The first evening of the 2008 Galway Track & Field Series took place on a glorious evening yesterday June 19th. Events on the programme included 100m, 800m, discus, long jump and a distance medley relay with legs of 1200m, 400m, 800m & 1600m.

This is the 2nd year of the new format for the Galway Championships which has been characterised by it's relaxed atmosphere and 'come and try' approach to the various events. Fields have had a nice mix of 'elites' and absolute beginners, and everything in between.

The highlight last night was a very competitive mens 800m where Daniel Loughnane, Tommy Casey and Michael Keane fought a tight battle all the way down the home straight with Loughnane coming out on top. Laura Shaughnessy overcame Deirdre Troy only yards from the finishing line to take the women's race.

Michael Connerney showed excellent form in the discus, approaching 42 metres and improving as the season progresses, while Mary Barrett was top in the women's discus with 25.45.

The Finnegan household dominated the long jump with William and Sarah claiming wins, while one competitor claims to have 'flown like a penguin'. William and Sarah repeated their double on the track with wins in both 100m races.

The relay races have been a highlight of this series since it's inception, and last night 5 teams contested the Distance Medley Relay, with a star studded Craughwell combination coming out on top.

The next date in this series is Thursday July 3rd when the 200m, 1500m, sprint hurdles and javelin will be contested. If you haven't tried out track competition before this is your opportunity, while there will be no shortage of competiton at the elite end - last year the javelin was won in 66 metres!!.

For further details see http://www.athenryac.com/galway-senior-track-amp-field-2008-details-announced

Thanks to everybody who assisted on the night, especially starter Oliver Geraghty who went to great lengths to help out.