Bidwell and Donlon first home in inaugural NUIG 8k

SATURDAY last saw NUIG and the Kingfisher Fitness Club, in conjunction with NUIG Students Union, hold their inaugural 8km in support of Jigsaw, a free service to support young people’s mental health and well being.

It was a successful event with just under 400 finishers on the day. Matt Bidwell, of Galway City Harriers, continued his dominance of local events, taking first place in 26.30. He was pushed all the way by young Andrew Annett of Mourne Runners in Down, now Galway based, who led early on and was just three seconds behind.GCH athletes John Greaney and Gearoid Hynes were third and fourth respectively.

The Women race was won by mountain runner and triathlete Emma Donlon in a good time of  31.24, followed by Grainne Ni Uallachain of GCH in second in 32.40, and Ciara O Sullivan third.

Meanwhile, the Trisport organised Conamara 10k took place around the Carna area last Saturday evening. Well over 100 athletes faced the starter in perfect racing conditions.

Richard Meaney of Galway Triathlon Club took the win in 38. 29, but he only got away in the last km from GCH’s ageless Martin McEvilly, now competing in the Vet 65 category, who placed second. The ladies race was won by GCH’s Barbara Bergin in 46.30, from Mary Gorman, with Majella Ni Chriochain also of GCH in third.

East Galway AC held a 10km in Moylough on Sunday last and the race saw Athlone man Mick Fogarty take a comfortable win in 35.23, from Athenry AC athlete Ray Somers in second in 36. 25 and TJ Whyte of Tuam AC third in 37.37.

A strong run from Veronica Colleran of Ennis Track saw her take the ladies prize in a time of 38.33 , from Siobhan Healy (39.08 ) with Sinead Brody of GCH third in 39.58

Day One of the Senior Connacht Cross Country League took place in  Moyne, Longford last Saturday. The men’s event saw Ballina AC man Roger Barrett take the win over the 8km course from Richard Gorman of Sligo and Robert Malseed of Mayo AC. The ladies event was won by Mayo AC’s Colette Tuohy

The second day of the Galway Championships is the Uneven Ages Cross Country events which will be held in Craughwell on this Sunday from 1pm. Races for U11, U13, U15, U 17 and U19 boys and girls will commence at 1pm.