Congratulations to all Irish Master Athletes who competed at non-Stadia Champs in Catania, Sicily over the past weekend. Comprising of just 13 Athletes & superbly managed by Sean McDermott, the team returned home with 18 medals in total & remarkably, all who competed, medalled in their events. Having the distinction of capturing the Teams first medal & making her Irish Masters debut, Baiba Varsberga F40 won bronze in the 10KW on Friday morning. This was followed by the 10km in the afternoon, where Paraic Sweeney M75 had a terrific battle with an Italian, winning Ind Gold in a sprint finish. In the Women’s race, Ind Silver for Martina McDonagh F55 & Irene Clements F65 who with Vanessa Sallier F55 captured F55 Team Gold.

CC relays on Sat, where M60 team of Michael Cornyn M65, John Laste M60 & Michael Fennell M65, won Bronze. Next up the F45 team of Catherine O’Connor, F45, Martina McDonagh F55 & Vanessa Sallier F55, won Gold. A mixed relay team of Stephen Monaghan M55, Vanessa Sallier F55, Ian Egan M55 & Martina McDonagh F55, won Bronze.

In the ½ marathon Sunday morning, Paraic Sweeney had to contend with the Italian once more who it would appear was “paced & guarded” by 4 of his fellow country men throughout the race. Despite Paraic’s best efforts, he was unable to get past & in a sprint finish he narrowly missed out with the Italian awarded Gold. Subject to ratification Paraic did break the existing Irish M75 ½ Marathon record currently held by Tom Durcan 1:42.37, recording a time of 1:39.55. In the Women’s race, Irene Clements F65 won Ind Gold, with Catherine O’Connor F45 winning Ind Bronze. These 2 Athletes, together with Martina McDonagh F55 won team Gold.

In the final competition of the weekend, the 20KW, Bobby King M80 won Ind Gold & together with Ross Alexander, who again finished 4^th overall M45, same as in the 10KW plus John Laste M60 won team Bronze in the M45s. That concluded the Team tally. As can be seen in the above many of the Athletes had a very busy schedule, with all competing in at least 2 events, with a few competing each day. Tired limbs on Sunday evening, but fantastic results, great memories & laughs.

A special word of thanks to Team Manager, Sean McDermott, who was always on hand to provide vital information, ensure that Teams were entered on time, especially watchful that the composite Teams were suitably selected & recorded. Also, to the small band of Supporters who provided ample encouragement out on the various courses, the Athletes certainly appreciated  the shout outs. Full results can be viewed below.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14F73YVQ4UrmDb6f6ONoNCIWykKu1AniV?usp=drive_link

In even more exciting news, at the final closing ceremony on Sunday evening, it was officially announced by EMA that Galway has been selected as the next host for the 21^st edition of the non-Stadia Champs in May 2028. Great credit is due to IMAA President, Ronan Gately plus Comm members, Sean McDermott & Stephen Monaghan, who campaigned long & hard over the past few months in securing these Champs. A word of thanks also to IMAA Comm, Athletics Ireland & Galway City Council who have all endorsed the hosting of this prestigious Champs. Let’s all now get behind the LOC (Local Organising Committee) Team in supporting them over the next 2 years & ensuring that Galway will host the best non-Stadia Champs. Please see provisional poster below promoting this.   

Michael Fennell.

IMAA Comm