Farranfore Maine Valley race walkers stroll to national titles
THE Irish Life Health National Race Walk Championships where held in St Anne’s Park, Raheny last Saturday with two Farranfore / Maine Valley athletes in competition while club member Regina Prendiville was one of the judges.
In the Junior 10km race gold went to David Kenny, who completed the course in an excellent time of 49.03. David has been a consistent medal winner since his days as a juvenile athlete and seems to be easily making the transition to junior level.
The O-65 5km title went to Mike O’Connor.
MEANWHILE, last Sunday saw the
Irish teams in action at the European Cross-Country Championships in Samorin, Slovakia. Despite the bitterly cold weather the Senior Women’s team put in a fine performance to finish in seventh place overall.
With three to score, An Riocht’s Shona Heaslip was the second Irish woman to complete the 8km course, crossing the line in 33rd place. Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole), who was making her 15th appearance at the European Championships, finished in 12th place and Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) was the third scorer in 37th position.
ELSEWHERE, An Riocht’s Laura Crowe (Senior Women) and Kenmare athlete Shauna Doellken O’Shea (U-20 women) have been selected to represent Ireland at the Celtic Cross-Country International Championships that are incorporated into the Antrim International and take place on Saturday, January 6.
NEXT Sunday, December 17, Waterford IT plays host to the Irish Life Health National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age XC Championships.