Galway Clinic Streets of Galway 8k
First three men (L to R): Damien Landers of Ennis Track, winner John Travers of Donore Harriers, and Rory Chesser of Ennis Track
John Travers of Donore Harriers won the 33rd edition of the famous Streets of Galway 8k Road Race held Saturday evening last around the city ,with a superb front running performance, befitting his National champion status. Travers, Irish international and National 1500m champion, took off in the first kilometer from the lead pack, and established an early lead, which he was never to relinquish, winning in a time of 23.56 to take his first Streets victory.
Damien Landers and Rory Chesser of Ennis Track AC were next home, in a tight battle for the podium places, finishing in 24.29 and 24.35 respectively. First Galway athlete over the line was Brendan McDonnell of GCH in fourth with a very good run in 24.43, ahead of fifth placer Andrew Annett of North Belfast Harriers who ran 24.48. Ennis Track took the Men’s team prize for the second year running with GCH in second
First three ladies (L-R): Regina Casey of GCH, winner Siobhan O'Doherty of Borrisokane AC andJane Ann Meehan of Athenry AC.
In the Ladies section, Irish international Siobhan O’Doherty of Borrisokane AC stormed home to an incredible third title, clocking 27.50 for a well-deserved victory for the Tipperary native, O’Doherty finished ahead of top local athletes Regina Casey GCH in second with a personal best 28.38 and Jane Ann Meehan of Athenry AC who came home in 29.55. Rounding out the top five were Margaret Murphy of Mallow AC, and Emma Grimes of GCH. GCH also took the Ladies team title, ahead of Crusaders AC second.
The race was once again a roaring success, thanks to the hard-working committee of Galway City Harriers, along with the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, the City Council and Gardai among others, all of whom contributed to making the race one of Galway great summer events
Huge crowds lined the start at GTI on Fr Griffin Road, and the race routes through the City Centre, Salthill and the Claddagh and especially finish at South Park. A Record number of runners finished the race in a field which saw thousands of Galwegians and many tourists and visitors from Irish and UK athletics clubs, take to the City streets to run this iconic event. The race was once again sponsored by the Galway Clinic.
National League final
GCH, Galway Men and Galway Ladies squads all compete in the National Track and Field League final which will be held in Tullamore next Sunday. The League is a team based event and Galway City Harriers Men’s team under Cliff Jennings will be aiming for a podium finish in the Premier spurred on the likes of Sean Breathnach in the field and Cillin Greene in the sprints . Likewise Galway Ladies will also aiming high, with Sarah Finnegan’s charges featuring athletes from GCH, Craughwell and other county clubs, such as walker Maeve Curley of Craughwell, Sinead Treacy of Craughwell and Nicole Walsh of GCH on the track , and Emma O’Hara of GCH in the field .
Galway Men will have the task of trying to secure promotion from Division One, under managers Sean McDermott and Michael Tobin, with Craughwell, Castlegar, and Tuam AC clubs forming the backbone of the squad.
Connemara 100
Thomas Klimas won the 100 mile race in Connemara held all day Saturday, winning in 15 hours 48 minutes, with Andrew Darcy second and Rex Brillantes third. First lady home was Nicola Duffy
Fixtures
Caltra 5k
Friday, 17 August, 2018 next sees the Caltra 5k, which will incorporate the Galway AAI 5k Road Race Championships.
All Galway clubs are encouraged to have teams of women and men competing in this event.
Registration on the day from 6pm at the Caltra Community Centre or at: [email protected] Race start is at 7.30pm
National Masters Track and Field Championships
Many of Galway’s top Masters athletes will compete at the National Masters Track and Field Championships to be held next Saturday in final which will be held in Tullamore next Saturday, including Ian Egan of Tuam and Martin McEvilly, Majella Loftus and Sonya King of GCH.
