Sligo Athletic Notes 15th June 2009

Sligo underage athletes were out in force again at the Connaught Track and Field Championships U12 – U15 in Athlone on Saturday last. This was the first outing at these championships for many of them and they had some fine performances. In the U12 category David Rutledge ran in the 60m and just missed a place in the final. Both he and Mark Connolly ran the 600m and put up strong efforts. They competed again in the Long Jump but finished outside the placings but gained valuable experience. Caolainn McGonigle (pictured far left on podium) ran a strong 600m to finish in second place and secure her place in the All Irelands. Dylan Carty had some bad luck in the U14 walk but came fourth and a place in the All Irelands in the Shot putt. Darren Kilcalwey qualified in both the 200 and 800m. In U15 800m John Bourke and Nicola McGoldrick ran sold races and finished 4th and 3rd respectively. Ciara Connolly had her first run over the 250m hurdles and finished in bronze position. All of these qualifiers now go forward to the All Irelands to be held in Tullamore on 11/12/19 July. Congratulations to all who travelled and competed. Next weekend sees the U16 to U19 and senior age groups compete in Athlone at 10.30am start.
The Maugherow 10k Road Race also took place over the weekend with a sizable field turning out for this challenging course. John Byrne (Mayo AC) took first place in a time of 33.40 with Sligo AC's Richard Gorman claiming second in a time of 35.20. Andrew Lynsky (Mayo AC) took third place in just over 36 minutes. Veteran Sligo AC athlete Trevor Hunter took first place in the vets category in 37.37 whilst the evergreen Lucy Brennan (Sligo AC) won the womans category in 38.08.