Christmas Party prizes and presentations
Submitted by Tom Hunt
A good crowd attended the recent Christmas Party in the Dalton Inn despite the very wet and windy weather that evening. Chairman Michael McGrath put together a very enjoyable evening.
Michael commented that it was another successful and enjoyable year in the life of the club. This was reflected in the presentations when recognition awards were presented to many of those who represented the club successfully at home and abroad, in the various championships where members competed, and in road race events near and far. He reflected too on the positive impact of the Fit4Life programme and the role of the Mayo Sports Partnership in supporting this and expanding it to many venues. Anne Ronayne also acknowledged this and in looking forward to 2012 she said MSP will be delighted to get the support of members as volunteers, walking leaders etc, and there will be many opportunities to become involved.
The biggest cheer of the night, and deservedly so, was for the presentation of an AAI National Championship Marathon bronze medal for the women’s F55 category to Mary Murphy, which she won in Dublin in October. In many ways Mary epitomises the success of Fif4Life which she joined as a walker just two and half years ago.
A big thanks you to Dalton Inn for a nice comfortable environment.
Additional presentations were made in recognition of achievements during the year:
Robert Malseed 2010/2011 in mountain running
John Byrne 2010/2011 in ultra running
Christy O Malley completing 80 races (so far) in 2011
Tom Hunt and Mary Murphy AAI national marathon bronze medals
Mayo AC women’s team for their European success in Portugal
Winners drawn from entries to pre Christmas Fit4Life promotion
1..Clare Roche from Castlebar won an iPhone in conjunction with C+C Cellular.
2..Joan Walshe, Ballinrobe hamper
3 Joe Fahey.Claremorris free membership to Mayo AC for 2012
4 Gerry Corley Castlebar free membership to Mayo AC for 2012
5.Linda Cusack, Ballinrobe free entry to Western People West of
Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon
6.Dympna Culhane, Ballinrobe, free entry to Western People West of
Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon
7.Margo Quinn, Claremorris free entry to 2012 Carramore10k
8.Pauline Joyce, Ballinrobe free entry to 2012 Balla 10k
9.Colm Cleary, Claremorris free entry 2012 Ballyhaunis 8k
10 Tracy Durkan, Claremorris: bottle of wine
Pictures from Top down: Women’s Team with their European Achievement Awards; Brendan Conwell presents Mary Murphy with her bronze medal; John Byrne receives award from PJ Hall