International Notes
The strength in depth of Athletics in Galway was showcased last weekend by strong performances by several track and field athletes at an international meet in Belgium. Tuam AC athlete Alix Joyce (pictured) clocked a European U23 Steeplechase B standard for the 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze level meeting in Brussels last weekend. Entering the competition with a personal best time of 10.19.14, she needed to better a time of 10.15.00, and she did so with flying colours with a new lifetime best of 10.12.87. Joyce needs to break 10.15.00 again to guarantee herself selection for the European U23 Championships, which take place in Norway mid-July. Danielle Moynihan of Tuam also made the trip to Brussels and ran the second-fastest 400m of her career with an outstanding 58.08 time.
Galway City Harriers sprinters enjoyed some standout displays at the IFAM Outdoor meeting in Brussels. International sprinter Cillín Greene went second on the Irish Senior All-Time list over 300m, clocking 32.68. Andrew Egan ran an exceptional PB of 20.86s over 200m, placing him just outside the top 10 fastest Irish men ever over that distance. Emma Moore ran a brilliant 2:04.50 in the Senior 800m to boost her European U23 qualification prospects. Laura Ann Costello recorded a 57.24s 400m PB, while her 25.07s 200m time was her quickest time since 2017.
Elsewhere, at the Munster Championships in Templemore, Laura Nally won the 200m as a Guest Athlete and finished 2nd in the 100m. South Galway AC duo David Mannion and Orlaith Mannion were also impressive at the Brussels meet, with the former going in the 400m and 200m, setting a new 200m best of 22.1 seconds and winning his heat, with Orlaith Mannion racing over the 100m hurdles. William Fitzgerald of Craughwell continues his good season to date, as he set a new best of 14.08, over 5000m at the event, a new club record
National 5km
The Galway City Harriers quartet of Aaron Brennan, James Elgar, Chris Jonker, and Conor Byrne won team bronze in the men's senior race at the National 5 K Road Championships last weekend in the Phoenix Park. On a very hot day and testing course, the squad performed well to earn a podium place for GCH. James Elgar also earned a fantastic individual silver in the V40 category. This was the second year in a row that a GCH men's team has been on the podium.
Galway 5km Series
The 2025 Galway 5k series sponsored by EY concluded last evening in humid conditions in Athenry, the final leg of the very successful six-race series. The last leg produced a superb race at the front of affairs with the talented Oisin Davis of Craughwell AC setting a fast pace to win in 14:52, ahead of Aimad Belayd, second in 15.03, and Evan O'Rourke third in 15.33. The ladies’ race was a very close-run race, with Eimear O’Leary of GCH just pipping clubmate Sarah Collins for the win, with both recorded as 18:14 timings, with Athenry‘s Jane Ann Meehan right behind in 18.17. Galway County Board thanks all the organising clubs, and race directors Colm Byrne and Colm McAllen for their trojan work over six weeks of great racing
Irish Schools Track and Field Championships
The highlight of the Irish Schools calendar, the annual Track and Field championships take place Friday evening, 30th May next and Saturday 31st May, in Tullamore, with many Galway athletes from around the county’s secondary schools taking part. The likes of Angela Cielecka in the sprints, Sean Doggett over 400m, Conor Penney and Darragh Kelly in the Jumps will all be targeting medals, among others.
