In-form Farrell jumps to new Irish indoor record

THERE were some fantastic performances from a number of Galway athletes in the IUAA Indoor Championships in Athlone last Friday and star of the show was Craughwell AC high jumper Cathriona Farrell.

Representing DCU, Farrell set an Irish indoor high jump record in winning the University title, with a leap of 1.81 metres. The Galway athlete is showing great form this season and is improving with every event. 

NUIG and GCH athlete Orlane Dubo won the Combined events (high Jump, 60m hurdles, long jump, 800m, shot putt) with a total of 3244 points, and also took the long jump bronze with 5.27m. Alicia Boylan of NUIG won the  women’s 1500m walk  in 7.10.

GMIT’s Eric Hynes took bronze in the 2k walk, pipping NUIG man Peter Mannion for the third spot in a close finish. Alvy Carragher of NUIG and GCH captured bronze with a typically strong performance in the 3000m, running 10.32. Conall Mahon, NUIG, came third in the triple jump event with 13.63m.

Keith Fallon of GCH, running in DCU colours, was fourth in a top class 1500m, running 3.57, with winner John Travers storming home in a superb time of 3.42, a Universities record. Peadar Harvey of Craughwell and UL did well in finishing seventh in the 800m final in 2.00.62

Meanehile, Matt Bidwell of Galway City Harriers won his fourth Maree 8k in a row last Sunday. Bidwell took the honours in a time of 26.46, with Mick Fogarty of Athlone Tri Club second and Rory Moloney of West Waterford third

Regina Casey of GCH continued her winning start to the season, with victory in the ladies section in  a time of 30.13, which put her well clear of Mayo AC athletes Ann Lennon and Colette Tuohy.  Over 320 athletes took part in the event a testament to a well organised event by local club Maree AC.

Top Galway distance runner Gary Thornton took the long road to Enniscorthy to race in a highly competitive 10km in the Wexford town, and ran a solid 30.17 for second place behind Tom Fitzpatrick of Tallaght AC.

This weekend sees the annual South Galway AC 8k race which takes in the town of Gort and surrounds. The race kicks off at 1.30pm, with registration and race start at Gort Community Centre.