Ryan’s strong run secures Irish cross country bronze

THE National Juvenile Uneven Ages, and Novice Cross Country Championships, were held in the Waterford Institute of Technology on a demanding, hilly and muddy course on Sunday last

Caron Ryan of Craughwell AC took pride of place among the Galway athletes competing, in winning a National bronze in the U19 girls race with a strong run over the testing 4km circuit. Ryan has trained and raced very well all season and this result was a well-earned breakthrough at National level for her.

Tuam AC had a number of squads competing, with their under 11 boys team fourth home, just off a team medal, with fine runs from the entire squad. Individually, Sean Cotter of Craughwell AC ran excellenty to come fifth at U15 level, as did his clubmate Ben Ryan, who was eighth overall in the U17 event.

Isabella Burke of GCH put in a promising performance in the U13 girls race with a 10th place finish, with the GCH U13 girls team, the current County and Connacht champions, just outside the medals in 4th place.

At senior level, GCH fielded a men’s team in the competitive National Novice, with mountain runner Andrew O Donnghaile in his element, running a strong race to finish ninth overall, less than forty seconds off the winner. The GCH team finished 16th with Talon Thompson, Neill Keane, Michael Kerrin, Brian Bruton and Niall Murphy all competing.

In the women’s race, Galway native Caoimhe Daniels, formerly with GCH, helped win the team title for Sportsworld AC of Dublin, while Catherine Thornton of Spiddal, running with Crusaders, won a bronze team medal.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.