A number of GCH athletes competed in the terrific Irish Life Health National Masters Indoor Championships on Sunday in Athlone. Outstanding performances all round in a Championships which has grown in terms of numbers and competitiveness over the years. GCH were represented in the throwing events and six track events plus the relays.
The inspirational Martin McEvilly took o70 gold in the 800m and 3000m events and silver in the 1500m. Brendan Staunton took master o35 shot putt gold with a throw of 12.62 and took gold in the o35 WFD competition. Sean Breathnach took gold in the master o40 shot putt throwing a distance of 13.56 and claimed gold in the Senior WFD competition (8.60), which was held on the day along with the master’s competition. Richard O’ Hanlon claimed bronze in the o60 shot putt with a throw of 10.61.
Kathryn Casserly took well deserved silver in the o40 master women’s 800m and 1500m while Niamh Hennelly took bronze in the master 35 1500m with Mags Sheridan third in the o55 800m category. In the competitive men’s sprints, Jim Phelan took master 45 silver in the 400m clocking 53.46 secs and bronze in the 200m (24.70). The exciting 4x200m relays were the final event of the day. The GCH women’s A team of Sinead Foran, Majella Loftus, Niamh Hennelly and Kathryn Casserly took National master gold in 1:59.46. Stepping up for the GCH men’s relay team was sprint coach Brendan Glynn. The team gave their all and took a terrific bronze clocking 1:54.88. (the team are now eagerly awaiting a permanent comeback by Brendan!).
The women’s B relay team finished in fourth position ( Sonja King, Jean O’Connor, Mags Sheridan, Karen Quirke).
Our lone individual female sprinter, Karen Quirke, raced with gusto in the 60m and 200m races, while there were fourth placed finishes in their categories for Jean O’Connor (1500), Brian Heavey (800m), Eamon Hornibrook (1500m) and Gerry Carty (3000m). The GCH B women’s relay team finished in fourth (Sonya King, Jean, Mags, Karen). Great days competition. Well done everyone!
Link to full results here: http://live.athleticsireland.ie/menu.html
