Harriers juveniles set gold standard in Galway

Members of Tullamore Harriers AC – including a brother and sister combination – returned to Offaly laden with gold medals last weekend.

The young athletes made the journey to Galway racecourse for last Saturday's Castlegar Open Cross-Country meet – and event that traditionally heralds the transition from road and track events to the fields. The meet also it incorporates the Galway Championships.

First up representing Tullamore Harriers was Sophie Hynes, who lined up in the U12 girls competition. She ran a strong race and produced a blistering fast finish to claim the gold by one second to get the Harriers off to a great start.

Her brother, James Hynes, was next up and controlled the U14 boys’ race to finish in first place with a race-plan executed perfectly.

Heidi McCarthy then went in the girls U14 race. There was tough competition and Heidi showed great grit and determination to hold off the fast finishing Galway challengers to also claim gold by a mere second in a super race.

Róisín O’Brien was next up in the girls U15 race which was 2.5 kilometres in length and she acquitted herself very well coming home in an excellent sixth place amongst a very strong field of athletes.

Jack Marron donned the blue and white vest in the Boys U18 race, which was 4.5km, and by this stage the weather turned very challenging with torrential rain and blustery wind throughout. Jack stuck to his task and finished in sixth place which is a great season opener for him.

Mairéad O’Brien took to the line in the girls U11 race, which was easily the biggest field of the day. She ran consistently throughout the race and crossed the line in 34th place. Mick O’Brien also raced in the men’s open race, which was 8km, and he came home second.

The success of the trip to Galway sets the athletes up nicely for the Offaly cross country season.