Brian Bruton (GCH) presenting winners (l-r): 2nd Freddy Keron Sittuk (Raheny), winner Kevin Maunsell (Clonmel) and third Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC)
Streets of Galway 8k
Yet another huge field turned out for the 32nd Galway Clinic sponsored Streets of Galway 8k Road race, hosted by Galway City Harriers, which took place Saturday last around Galway city, in beautiful summer sunshine.
There was a hugely competitive field assembled this year, with many Irish internationals toeing the start line, and the race was one of the most exciting in years. A lead group of ten set the early pace, including Kevin Maunsell Clonmel, Freddie Keron Sittuk from Raheny Shamrock, Hugh Armstrong from Ballina AC, Aaron Hanlon of Clonliffe, Alan O'Shea of Bantry AC and Brian Maher of KCH. Just after the 2k mark, Maunsell and Sittuk broke away with a huge injection of pace, and split the group.Armstrong and Hanlon gave chase in third and fourth. Maunsell continued to press hard in the second half of the race on the very fast Prom section, but could not drop Sittuk, and the outcome was still in doubt right until the pair went head to head in a sprint finish down Grattan Road and into South Park, with the Tipperary man Maunsell just holding off Sittuk for victory in 23.44, by the narrowest of margins, just one second. Armstrong pipped Hanlon for third, clocking 24.07 to his rivals 24.14. Keith Fallon of GCH was first Galway athlete home in seventh
Siobhan O Doherty from Borrisokane AC claimed the Ladies title for a second year running, in a time of 27:44 with a comprehensive victory, she was followed home by Caroline Crowley of Crusaders in second in 29.06 and Nicola Duncan from GCH, first Galway athlete home in third place in 29.27.
Ennis Track won the Men’s Team title, while Crusaders AC of Dublin claimed the Ladies.
A field of nearly 3,000 runners from Galway city and county, including close on one thousand visitors from home and abroad took part in what was once again superbly organized event, with the fine weather ensuring the route was lined with thousands from the Galway public, tourists and family and friends of the runners shouting encouragement at every corner. The 8km route showcases all the iconic attractions of the city including the Claddagh, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, the University and the glorious Sal hill promenade and the event once again a huge success and a great means of promoting running and fitness in the city.
GCH would like to express their thanks to the Garda, Civil Defence and the 300 plus volunteers who assisted with race organization, and are now looking forward to 2018 with a date of Saturday 11th of August set as the date for the 33rd Streets of Galway.
Claire Henry (Galway Clinic) presenting ladies prizes to Caroline Crowley (Crusaders) second, winner Siobhan O'Doherty (Borrisokane) and third Nicola Duncan (GCH)
National League
GCH and Galway ladies’ teams both will seek podium finishes, as they compete in the National Track and Field League final to be held in next Sunday. The League showcases the best athletics teams in the country, with teams scoring points over 21 events. Team managers Brendan Glynn ( GCH ) and Sarah Finnegan ( Galway) will both have strong squads to select from, including for GCH sprinter Cillin Greene , distance runner Keith Fallon, Seamus Leddy in the walks, jumper Henrique Nvokolata and in the throws Brendan Staunton and Linas Mitkas , while Galway ladies will look to the likes of sprinter Sinead Treacy, Maeve Curley in the walk, Maebh Brannigan over 800 Niamh Hennelly over 1500 and the Finnegan sisters Sarah and Rachel to clock up valuable points
National Half marathon
GCH had two ladies competing in the National Half Marathon held in Dublin last weekend, and both won individual medals. Carmel Brannigan won the Ladies Over 50 National title in a time of 1 hour 37 mins, while there was a silver medal winning performance by Grainne Ni Uallachain of GCH in the Over 40 category, in a time of 1 hr 26 minutes.
