Updated report on Aine Gallagher 12 hr success, plus week-end results

Aine Gallagher took part in the Energia Belfast 24-Hour event this week-end 19/20 July The event incorporated a  12- hour women’s race. Aine was first to finish and completed a distance of 105k in the 12 hours – a pb, a track record and an Irish record. Aine is no stranger to the ultra zone, as she has competed previously at Energia events and completed the Connemara Ultra marathon.

This is an excerpt from report on the event on www.nirunning.co.uk

“In the ladies race,  Aine Gallagher (pictured  with Ed Smith) chose to run half the time (12 hours) that she did in 2013 and this proved to be a good choice.  Almost replicating her start from last year, she (Aine) set off quickly and before long had built up quite a lead on the following Jeni Richards and Brenda Meire.  By 11.15pm and despite having visited the event medics with a sore chest, Aine (42.4k – 26.3 miles) had moved nearly two miles clear of Jeni (40k – 24.8 miles) and Brenda (36.8k – 22.8 miles).  As the hours passed and Aine seemed to shake off her earlier problem, almost going ‘full circle’ to look strong and assured; the future star continued to clock up the miles.  Despite valiant efforts from Jeni Richards and Brenda Meire, Aine was crowned the winner after completing 104.6k (65 miles); interestingly this not only sealed 1st place but also a new Irish 12 hour record.  In a close battle for the runners up spot, Jeni Richards (2nd place) just pipped Brenda Meire and the fast finishing Deidre Boland, after recording 91.4k (56.8 miles).  Brenda and Deidre were awarded joint 3rd place on 90.5k (56.2 miles).”     Congratulations, Aine!

Patrick Moran competed in the Galway Track and Field Championships as a guest.  In the o50 section finished 3rd in the 400 metres in 69.20 and 3rd in the high jump in 1 metre 35.

The Roscommon Harriers AC 10 mile race took place in very warm conditions Sat 19 July. It was a good opportunity to get into shape for the National Half Marathon.  Our finishers included Tracy Durkan 78:45, Bernie McHugh 88:17, Tom Charles 72:46, Val P Glynn 81:78.

And a couple of members headed to Killarney – John Geraghty ran the marathon in 4:07:41, ” a hilly first half knocked the stuffing out of me”, and Lorraine Toner finished the Half in 2:07;51. they will have a week to recover  in time for Balla 10k.

Sunday 20 July: Crossmolina Festival 10k, 5k
Mayo AC’s Sarah Syron enjoyed lots of local Deel side support and was delighted to win the  women’s 10k on home turf in a fast 40:57. 2nd Claire O’Boyle 43:49. 3rd Caroline Nealon (Ballina AC).
In the men’s race it was another 10k win for John Byrne, slightly overshadowed by Sarah’s triumph but coming home first of 124 runners in 34:38 in a well organised event.
Men 1 John Byrne (Mayo AC) 34:38, 2 Tom McNicholas (Swinford AC) 3 Aiden O’Donnell (Crossmolina).
Pat Hughes (Ballina AC) was the 5k winner.