Andrew Annett of Mourne Runners in Down and Donore Harriers Ide Nic Dhomhnaill take victory
Galway City Harriers produced another hugely successful Streets of Galway 8km, attracting more than 2,500 runners to its 36th edition.
The Blackrock Health Galway Clinic sponsored event, organised by Galway City Harriers, wound its way around the City of the Tribes on a beautiful summer's evening. It ensured a huge number of supporters lined the route from the city centre through to Salthill and back to its finish in South Park, making for a great atmosphere.
Returning to its traditional Saturday evening slot, the race featured many of Ireland's top athletes, and as always, runners and joggers from all walks of life from Galway and beyond made the streets their own.
This year’s race was a hotly contested affair with a lead group of five breaking clear from early on, led by former winner Sergio Ciobanu of Clonliffe Harriers and Andrew Annett of Mourne Runners in Down, while last year’s winner Donal Devane of Ennis Track AC, Abaas Edris of Castlegar, and Jamie Fallon of Craughwell were in close attendance.
However, both Ciobanu and Annett drove the pace on hard and managed to break clear of the chasing trio by halfway, but on Dr Mannix Road, Annett made his move. With the strong running, the Ulster athlete surged 10 yards clear at Pearse Stadium.
Although he opened a further gap on the Prom, Ciobanu continued the chase all the way towards the finish straight, but Annett was not to be denied.
He stormed home for a maiden win in the Streets - a just reward for a brave move - clocking 24.10 for victory.
Ciobanu was a gallant second in 24.22 after putting up a great battle, with Donal Devane a very strong third in 24.35. One of the runs of the day was by Craughwell's young star Sean Cotter in fourth, ahead of Castlegar's much improved Edris, and Jamie Fallon was sixth, all sub 25 minutes in what was a very high quality field.
In the women's field, Donore Harriers twins Sorcha and Ide Nic Dhomhnaill justified their tagline as joint favourites, with Ide Nic Dhomhnaill taking the victory in a very fast 26.50, ahead of twin sister Sorcha, just seven seconds back. Laura Mooney of Tullamore Harriers, the current National U20 5000m record holder, really put it up to the Donore duo all the way, eventually finishing third.
There were two very strong performances from the host club with the returning Laura Shaughnessy taking an impressive fourth place, and clubmate Ellen Moran next home in fifth.
Team prizes were won by Craughwell in the men’s event and GCH in the women's event, with some impressive master’s category wins via Christine Kennedy of GCH at V65 level, international Rita Kierce at V60 level and Donal Leahy of Listowel at V50, the best Master on the day.
Three special athletes continued their unbroken streak of running all 36 editions Patrick Larkin, Gerard Meehan and Gerard Murphy.
Galway City Harriers says: " It was especially heartening to see all who turned out to watch one of Galway's great events enjoy a great race back in its rightful place on the city calendar. We would like to thank the race committee, all members, supporters, all those who marshalled the race, as well as the Claddagh community for their help, the Gardai, and City Council, and sponsors Blackrock Health Galway Clinic.
"All at GCH hope to see you all next year on the 12th of August 2023 for year 37."
National League Final
All three Galway teams have progressed to this weekend’s National Track and Field League final on Sunday in Tullamore, following round two in Athlone and Carlow last weekend.
The Galway women's team compete in the premier division and have a real medal shot. With stars such as Sinead Gaffney over 800m, Aine O'Farrell in the Steeplechase, and Veronica Burke in the Walk, in addition to a host of other strong points scoring athletes, there are high hopes the squad will achieve a podium finish.
Galway City Harriers field a men’s squad in the premier division, and will feature some up-and-coming talent such as Andrew Egan, Richard Kamson and Aaron Brennan.
Galway County men’s team will compete in division one and are chasing promotion, with a strong Castlegar, Craughwell and South Galway contingent likely to drive them high up the table. Among those competing will be Abaas Edris, Jack Miskella and Kyle Moorhead.
National Masters Championships
This weekend sees the National Masters' Championships for athletes over 35 and upwards take place in Tullamore on Saturday August 13, with GCH, Corofin and Loughrea all likely to field athletes.
Claregalway 10km
The Claregalway 10km returns next Saturday at 6pm. Organised by Clare River Harriers, race entry is available on Njuko.com online and on the day. Race HQ are at the Claregalway Community Centre.
