From Galway City harriers Juvenile Information
Alanna Lally won her first National title on Sunday last 22nd November in very testing conditions on the Kilbeggan racecourse at the AAI national cross-country championships
Alanna captured the girls under 14 National cross-country title in a great head to head battle with Ciara Cummins from Tipperary. Alanna, Ciara & defending champion Linda Conroy from host club Mullingars Harriers broke away from the rest of the field after 500m of the 1200m race. Linda Conroy had to settle for 3rd 300m out. However the battle for Gold continued right to the line where the judges’ decision was given to Alanna.
Alanna finished 2nd in 2008 behind the Mullingar athlete and she fully deserved her gold medal this year. Not only did Alanna win the individual gold, she also led Galway to team gold in the county section, Connaught to silver in the regional section and GCH to bronze in the Club section. Alanna was well supported by Maebh Brannigan in 22nd place, Katie Carter 31st & Roisin Dobey in 88th place. Both Maebh & Katie also scored for the victorious Galway team. Team Result 1st Mullingar Hrs 115pts, 2nd Cranford 135 pts, 3rd G.C.H. 142pts.
G.C.H’s under 12 boys also produced a fabulous medal winning performance. John Maher ran a superb race to finish 6th. He was closely followed by Fiachra O’Cochlain , who ran his best race ever in 20th place. David Carter & Bronson Kelly ran excellent race in 55th & 56 places, They were followed home by Luke O’Shaughnessy & Liam Costello. Liam was very unfortunate as he was leading the race at the half way & was still in the top 10 with 300m to go he took a heavy fall & did well to finish. Had Liam been able to finish in the top 30 G.C.H. would have won the team gold. However the club still picked up a brilliant club team silver medal. John and Fiachra were also members of the Connaught gold medal winning team in the Regional section and John, Fiachra, David & Bronson were members of the Galway bronze medal team in the county section.
Com Hughes valiantly tried to defend his under 14 title but sickness prevented him from doing so.
Michelle Maher ran a great race to finish 26th in the under 16 girls race , with Sarah Metadjer in 57th place.
Cian Corcoran ran a strong race to finish 62nd in the boys under 16 event.
In the Junior (under 20) women’s race Irene Gorman finished 18th with Nicola O’Ceallaigh 20th.