Veterans in the medals at Masters championships

The National Masters Indoors Championships were held on Saturday last in Athlone IT, and many of Galway’s top veterans returned West with silverware.

Mary Barrett of Loughrea AC won an amazing triple gold at O55 level in the Shot Putt, 60m Sprint and High Jump. Brendan Staunton of GCH, competing in Masters for the first time, took double gold in the Shot Putt and Weight throw at Over 35 level.

The evergreen Martin Mcevilly of GCH claimed gold, silver and bronze medals, over 3,000m, 1,500m and 800m respectively at Over 65 level. Ronnie Warde of Castlegar AC sprinted to a superb gold in the O35 60m  in a flying 7.35 seconds.

Jason Cafferkey of GCH won silver in the 200m O35 and placed fourth in the 60m; while Majella Loftus also of GCH took double bronze over 60m and 200m in the O45 ladies sprints. Jean O’Connor, also of GCH won bronze at O35 level in the Ladies 1,500m; and clubmate Maura Loftus claimed O70 silver in the Ladies 3k Walk.

Schools’ cross-country

Galway athletes impressed at the hugely competitive All Ireland Schools Cross Country championships held in Waterford IT Saturday last, on a very tough and hilly course.

Top performers individually included Daragh Jennings of Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, Carraroe who claimed 7th place in the Minor Boys event; and Aaron Brennan of Claregalway, who finished in 10th place, and Eanna Folan of Colaiste na Coiribe came home in 11th spot, in the Senior Boys race.

In the Senior Girls, Aine O’Farrell of Presentation Athenry placed a fine ninth overall; while in the team competition, St Enda’s College won bronze in the Intermediate Boys race, with Cillian Jordan, Barry Murphy, Alvaro Garcia and Sean Forrest combining to medal for the Salthill school.

Sean Breathnach

Sean Breathnach of Galway City Harriers competed on the Irish team at the European Winter Throws competition in Leiria, Portugal last weekend. Breathnach threw 17.62 metres on his best throw in very difficult conditions.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.