From Tom Hunt Mayo AC

Ballinamore Athletics Club and the local Community held a celebratory pre Olympic 5k road race on Friday evening in support of local athlete Colin Griffin's participation for Ireland in the Olympics. Colin flies out next week to take part in his event the 50k walk which is scheduled for August 22nd.

Colin comes from a big sporting family. His father Padraig was President of Athletics Ireland (formerly BLE) from 1991-1994, mother Patricia was an International athlete winning national Titles from 800 metres up to half-marathon, and representing Ireland in World Cross Country, Europa Cup and World half-marathon Championships. His uncle Mickey Quinn was Leitrim's first football All-Star in 1990.

He is the Irish record holder for this tough event at 3 hrs 53 minutes and was ranked 19th in the world in 2007 in the 50k walk. Colin's father, Pádraig Griffin is a native of Carracastle near Ballaghadereen Co Mayo and was coach to the Irish Athletics team at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 where Eamon Coghlan just missed a medal finishing 4th in the 5,000 metres. Both Padraig and Patricia are actively involved with Ballinamore AC and AAI activities in the region.

Over 100 runners from took part in the 5k race over testing out and back course from the main street. Anthony Devaney (Mayo AC) was the winner in 16.49. Former AAI president, Michael Heery attended the celebrations and prizegiving afterwards in the Community Centre. Colin was presented with gifts by PJ Leddy on behalf of Leitrim Athletics Board and by the local Community. He is one of three Connacht Oympians in the 16 strong Irish Athletics team- joining fellow Olympians Paul Hession (Athenry AC) who has high hopes of reaching the finals in the 200 metres, and Olive Loughnane (Loughrea AC) who takes part in the 20k walk.

Mayo Athletic Club wish all three and the whole Irish team in Beijing the best of luck.