Fiachra & Anna qualify for Nationals

Congratulations to Fiachra Henry and Anna Corcoran who both qualified for the Athletics Ireland Even Ages cross-country championships with strong performances at the Connacht Championships on Sunday in Galway.

On a superb new course at Southpark in Galway City, just beside Claddagh and the Spanish arch, we had just three athletes in action as Iarlaith O'Brien joined the two older runners in action on what was an ideal day for running.

Fiachra & Anna finished in the top 12 to qualify for the Nationals in Abbottstown at the end of November.

Fiachra produced a very strong race in the U16 boys, running strongly and aggressively in the early stages of a good quality race. Fiachra was as high as seventh at one stage but came under pressure over the latter half of the race. But even as he was being threatened, Fiachra produced a strong finish over the last 300m to ensure an 11th place finish and a place on the Connacht team.

Anna had a tougher experience in her U16 race as she got out strongly and put in a strong first half of the race but struggled a bit on the second half. However, like Fiachra, Anna showed great determination to finish strongly and hold onto 12th place, the last spot on the Connacht team.

Iarlaith O'Brien was bothered by a troublesome injury before the race started but insisted on taking part in the U14 Boys race. Despite being clearly hampered, Iarlaith ran strongly to finish in 30th place.

Congratulations also to Ellie O'Rourke, who trains with our distance gang, on winning the U14 Girls race in Galway with a commanding display, leading all the way before pulling away to a comprehensive win in the final stages. Congrats also to North Leitrim who won the U14 Girls team competition and Leitrim who finished second in the County race.

The action moves to Westport House next Sunday for the Connacht Uneven Ages Cross-country Championships.