A crack team of dedicated, well trained and completely focused Athenry athletes made the journey to Dublin last weekend to take part in the Spar Great Ireland Run which was 'host race' for the AAI National 10k Championships. Alan Burke also made the trip.

Upwards of twenty of the Athenry AC faithful made it to the start line of this year’s AAI National 10k Championships, which was a wonderful turnout for a race so far distant from our base. Thankfully the investment in time spent travelling was rewarded on the day with some excellent racing performances. In terms of the Galway athletes taking part on the day, we first have to acknowledge the superb performance put up by Gary Thornton who competes for our neighbouring club Galway City Harriers. Gary put on a superb display of top-notch distance running to finish in second place behind the internationally renowned Martin Fagan. Having run these very roads many times myself I can attest that this was not a fast course by any means and Gary's 29:36 was a fantastic return.
 
There were some sterling performances in Athenry AC colours as well. Although the results available thus far from the AAI contain a number of inconsistencies, it appears certain that Martin Keane is an All Ireland medallist all over again. The only remaining issue seems to be whether it's silver or bronze this time. Our warmest congratulations go to 'Marvellous' Martin on this great achievement. Although Martin had a great race, the 33:07 minute run with which he is credited with in the provisional results is probably a bit optimistic. The two Brians, Bruton and O'Connor, were joined in posting sub-35 minute performances by Conor Dolan. This was perhaps the strongest senior men's team performance by the club in this race in recent years and great credit is due to the speedsters concerned.
 

Tricksters

 
The Golden Girls, Eimear and Jane-Ann, were close together at the finishing line once again, with Jane Ann just getting the verdict this time and breaking 40 minutes for the first time. For many 10k runners this is a significant barrier and to run this time just a week after finishing second in the Connemara Half Marathon was remarkable indeed. Deirdre Hassett signed off with a fine 43:24 before heading to the 'states' for a few months of combined altitude training and shopping.
 
All in all the day was a great success for our club and the fine weather helped everyone enjoy the experience so much more.
 
I've extracted the Athenry results from the AAI published version below but as you might see they're far from complete. If you can add names or times to complete the Athenry racing record please add a comment and I'll update the 'scores on the doors'.
 
 
Athenry AC Men
 
Brian Bruton   34.32
Brian O'Connor   34.44
Conor Dolan   34.59
John O'Connor   37.34
Alan Burke   38.25
Adrian Fitzmaurice     40.25
Frank Burke     40.36
Brian Burke   1.02.39
 
 
Owen Curran --
Martin Keane  --
 
 
Athenry Women
 
Jane Ann Healy     39.56
Eimear Butler     40.14
Deirdre Hassett     43.24
Miriam Wall     44.48
Valerie Glavin     45.31
Marie Curran     1:04.10
Maeve Noone     48.45