Provincial success for Mayo AC women
The Connacht Cross-Country League winning women's team, Mayo AC. From left, Katie Gibbons, 2nd, Senior, Mags Glavey, Eimear Fitzmaurice, 1st, o35, Angela O’Connor, 1st, o50, Colette Tuohy, Pauline Moran.
Mayo AC proudly fielded six competitors in the third leg of the Connacht Cross-Country league, held at the historic Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday.
This event mirrored the 2022 race, taking place at a venue with a rich horse racing history dating back to its first recorded meeting in 1837, organized by the British Military during their tenure in the town.
Official racing at the course commenced in 1885 and has continued uninterrupted, with the exception of a 12-year hiatus from 1936 to 1948.
The racecourse features a right-handed layout, measuring one mile and two furlongs (1.25 miles) in length, complete with a notable incline as athletes approach the winning post.
The day's races utilized portions of this course, incorporating 500 and 1500 metre loops.
The women’s 5,000m race began with an initial 500 metres, followed by three laps of 1,500.
In contrast to the relentless downpour experienced in 2022, today’s weather was grey yet pleasant, with dry and ‘good to soft’ conditions providing a grassy surface throughout the course.
Spectators enjoyed excellent facilities, as all race starts and finishes were conveniently located in front of the grandstand. Prior to the adult races, several underage competitions took place, showcasing the talent of younger athletes.
Mayo AC representatives had considerable success in this year’s women’s league. Runners had to compete in all three legs of the league to qualify for championship medals.
In the 5,000m race, the field included u19 girls, junior, senior and masters as well as o65 men.
Colette Tuohy led the Mayo AC six home in 3rd place, with Eimear Fitzmaurice 4th, Angela O’Connor 6th, Katie Gibbons 13th, Pauline Moran 14th and Mags Glavey 15th.
Connacht Cross-Country League medals were presented after the event..
Congratulations to Eimear Fitzmaurice who won the o35 category, Angela O’Connor also won gold – first o50, and newcomer Katie Gibbons was second senior – an excellent silver in her first competition in club colours.
Mayo AC won the women’s team competition. Pauline Moran and Mags Glavey had a useful final racing workout before their trip to Belfast on November 16 when they will compete on the Irish team in the Annual British and Irish Masters International Cross-Country.
