in 15th and Luke Johnston in 16th.
NUIG women's team placed a strong seventh overall, led home by Emma Jourdan, with Aoife King, Rachael Hughes, and Anna McGinley the scorers for the squad.
In the mixed relay event NUIG squad of Caoimhe Kelleher, Sarah McDonnell, and Kyle Moorhead claimed bronze.
Kinvara Rock and Road races: Almost 1500 athletes toed the line in the Kinvara rock and road half marathon, full marathon and 10k road races on Saturday. The biggest race of the day was the 10k, with visiting athlete Jonathan Oakey of Leeds talking the honours in a time of 33.11, ahead of Louis McCarthy in second, and local athlete Greg Lundon of South Galway third.
Ellen Moran of Galway City Harriers produced a superb run to take top spot in the women's 10k in 36.19. Siobhan O'Doherty was in hot pursuit only eight seconds behind, and GCH's Jane Ann Meehan continued her good form, placing third in 37.04.
Paul Keane was the first home in the half marathon in 1:16.44, again for GCH, followed by David Murray in second and Colm Roche third. GCH women took the top three places in the half marathon via Grainne Uí Uallacháin, who was first home in 1:25.26, ahead of two great runs by Edel Kelly and Kate Collins Smyth in second and third respectively. In the full marathon, there were wins for Andy Goulding in two hours 42 minutes, and Linda O'Sullivan in three hours and one minute.
International meet: Galway City Harriers athlete Cillin Greene was back in international action taking part in an international track meet in Belgrade in Serbia.
Fresh from his national senior gold over 400m, Greene and fellow Olympic relay team-mate North Sligo’s Chris O’Donnell travelled east to compete against a top-class field in Belgrade over 400m. Greene clocked 47.41 in Belgrade just ahead of O'Donnell, to take fourth in his heat
Fixtures: The Craughwell 10 mile and 10km races take place Sunday March 20, hosted by Craughwell AC. Online entry for the Craughwell 10 mile and 10km closed on March 9. This year there will be no on the day entries.
