Maire Beatty in Fine Form in Swinford

Report and Pictures from Tom Hunt - Mayo AC

There was a good atmosphere on the streets of Swinford on Sunday for the annual road race. Swinford AC organised the 4th race in the 2008 Mayo Road Race League and provided a warm welcome for the participants in the 8k and the children's race which preceded it. Joe McNulty and his team of enthusiastic supporters in this young and successful club made sure the event was a huge success. The streets in the start finishn areas were cordoned off and traffic free which enhanced the safety and enjoyment of all. This race has gained in popularity and stature and is now a key event in the Western athletics calendar. The main race had over 130 runners from 20 plus athletics clubs.

2nd, 3rd Senior men : Martin Corcoran (Craughwell AC) and Anthony Devaney (Mayo AC)

The one lap course is generally fast and flat apart from a section on the hard shoulder of the N4. There as a good breeze into the faces of participants for the first 3k, otherwise conditions were good.

Declan Fahy (Tullamore Harriers) set out a good fast pace from the start and was soon out on his own. The Ballina man looked very smooth as he came home to win in 26.00. Anthony Devaney (Mayo AC) tried hard to catch Martin Corcoran (Craughwell AC) but Martin held on strongly to reverse last week's Balla 10k result - where he was 53 seconds behind Anthony - to finish 2nd in 26.58 with the Ballyvary man 8 seconds behind in 3rd. Sean Gallagher (Ballina AC) is one of many who have improved their times over the series and his excellent 7th place in 27.50 was an example - he was 14th in Balla. Among the 25 strong Mayo AC participants, Paddy Murray 2nd 040, Tommy Neville 3rd o40, Ronnie Naylor 1st o50 and Michael Killeen 3rd o50 were the main achievers in the men's age categories.

Swinford 8k Women's race winner Regina Casey (GCH) on her way to the line ahead of Owen Murphy

Regina Casey (GCH) also reversed the Balla result and always looked more comfortable at the 8k pace to win strongly in 29.44. Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC) who won in Balla put in a great effort with a 29.58 PB to finish a very good second. Siobhán Lennon (Ennis track) is having a busy season and was 3rd in a great time of 32.07.

The women's age category winners were drawn from five different clubs in two very competitive sections. Ann Murray (Mayo AC) won the o35s in 32.46, while Maire T Beatty (Athenry AC) won the o45s in 35.02.

There will be another opportunity for athletes to beat their Swinford 8k times at the next race in the League Series at the end of the month - the Ballyhaunis 8k on August 30th.. entry details etc will be available soon.

Making soft work of the hard shoulder - Ballina man Declan Fahy (Tullamore Harriers) on his way to victory in the Senior Men's r

Sunday 3rd August 2008 Swinford 8k Results

4th race in the Mayo AC Road Race series

Senior men

1 Declan Fahy (Tullamore Harriers) 26.00

2 Martin Corcoran (Craughwell AC) 26.58

3 Anthony Devaney (Mayo AC) 27.06

o40 men

1 David Corcoran (Civil Service) 27.34

2 Paddy Murray (Mayo AC) 28.25

3 Thomas Neville (Mayo AC) 28.48

o50 men

1 Ronnie Naylor (Mayo AC) 28.44

2 Martin Taylor (ind) 30.19

3 Michael Killeen (Mayo AC) 30.38

Junior u19

1 Sean Gill (Claremorris AC) 3218

Senior Women

1 Regina Casey (GCH) 29.44

2 Mary Gleeson (Mayo AC) 29.58

3 Siobhán Lennon (Ennis Track) 32.07

o35 women

1 Ann Murray (Mayo AC) 32.46

2 Maura Dervin (Mullingar Harriers) 33.32

3 Olivia Feeney (Sligo AC) 33.35

o45 women

1 Maire T Beatty (Athenry AC) 35.02

2 Mary Naylor (Mayo AC) 36.54

3 Pauline McDonnell 38.49

Junior u19

1 Susan Shiel 40.33