Galway athlete Laura Ann Costello was the star of the day at the recent National League, Ireland’s premier track and field club championship, held in Tullamore.
The Galway City Harrier achieved two European Youth Standards, running 12.25 in the 100m, just behind Irish international Ailis McSweeney, and also running 24.74 in the 200m. The result now puts Costello in pole position for an Irish vest for the European championships.
Galway teams fielded strong squads across most disciplines. Galway City Harriers men’s squad finished 11th in the premier division after day one, with a total of 79 points from all events. The team gained wins and top points from Sean Breathnach in the shot (15.11metres ) and discus (46.58 ), and third spots via Peter Mannion in the 3k walk, and Samuel Samson with 58.64 in the 400m hurdles. Gary Thornton was fourth in the 1500m, as was Simon Callaghan in the 110m hurdles. There was a good debut from Brendan Staunton in the Javelin and a welcome return for Ronan Kelly in the 400m.
Galway County women’s team produced a great performance to finish fourth in their pool with 104 points. There were wins and top points for Sinead Tuohy of Athenry AC in the high jump with 1.60m, and Maebh Branagan in the 800m in a time of 2.17. Alanna Lally was second in the 400m, running 56.52, and won the 800m, but as a guest athlete.
Rachel Finnegan of Craughwell was second in the 400m hurdles while clubmate Maeve Curley was also second in the 1500m walk in 7:08. There were third places for Sarah Finnegan in the 100m hurdles in 17.92, and Solange Diogo of GCH in the long jump. Caoimhe Daniels GCH with 4.55 was fourth in the 1500m, and Michelle Maher also ran well in the 800m as a guest.
Craughwell men’s team scored a respectable 65 points in division one, with a win for Conor Duggan in the 100m in 11.72m, while some club records were set on the day by both relay squads and Paul Joyce with 1.59.53 in the 800m. Club junior Keelan Ryan produced a club record with a tremendous run in the 3000m steeplechase, achieving a time of 11.07.
