Mayo AC held an inaugural Michael’s Remembrance Greenway 5k run/ walk on the morning of New Year's Eve. It took place in memory of club member Michael McNeela who died suddenly last October just days before the Dublin Marathon in which he was due to run.

Michael’s passing in October became an opportunity for the Mayo AC to organise an event in his memory along the Castlebar Greenway where he trained regularly

Mayo AC Club Chairman John Byrne welcomed all those who assembled at the start and thanked them for their support. Lead event organiser Colette Tuohy also thanked the runners and walkers. She spoke movingly of how Michael and herself ran miles and miles along the Greenway where they met for training runs, and how often he would have done a substantial warm-up around the adjacent Town Park before their agreed meeting time!

 

Before the start John Byrne presented Michael’s family with a framed picture of Michael’s club vest, his Dublin Marathon bib number and 2022 medal. It was an emotional moment on a beautiful sunny New Year’s Eve morning.

 

Local athlete Cathal McHale (Clonliffe Harriers AC) was the first runner back at Scoil Raifteirí finish in 16:38. 

Colette Tuohy was first woman in 20:48.

 The event was not timed but there was a clock at the finish line at Scoil Raifteirí. 

There was a great turnout by Mayo AC – those not running giving their support as stewards and at Scoil Raifteirí.

The 130 finishers came from near and far, from local clubs, and from the local community who walked or jogged the out and back course.

 

 

Thanks to all club members who helped organise the 5k run, especially the core team: John Byrne, Colette Tuohy, Sarah Byrne, Ann McDonnell and Andy Neary.

 

Thanks to all others who supported the event, Castlebar Fit4Life, former members, the local community, and to Scoil Raifteirí for the use of their excellent facilities.

 

Afterwards there was a lovely spread of refreshments at the Scoil Hall. Huge thanks to Turlough Stores – Michael Barrett, Attracta and Kelly – who provided them, and to Tara Cafe Castlebar who also supported.

 

Proceeds from the event’s donations box totalled over €2,200. Donations are still coming in and the final amount will be presented to Community Living (Residential) HSE where Michael McNeela worked at a later date.

 

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On St Stephen's Day Athenry AC hosted their annual fundraiser the Fields of Athenry 10k. It was the 20th edition of this popular event which started in 2002.

 

 

This year’s winner was Finley Daly Sligo AC in 30:46.

The women’s winner was Westport athlete Ellen Moran (GCH) 18th overall.

Well done to Mayo AC’s nine finishers. They were 

Sean Hynes 16th overall 34.50 a personal best; he ran 38:29 last year, so a massive improvement and adding to his recent 5k. Eamonn Joyce was 17th 34.59 also a new pb. 

Tadhg Hanrahan M40 37.06 

Ray Clarke M50 41.02 pb

Paula Donnellan 2nd W40 41.37 

Johnny Cribbin 2nd M60 41.46

Tony O’Malley M50 42.07 

Colette Tuohy 2nd W50 42.49 

Dee Corcoran W45 43.51 pb – 46:06 in last year’s race . There were 1129 finishers

 

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Mayo AC had a quintet of sprinters in action in the North West Games at Athlone TTUS on December 28.

It was a great opportunity for some of their training group to see how their winter schedule is progressing.

They gained more experience on indoor track and enhanced their relay baton exchanges.

In the Masters 400m Keith Conroy came 1st, and he was 3rd in the 200m in 27:59 with John Walkin 2nd in 26:29.

John came first in the masters 60m in 8:15. He’s ‘happy enough’ with his performance, but may concentrate on the 200m in the next championships.

Declan Owens, Conor Duffy, Mike Keith Conroy and Mike Griffin ran the masters 4x200m relay, coming home second.