Sports briefs: Griffin finishes third in marathon, big trophy haul for Mayo Karate Academy
Mike Griffin, Mayo AC, after his third place finish in the Clonakilty Marathon.
Athletics: Mayo AC’s Mike Griffin overcame injury to finish third in the 13th Annual Clonakilty Marathon last month.
He completed a dedicated marathon training plan in the months preceding the recent Dublin City Marathon, and during that time ran 1:26 in the National Half-marathon in Tullamore in August.
Unfortunately, just over a week before the Dublin Marathon he had a fall while training which required stitches, and was unable to take part.
However, with all those training miles ‘in the bank’ he entered the Clonakilty event with a target of a sub 2:50 finish. Over the years Mike ran a few marathons – his best finish time before Clonakilty was Dublin 2011 when he ran 3:03.
Mike came home in third place in Clonakilty with a fantastic running time of 2:49.30. He ran a consistent pace right through, passing halfway in 1:24.
It’s a great achievement for the Castlebar-based athlete. His Clonakilty success will help make up for the disappointment in missing out on Dublin.
Mike has also had a great year on the track winning National medals with the club's team in Indoor and Outdoor masters Championships in 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relay events.
Athletics: The third annual Facefield "Remember Me" 5k Run and Walk (near Claremorris) takes place this coming Sunday, December 10, commencing at 2pm.
The event, organised by the local Facefield Community Group, has proved popular with both serious runners and equally with those who wish to engage in a leisurely stroll around the scenic rural countryside on a winter afternoon in support of a very worthy cause.
As indicated by the event title "Remember Me" and with proceeds going to the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice the theme for the day will certainly be in remembrance of those loved ones who have passed away in the past year or so and equally the tremendous ongoing work being done by the Hospice Foundation.
A wreath laying ceremony and official turning on of the Christmas lights will be performed by Deputy Michael Ring at 1.45pm.
The event is open to all who wish to run, jog or walk. Facefield National School (Eircode F12TX37) just a few mile outside Claremorris serves as the event headquarters. Entry fee is €10 per person. Registration is at the school from around 1pm. A huge array of spot prizes will be drawn among all who participate Of course there will also be a festive atmosphere to the day’s proceedings with Santa due to arrive around 4pm to meet and greet young and old alike.
More info on the days events can be got by contacting Brendan Conwell on 087-2941227.
Karate: Mayo Karate Academy (MKA) took home a total of 14 trophies and two medals competing at the Tuam Karate Faolchu Competition.
This competition attracts regional teams from Connacht and caters for students aged five to nine years.
Results: 6-7 years: Aileen Charlois, 1st (Kumite and Kata); Oscar Gallagher 1st (Kumite) and 2nd (Kata); Raymond Iminov, 2nd (Kumite); Alannah Durkan, 3rd (Kumite); Sarah Coleman, 3rd (Kata).
8-9 years: Savannah Farren, 1st (Kumite) and 2nd (Kata); Nathan Joyce, 1st (Kata) and 2nd (Kumite);
Albert Iminov, 3rd (Kata); Daria Vita, 3rd (Kata); Alice Drokova, 3rd (Kumite) Well done also to Phoenix Cotter and Sean Cosgrove after taking home two medals in their kata categories.
MKA is coached by Aaron McLoughlin this recent success is on the back of the Academy's success at the Irish International Open held in Dublin in September.
Training for MKA takes place in Foxford Leisure Centre on Tuesday evenings and Bohola Community centre on Wednesday evenings.
For more information contact Aaron on 086-0657738 or follow on social media at Mayo Karate Academy.
