Last year was an outstanding one on the road running circuit for Claremorris native and Mayo AC athlete Paula Prendergast. Paula, from Ballybrehony South, lives and works in Dublin. She was named most Improved female runner in Mayo, an annual award sponsored by Ballyhaunis native Frank Greally, editor of Irish Runner magazine in recognition of performances in both the 2013 Mayo AC League and other events.
Paula was a prominent underage runner with Claremorris AC. She took a break from the sport for a few years but made a major comeback in 2009 when she was the surprise women's race winner of the Galway Bay Half Marathon in 93:20. Since then she has been a leading member of the Mayo AC Women's team clocking up a marathon PB of 3:7:49 in Dublin in 2010 among other things. 2013 was her most successful year to date when she won or placed in numerous road races in the west and in Dublin. However, her finest hour was in the AAI National Half Marathon Championships in August when she led the Mayo AC Senior Women's team who won Bronze medals behind Leevale AC and Raheny Shamrock, with Paula taking over three minutes off her PB finishing in 84:29.
Officers elected at Mayo Athletics County Board AGM
The 2013 Annual General Meeting of Mayo Athletics County Board took place in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar recently. Chairperson Sean O’Connell welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked everyone for their commitment throughout the year. He said that progress was incremental with the facilities available in Claremorris and Athlone contributing to our success and the results are tremendous. He also stated that our athletes are great role models. Secretary Amanda Hynes reported that there was 1,620 registered athletes in Mayo at the end of 2013 which is up by 16 per cent on 2012.
Officers for 2014
Chairperson: Sean O’Connell (Lake District ), Secretary: Amanda Hynes (Swinford ), Competition Secretary; Marion Mattimoe (Ballina ), Treasurer: David Sheridan (Westport ), Assistant Treasurer: Breifne Gannon, PRO: Marion Mattimoe (Ballina )
