At the races: St Stephen’s Day results

Submitted by Tom Hunt

In sharp contrast to 2010, it was a great relief for many race
organisers and runners to be able to get out and about safely this
year on St Stephen’s Day. This year the only factor seemed to be the
wind, some described it as a gale,while for others it was just a
breeze. Depending on result, it often varies like this in post race
analysis!

We were involved locally in two events at Manulla and Callow, while
some travelled to Athenry.

At Manulla the local FC hosted their inaugural 5k, excellently
organised by Tracy Durkan and team.
A tough out-and-back loop course, with a few hills, (despite Tracy’s
assurances at the start that there weren’t any) and a gusty breeze at
times. There was a good turnout of 90 runners and 60 walkers.

Prizewinners:
1 John Byrne 16.59
2 Anto Devanney 18.08
3 Henry Hughes (Westport) 18.24
4 Tommy Neville (Ballina AC)

1 Ann Lennon 20.19
2 Sarah Syron 20.36
3 Angela O’Connor 21.03
4 Shelly Heneghan 22.56
1st Manulla FC club member:Gary McHale.

At Callow nr Foxford there were running, walking, cycling options over
6k and 10k.

In the 6k Ann Murray was first home ahead of Jimmy Henry (Swinford).
Other women
2 Mary Moylett, 3 Carmel Ikersgill
Other men
2 Padraic Freyn 3 Ambrose Gaughan, 4 Mickey Ruane.
The 10k winner was Alan Heaney.

The Athenry 10k was the big race of the day in the West.
Winners Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham WSAF AC) 31.07 (his mother Cushla was
3rd W50 in 48.42), and Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC) 36.27

Mayo AC finishers:
Brendan Gill M35 36.33 a great return to form;
Colette Tuohy, 4th overall and 1st W40 in a brilliant personal best
38.19 – surely the performance of the day.
Derval Devanney W35 40.36;
Sean Murphy M40 43.41;
Colm Cleary MS 44.35;
Patricia Gallagher W35 46.51;
Patricia Carty WS 49.49;
John Geraghty M40 50.03 a personal best for this new member from Kilmeena;
Michael McGrath M50 51.55;
Una McGrath W50 51.55.