Racing conditions at Ballinrobe for the fourth 5k race in the 2026 Mayo AC Series were good and dry with a moderate westerly breeze.
There was the usual buzz of anticipation as a huge field assembled at the start at An tSráid Árd.
From there it was fast and flat all the way – crossing over to the Cloongowla Road and on to the finish at Abbey St junction in town centre.
First three finishers:
1 Kenneth Rogers St John’s AC 15:08
2 David Hickey Westport AC 16:43
3 Shane Horan Lake District AC 16:53
First three women:
1 Aisling Joyce Galway City Harriers AC 18:00
2 Sinéad Egan Galway City Harriers AC 18:47
3 Michelle Heneghan Mayo AC 18:58
Kenneth Rodgers made the trip up from Clare and claimed a clear victory in 15:08 – a course record.
Westport 5k winner David Hickey was second and local athlete Shane Horan had a great run in third.
The women’s race winner was another local athlete, Aisling Joyce who led GCH club mate Sinéad Egan home. Claremorris 5k winner Michelle Heneghan was the first Mayo AC woman across the line in third.
Ten Mayo AC runners finished in the top thirty – they were led home by Darragh Healy 6th in 17:07, followed by 7th Lorcan Murray 17:14, 8th Michael Rocke 17:19, Darren Flanagan 17:46, and Stephen Timlin 17:52
In the women’s race Laura Langan Westport AC was 4th in 19:22, followed by Sue-Ellen Griffith Claremorris AC 5th in 19: 39 – her first sub 20 in the Series. Michelle Needham Westport AC F50 was 6th in 20:06. The first Mayo AC women were Michelle Heneghan followed by Eimear Fitzmaurice 20:07, and Angela O’Connor F60 in brilliant time 20:34.
Lucy Tuohy Mayo AC was one of many finishers who achieved a PB 21:47
There was a record Series turnout in Ballinrobe – 277 – with 191 finishing in under 25 minutes :70%.
Again this week there was a huge number of non-club runners. The ‘no frills, low key’ Series is ideal for all fitness levels.
Thanks was extended to Joan Walsh, John Timothy and their event organising team, and to all the volunteers on the Ballinrobe course, and to the Order of Malta.
The final race in the 2026 Series will be hosted by Manulla FC next Tuesday June 9 at 8pm.
