Galway's Sean Breathnach produced a superb performance in Liverpool in the British Athletics League recently.
Competing for Kent AC, Breathnach threw huge new personal bests in both the shot putt - with 17.84 metres - and also in the discus, with a throw of 51.11 metres. These results place him now eighth on the Irish all-time list for shot, and 15th in discus.
CLAREGALWAY 10K
The 28th edition of one of Galway’s longest running road races took place on Saturday on a very fast circuit around Claregalway, with some 200 runners competing in perfect conditions.
There were two familiar race winners. GCH star Matt Bidwell took another win overall in 32.24, but he was pushed all the way by a great run from Craughwell AC athlete Jason Broderick, who looks like he is coming into great form after a good summer track season . Another GCH athlete and recent recruit, Lloyd Malcolm, placed third with a good 35.36 clocking. The first woman home was GCH’s Regina Casey with a very fast time of 37.04 and she placed 12th overall, with Deirdre Brophy of Athenry AC next home in 40.49 and Claire Rowe of GCH third home in 41.54
Community Games
There were a number of athletes competing for Galway at the National Community Games finals in Athlone at the weekend
Darragh Fahy from Bullaun/New Inn and Loughrea AC was the winner of the u10 All Ireland Community games in the 60m hurdles. On Saturday he ran in the quarter finals and won his heat very easily and went on to get second in the semi-final to make the final on Sunday. He went on to improve hugely and take a well earned gold medal in the finals.
Sean Kilmartin of GCH powered home to take his u16 mixed relay team to third, supported by teammates Laura Nally, Emma Coakley and Brandon McMenamin.
There was a silver for Emma Moore of GCH and Galway in the 600m, and bronze for Sean Kilmartin in the 200m. Other finalists were Jonathan McGrath in the hurdles and Laura Nally in the 200m, both also GCH members.
Fixtures
The annual Corrib Mask Half Marathon Challenge takes place in Clonbur on Sunday. This year the run will benefit four charities - Zambia Housing Project, Spraoi sa Choill Clonbur, Cong Community Centre, and Coiste Forbartha Chorr na Mona.
This half marathon takes in the stunning views of Lough Corrib and Mount Gable in Co Galway. Goody bags for the first 100 entrants. The race starts at 12 noon the day.
Killeeneen NS 5K
The second running of the Killeeneen NS ‘back to school’ road race takes place on Thursday September 10 at 7pm.
The entry fee is €15, a technical T-shirt is provided to the first 200 entrants. It is chip timed, AAI measured and approved.
Runners can enter on the night or at www.runireland.com. The race starts and finishes near the school. There are prizes for the first male and female athlete, with refreshments afterwards and spot prizes.
Great Galway Run 8km
Crowley Park will be the start and finish of the inaugural Great Galway Run 8km on Sunday September 13.
The route via Renmore, Lough Atalia and the Army Barracks is ideal for those chasing PBs, newcomers to the 8km challenge, as well as the seasoned athletes and fun runners.
For more information and to register, see facebook.com/greatgalwayrun and active.com
