They may have had to turn on the lights in Croke Park on Saturday but there certainly was no need for lights in the Claddagh for the Future Streets of Galway 8K Road Race where the weather was extremely kind for a record 2000 plus entries in the 23rd annual running of the event.

Seamus Power's ten year old course record of 22 mins 49 secs was threatened for a long period before Josphat Boit, a Kenyan, running in the colours of Clonliffe Harriers, took top honours but in a time of 23mins 35 secs ahead of Irish international Vinny Mulvey (Raheny Shamrocks) in 23 mins 51 secs. The local interest was best served by Galway City Harriers club mates Conor Maloney and Ruaidhrí Geraghty who finished 14th and 15th in 26.25 and 26.37 respectively.

Defending champion and course record holder from 2007 Rosemary Ryan of Bilboa AC Limerick was unassailable when winning in 27.41 ahead of Theresa McGloin of Finn Valley AC in 28.41. Best Galway interest was Regina Casey (GCH) and Anne Carter (Athenry AC) who finished fifth and sixth in 29.55 and 30.07 respectively.

There were some very interesting category winners such as Brian Geraghty at V65 in a most impressive 31.20, Andrew Talbot (Clare River Harriers) at V55 in 31.56, Martin Corcoran (Craughwell AC) at V45 in 27.02 and Marie Treasa Beatty (Athenry AC) at V45 in 34.31.Mick Rice (Athenry AC) at V40 in 27.26. Junior boys Keith Fallon and Niall Byrne did well as did junior girls Anna Rose Skelton and Kathy Rooney.

New friends and old friends caught the eye as well. Our new friend Aoife Lovett from the top of this page who made light of her debutant status when she came home in 39.32. And our old friend Pat Larkin from Moycullen whom we're pretty sure is the only person to run every single Streets of Galway over the past 23 years, a wonderful achievement, finished in 51.59, very respectable. To give an idea of the magnitude of the race Aoife Lovett and Pat Larkin (40 years separate them) both of whom must be pleased with their outings finished 625th and 1449th respectively (and may we add respectably).

Don Deacy of that well known Galway family won the 'Fit for Life' category in 35.45 and his daughter Nicola Deacy with 36.50 was runner/up in the Ladies 'Fit for Life'. But that's not all, for Don had the satisfaction of beating a famous sibling, the soccer legend Chick Deacy (36.53) to cap a good day!

Jeff Kenna the Galway United Player Manager enjoyed the run. But why after 3 tough games in 8 days? 'I had commited myself to the Cope charity before I knew I would be playing regularly.' He was joined by John Russell and Iarla Davoran in what was more a walk than a run. The Boss honours his commitments. We're impressed.

But the extraordinary feature of an extraordinary day was by an extraordinary sportsman and an extraordinary sportswoman. Donal Mahon and Kate Coyle had earlier in the day swam Galway Bay from Augnish in Co.Clare to Salthill Galway in the Frances Thornton Memorial Race for Cancer Care West. Both looked fresh and full of running as they crossed the finishing line at Nimmo's Pier, the second finishing line of the day! www.galwaycityharriers.com.

It was an uninviting Saturday morning for the 18 swimmers who stepped into the water at Augnish Co. Clare at 11.30am for the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. It was a dark day with grey rough seas and south westerly winds that had the participants swimming into the waves that guided them towards the docks which necessitated constant correcting. 'The toughest yet' they said. But these swimmers are strong and resilient and saw the job through with just one faller who suffered cramp at about the halfway mark. Ronan Collins was again first home in a remarkable time of 2 hours and 47 minutes. He was followed by Daniel Clough, Simon Flatley, Kevin Thornton, Colin Duffy, Donal Mahon, Jim Colleran & Andrew Flanagan, Philip Gilboy, Kate Varley, Cathal Codyre, Barry O'Neill, Martin Kenirons, Shane O'Neill, Kate Coyle, Art MacManusa and Patrick O'Brien. The real business is the raising of funds for Cancer Care West to allow it to continue the good work. Sadly most of us will need their help. Consider a donation. Ronan Collins 087 9919107 and Kevin Thornton 086 3571714 spearhead the fundraising. www.cancercarewest.ie.

An athlete who did not run in the Streets of Galway on Saturday was Martin McEvilly who had spent the day in Tullamore where he collected 3 gold medals at the National Masters Athletics Championships winning the V60 800 metres, 1500 metres and 5000 metres. Martin is having a busy time as he is just home from Slovenia where he represented Ireland at a Masters International Meet. Mary Barrett from Loughrea had a terrific haul of medals in Tullamore where she collected 2 gold, 2 silver and1 bronze. Tony Farragher won gold. There were other successes.

Connacht Rugby hold a fundraiser at the dogs on Saturday after the game versus Harlequins (K/O 6.30). The proceeds will go towards finishing the gym opposite and putting a few bob aside to cover the terrace on the far side amach anseo. Just hang on after the match or if you are not at the match purchase your 20 euro ticket for the dogs. Fiona and Eoin at 091 561568 have the details.