Costello claims Braveheart title

National 1500-metre champion Colin Costello claimed the spoils in the men's category at the annual Trim AC-promoted Braveheart 5k last night in wet and windy conditions at the local Porchfields.

Despite the poor weather conditions a large crowd turned out to watch the event and were treated to an exciting spectacle as Mary Hanley took the ladies laurels ahead of Emilia Dan.

There was a minute's silence at the start in memory of the late Larry Daly who passed away this week and was a sterling member of the Trim club and a former president of the Meath AAI.

Trim official Ciaran Tobin paid tribute to the late Mr Daly and there was a generous round of applause from competitors and spectators afterwards.

The race was officially started by the legendary Eamonn Coghlan who praised all the runners for their efforts, especially those who were raising funds for charity.

Meath's European medal winner Sarah Treacy was also there (see separate interview to be uploaded later).

A juvenile race took place before the main event (see photo of finish).

There were a number of 'dodgy' looking characters prowling the streets of Trim and the track on the look out for (according to themselves) 'some fine Trim wenches' but it's not clear if they were successful.

However, one competitor also took the opportunity to demonstrate that the 'stocks' would be used for any runner who failed to make a good time.

All the times will be in the next edition of the Meath Chronicle and those who failed to meet their target will be in the stocks next Friday night.

See video of start and get your bets on locally on who might make the stocks next week!!!

Conall Collier