Ryan and Cotter win cross country bronze

THE final day of the National Cross Country championships were held in muddy Cow Park in Dunboyne, Co. Meath last Sunday, and despite the tough conditions, Galway athletes once more tasted success in some highly competitive events.

There were two fine individual bronze medal winning performances from Sean Cotter of Craughwell AC at U17 level, and his clubmate Caron Ryan in the novice women’s race.

At juvenile level, Cotter continued his good form with a strong showing to take bronze in a competitive U17 boys race, while Tuam AC’s U13 boys team also finished third with a great combined effort, thanks to the scoring four of Cian Halligan, Ross Mitchell, Oisin Kelly and Odhran O’Hare.

In the novice women’s race over 4km, Ryan’s outstanding medal performance showcased the talent and hard work that has taken her to National success. In an impressive display, Ryan was always in the front group and broke away along with eventual runner up Hilary Hughes in chase of winner, Dublin’s Cliona Murphy. Ryan finished strongly, having to hold off the fast-charging international Nadia Power, to make the podium.

Barbara Dunne of GCH came home in 11th, while her clubmate Olive Gleeson was Galway’s third scorer, with Aine O’Farrell their next best finisher. GCH and Castlegar AC both fielded women’s teams, placing 15th and 19th overall.

In the novice men’s race over 6km, NUI Galway student Donal Devane was the star of the show, winning in the colours of his club, Ennis Track.

James Frizzell of GCH had the run of his life to come sixth overall, with strong efforts also from Damien O’Boyle of Craughwell and David Carter of GCH.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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