Mayo athletes run to glory in National finals

The stunning success of Mayo athletes continued on Sunday when the National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships took place at Tramore Racecourse.

Westport's Freya Renton continued to write her name in lights when she completed the Girls U-15/U-16 double with a dominant display of front running winning individual gold at the head of a field of the country's best 153 U15 runners. Holly Renton followed closely behind to secure an individual bronze medal.

The Westport U-15 Girls team went on to win Gold, making them the fastest team in their age group in Ireland. This phenomenal result was the effort of talent and commitment to training. Team members consisted of Freya Renton, Holly Renton, May Duckett, Kasey Walsh, Grace Bourke and May Clarken.

Other Mayo clubs were also well represented. The U-13 boys showcased exceptional athleticism in the 2,500m race culminating in a triumphant victory which secured inter-county gold medals in a field of over 150 athletes. Daniel Gallagher and Darragh McHale (Moy Valley AC) and brothers Philip and Henry Griffith (Claremorris AC) all secured individual medals, finishing in the top 12 and they were joined on the podium by Finn Duckett (Westport AC) and Jack Molloy (Moy Valley AC).

Westport AC had success across a wide range of age-groups. In the U-15 Boys race Briain Daly finished in 20th position and this earned him bronze medals with the Mayo and Connacht teams.

The Westport Boys U-11 team packed well, with five members inside the top 50. Despite putting in a great score, they narrowly missed out on the bronze medal, finishing in fourth place behind Finn Valley.

Charlie Corcoran was first home in 39th position, followed closely by Kyle Marrey (43), Ethan O'Reilly, Finn Walter, Aaron Hastings and Quinlan Gladding. Charlie, Kyle and Aaron were also members of the Mayo team that also finished in fourth place in the inter-county competition.

Mella NiMhearain and Ailbhe Duckett ran well as part of the Mayo county team in the U-13 2,500m race, placing fourth behind Galway.

The day closed with the senior men's race in a field of over 200 athletes. Ruairi Hollywood finished in an incredible 20th position and Bryan Renton finished in 68th position.