9th July 2008 - National Masters

Tullamore Harriers win National Masters Medals   

The National Masters Track & Field Championships took place recently in Tullamore and our athletes once again rose to the occasion with some fine performances. Elizabeth Multaney confirmed her recent fine form with a comprehensive win in the Over 35 3,000m. Elizabeth clocked a fine time of 10:31.02 to take her first national title.  Mary Walsh has been winning multiple titles at these championships for a long number of years and she once again took three titles in the Over 60 category.  Mary looked impressive when winning the 200m (36.61), the 400m (93.8) and the 800m. Our Men’s Over 35 4 x 400m relay team regained the title they won last year as Ger Hensey, Catch Grennan, Sean Sweeney and Mick Fleming combined to take the title in pouring rain.  John Donegan also braved the rain to finish a highly creditable third in the Over 40 1,500m in 4:27.4.  Having broken the two minute barrier for the 800m recently Catch Grennan was the favourite for the Over 35 800m title. However, curtailed by a knee injury in the build up to the race, Catch lead into the finishing straight and looked like he could win. Unfortunately he was caught with 40 meters remaining and came second in 2:04.83.  Ronan Duffy clocked a very respectable 2:10.79 for fifth in the same race, having lead at 400m, while John Harkins was ninth in 2:19.25. Mick Fleming and Larry Rigney picked up individual bronze medals.  Mick came third in the Over 40 100m final in 12.87 seconds. Larry came third in the Over 40 5k Walk in a good time of 32:36.70.  Jim Langan was fourth in the Over 65 1,500m in 7.01.  Gerry Kavanagh can be very pleased with his 7th place in the Over 40 200m in a new PB of 29.39 seconds.  He also filled the same position in the 100m in 14.62 seconds.  Paddy Dolan also ran well to clock 14.86 seconds when fifth in the Over 60 100m final.  Well done to all our athletes who competed.  I hope that I have not left out anybody as I had a problem getting the results towards the end of the day.  If I have left out anybody they will be included in a future report.  AAI have yet to put the official results on their website.