THE Galway Outdoor Track and Field championships were held over two sunny days in Dangan last weekend with Day 1 featuring the U-14 to U-19 competitions, while Sunday’s programme saw the U-9 to U-13 events take place, with great representation from across the county clubs.

Among the highlights was an amazing high jump performance by Conor Penney of Craughwell AC, clearing a phenomenal 2.05m on his first attempt to claim a new PB, having earlier taken the Galway U1-7 100m Hurdles title in a Championship record of 14.05. Penney was already the number one ranked 15-year-old in the world coming into this event and his new PB confirms that

Craughwell athletes shone in the U-17 hurdles, with Lauren Kelly taking the Galway title in 10.95, and added further gold later in the high jump. Lola Whitney-Mangan alse secured a double gold in the long jump and shot putt.

In the U-14 age group, Kate O’Leary was in fine form with double success in the high jump and long jump, while Sophie Meehan blitzed the opposition with an impressive 5:21 to take the Galway title in the 1500m. Grace Drysdale claimed triple medals with gold in the 200m bronze in the 80m in 11.67 and in the long jump with 3.89m.

The Craughwell U-15 boys dominated in their age group with David Frazer claiming double gold in both the 800m and 1500m. Shane Hennon also doubled up, winning the 80m hurdles and long jump. In the U-16 age group, Rachel Warde raced to double gold in the 80m and 205m hurdles in 12.74 and 38.63, and added a silver in the 100m. Kai Watters took double gold in the 100m and 200m

In the U-18s, Luke O’Sullivan raced to double gold in the 1500m and 3000m while Darragh Kelly came first in the high jump (1.75), with silver medal placings in the long jump and triple jump. At U-19 level, Eva Kelleher claimed double gold in the high jump (1.45) and long jump (4.66) to round off a great day for Craughwell.

Galway City Harriers scooped 35 county titles, 20 silver and 14 Bronze medals on Day 1. This haul included championship bests from Angela Cielecka (long jump), Daiden Carew (triple jump), Daniel Sangodele (both long & triple Jump), Keilah Murray (3000m), Kevin Sangodele (triple jump) and Lucy Hounkponou (100m hurdles).

Pictured: Athenry AC’s Sean Doggett on his way to winning the 400m B race at the Belfast Irish Milers meeting over the weekend.