Despite her best efforts storm Katie failed to put a dampener on this year’s 10K which took place yesterday, Holy Saturday. Katie tried her best to give the hospitality tent a life of its own but thankfully due to the diligent work of the volunteers at the time and together with the many onlookers there were no injuries, damage inflicted and more importantly no one hurt. Thanks to all those people who were hands on and came to the rescue in such difficult circumstances as Katie attempted to take hold of things. An immediate plan had to be implemented as the splendid array of food had to be re-located at short notice to our clubhouse. Apart from Katies attempted foothold of proceedings it was a great day from start to finish, it was brilliant, enthrawlling, emotional and an ‘uplifting’ day. Apologies to all who had to bear such cramped hospitality conditions given the circumstances.
Unlike other years, running conditions were far from perfect as the rain came down heavily just before the race began and again during the race as the hailstones pelted from the heavens. Again, all local Athletic clubs were represented; the maroon & white singlets of Athenry AC were particularly to the fore while there was also good representation from Tuam AC, GCH, Loughrea, Corrib AC, Clare River Harriers, Corofin AC, Barnaderg Road Runners; East Galway AC & even as far as Ballina. Paul Conlon was first home in 36:11; followed by Mark Walsh, Leevale AC (Cork & working in Galway) in 36:20 & our own master of local runners Gearoid Rohan, Athenry AC who had a 5 second PB & took 3rd place overall in a time of 36:35. His running mate from Athenry AC, Jane Anne Meehan was unsurprisingly the1st lady home in the same massive time 36:35. She is one of the top female runners in the county and we were more than honoured to have her grace our presence. Sharon Grant was 2nd home in 39:16 while local lass Deirdre Grady, Tiaquin was 3rd lady home in a formidable time of 40:33. Category winners were: Over 40 male: Sean Burke Tuam AC (37:30); Over 40 female: Paula Grant (41:29); Over 50 male: Hugh Burke (41:48); Over 50 female: Mary Kealy, Athenry AC (44:37); Over 60 male: ex-Colemanstown United keeper PJ Finnerty; Over 60 female: Marie Killilea; Over 70 male: Martin Keane Athenry AC who does this run as an annual ritual (55:43) Congrats to all those locals who partook in their first ever 10K run Hilda Kelly, Declan Curtain & Deirdre O’Reilly, Ballina whose daughter romped home with ease in the kids 1K fun run in 3:30 a splendid time for a 12 year old. Thanks to the 60 children or so and their parents who came to participate in the kids run in challenging weather conditions.
Apart from the winners there’s only 1 other place to start: excuse the pun but this race almost runs itself, thanks predominately to the many locals & community members who give of their time so freely & generously in so many ways to ensure the smooth running of this event. Again the food provided for the hospitality was mouth watering thanks to all those who donate such a spread year after a year while Bernie’s hot soup received numerous compliments from both young & old and was well appreciated by the wet runners on their return. Once more, many thanks to Athenry AC who sponsored our AAI permit application & a huge thanks yet again to Frank & Bernie Burke & family for their continued generous sponsorship of this annual event. Results attached herewith: Results Colemanstown10km_2016
Photos will be uploaded to the gallery section of our website in the next few days.
We wish Gearoid & Mary Rohan all the best in their last 2 weeks of marathon training for Manchester & also to Jane Anne & all other Athenry AC athletes who have signed up for the big task. We wish Pat McDonagh, Newcastle a speedy recovery and hope he’ll be restored to full health to be able to partake in the marathon. The night finished well thanks to Burke’s bar, Colemanstown & a fantastic sing along with musician Joe Hession late into the night. It caused a few to even sleep in and miss the dawn mass while others were gagging for a cup of strong coffee and an immediate sugar fix!!