GCH travelled to sunny Gowran, Kilkenny with a large contingent for the National Uneven Ages Cross Country Championships.
Our Under 11s kicked off the day: these 3 representatives made it to the Nationals at the first time of asking, which is a great achievement. Emily Maloney placed 177th following a great season. Both Keelan Keady & Finn Lynagh were only just outside the Top 100 in the boys race.

Our u13 Boys were represented by Justin McCarthy who was just inside the top 100 in 95th.

Justin’s sister Jennifer was part of a strong GCH u13 Girls team that competed really well, spearheaded by Keilah Murray in 82nd and Caoimhe Lydon in 99nd. Jennifer, Laura Campion, Rachel Francis & Jessica Burke completed the squad that finished in 18th position. Keilah Murray was also part of the Galway team that came a creditable 7th in the Inter County competition.

The Under 15 Boys also had a team, led by Harry Keaney (85th), Odhran O’Driscoll (89th) inside the top 100 and followed closely by Dara Comer Byrne & Eamon Lydon. The Boys Team finished 15th in Ireland overall, a great achievement.

In other juvenile races, Caitlin Podmore and Sophie Foley were not far from too 100 in 120th & 130th respectively while last but not least at all, Isabella Burke had our highest finish if the day in the under 17 race when placing 29th.

Superb running all round, thanks to all parents & coaches for the driving, cheering, coaching and support. It brings a great 2021 cross country season to a close. well done to all our athletes who competed.
Finishing positions today in summary:

Congrats to all who ran so well and did their club proud.

Our own Brian Bruton maintains his role as P.R.O., with Craughwell’s Marion McEvilly the new Chairperson. In the Secretary position will be Tuam’s Tamara O’Callaghan, who in a previous life was CEO of Cycling Ireland & held roles in the English FA and the International Olympic Committee.

Elsewhere, Andy Talbot is Treasurer and PJ Coyle is a delegate to Connacht board. Full committee listing in the attached link below
We are blessed in Galway (& Connacht) to have people of such calibre in these and other committee roles & wish them well in continuing the county’s great profile & success in athletics.

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Pictured at the National Cross Country in Gowran last weekend were Connacht Council chairman Brian Bruton and secretary Amanda Hynes who are normally there before anyone arrives and last to leave….