Another thoroughly enjoyable Thursday evening in Dangan and for the second time we got lucky with the weather. Really tight finishes in both 1500m races with exciting battles for honours down the home straight, while both 200m races saw battles all the way to the line.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the high standard in the Men's Javelin. Lithuanian Mindaugas Kurcenkovas, a resident in Galway, picked up a javelin for the first time in over a year, and on his third attempt hurled it a massive 61.94 metres. Only one Irishman threw a javelin further in all of 2006 and this throw would comfortably top the early season rankings for 2007.
Kurcenkovas was not alone at these lofty distances as Rosmuc native and shot putt specialist Sean Breathnach rose to the challenge and managed a considerable 51.25 metres on his first attempt. This is the second longest throw by an Irishman in 2007, which comes after his season opening 15.17m shot putt two weeks ago which currently ranks as the second longest in the country in 2007.
There was real strength in depth in this event with Niall Higgins, Micheal Geogeghan and William Finnegan also posting big throws. Nicola Monaghan was impressive in picking up the Senior Ladies title. Top class throwing also from Mary Barret in the Masters Javelin ahead of Patricia Monaghan while Tommy Farragher picked up the Masters Mens title ahead of Brendan Monaghan and Patrick Moran.
On the track Jason Broderick won a titanic 3 way battle with Eddie Costello and Joe O'Donnell in the 1500m while Michelle Lynch claimed her 2nd county title of the series by pulling away from Caroline Clancy on the home straight. It was a good evening for the Finnegan household with William holding off Micheal Geogeghan by inches in the 200m while his sister Sarah held off Claire McNamara by a similar margin in the Ladies 200m.
The relays proved a big attraction for the athletes as 7 different 4x400m teams competed for Mens and Womens honours. Guest teams filled the first 3 slots on the ladies side, while a guest team reached the line first in the mens race followed by Athenry and Tuam.
Full results attached. Photos to follow shortly.