NORTHERN Ireland was well represented at the Irish University Road Relay Championships, staged in the picturesque and historic surrounds of Maynooth University College in County Kildare, a venue that allowed for tarmac roadways to be used that were completely free from traffic.
The women’s race consisted of four legs and was won convincingly by University College Dublin with University College Cork’s quartet 13 seconds behind in second.
Third was Dublin City University. Here Northern Ireland/Ulster had two representatives on the team. On the second leg, which was two miles, Amy Greene ran a superb 11:31 and the third leg saw Roise Roberts go slightly better with 11:30.
In fourth position was the team from Queen’s University Belfast. Catriona Edington opened with a 5:21 mile. She was followed by Kirsti Foster who ran a brilliant 11:24 for two miles.
Then came the standout performance of the day from, Hannah Gilliland of Annadale Striders, who is coached by former international, Paul Lawther. Hanna made up huge ground when running an amazing 10:55 for her two mile leg, sprinting in and taking a final place just before the change-over. Her time was unmatched by anyone else.
The final leg was a 5:47 mile by Erinn Heavy.
Well done to the competitors on a fantastic day of competition and to the organisers for a great event.
