LAC NEWS & UPDATES
LAC JUVENILES EXCEL AT ULSTER XC
Nov 6th, 2023
Ballybofey provided firm underfoot conditions last Saturday morning as Finn valley hosted the Ulster Uneven Championship.
The course comprised all the elements that make cross country running so exciting- wet grass underfoot, few inclines, mud, and turns. Lovely camaraderie was evident today amongst our lac athletes,and support from parents.
Pride of place on the day goes to newly crowned Ulster Champion - Katie mcdowell who was the runaway winner of the girls U11 race. Katie hammered home for a dominant victory which never looked in doubt from the get go to a very deserving 1st place , followed by the support of her teammates Eve Nic Giolla Bhain, Niamh Woods(both medaling by finishing in the top 12) Aoibeann Hegarty, Eimear Gallagher, Hayley Callaghan, Éabha Walsh, Clodagh Naughton and Millie O’Donovan secured the girls gold and crowned Ulster Champions .
The U11 boys entered the Championships full of hope and expectation and were lead home by outstanding trio James Kilfeather, caoimhin Byrne,Scott doherty in top 20 finish supported by consistent shea Mcmenamin, cian McGonagle , Jake Donovan and benjamindeery -smith all packed well together secured the boys claim team bronze.
Our U13 girls team did us proud, mid-packing in a bunch and, as a consequence, placing 4th, several points off the podium. In the field of 44, they were led home by Ella Brennan with an impressive run placing 6th , followed home by Lucy Sweeney who crossed the line in 26th spot . Emma Naughton , Siobhan Gallagher , Cara Harkin , Reah Robinson and Ruth McGrenra all in close pursuit, gaining national qualification.
The U13 Boys team of Davyn McGlynn , Daragh McGuirk, Ewan summers, John devlin, Luke mcclafferty Rueben o Domhnaill , Barnaby Lyons and Louis Derry smith all packed well to finish in the 4th team overall .just outside the medal slots but still gained national qualification .
The U15 Boys toed the line Daragh Naughton finished in14th position , followed by Luke Sweeney, tristan Guzman,Michael hartigan and tadhg McKenna all finished strong.
Our u17 Girls team were without Sophie kEllis and Emma Bonar who both had to withdraw 24 hours before the Championships due to illness but didn’t stop the lac trio on exhibiting
excellent performances. . Sarah Henry continued to show her grit and class with a superb 7th place finish. Sarah was followed home by Anna Russell in 9th and Cara McGonagle in 21st.
Sophia Ward and Philip McGee flew the black and amber colour s in the u19 race , both in top 10 finish. Sophia finished in 8th position and Philip placed 7 th in boys U19 race . Both Sophia and Philip claimed individual medals.
Several of our Lac had the added bonus of scoring for the Winning Donegal teams .
In the U11 Boys , James kilfeather, Caoimhe Byrne and Scott doherty were counters.
U11Girls , Katie McDowell , eve ni ghiolla bhain, Niamh woods and aoibhinn hegarty.
U13 Girls Ella Brennan and Lucy Sweeney and in U15 Boys Daragh naughton.
Cross country medals are hard won and athletes should be extremely proud of participating in and completing a cross country event. Our next outing is Nationals( evens) in gowran Co Kilkenny in 2 weeks. Thank you to all the coaches , parents and athletes for your continued support and commitment.
A BUSY WEEKEND FOR OUR SENIOR ATHLETES
Nov 6th, 2023
Club member Caitriona Jennings competed in the 2023 IAU 50km World Championships in the City of Pearls, Hyderabad, India on the 5th November 2023.
Caitriona finished in 3.29.25 in challenging heat racing amongst elite runners.
Well done to Eoin Hughes who competed in the 87th historic McConnell Shield Cross Country in Sixmilewater River Park, Ballyclare, Antrim.
The club’s Novice teams put in superb performances in Stranorlar in the Ulster ANI Cross Country.
The men’s team comprised of Michael Harkin, Conall Dunne, Adrian Callaghan, Cian Friel, and Garvan Mulligan whilst the women’s team comprised of Clodagh Sammon, Jesseka Gallagher, Stella McCole and Fin Begley.
Jesseka finished in 12th place while the women’s team finished in 7th place.
Outstanding running.
Barry Mackey was competing in Dubai in the Nakheel 5km road race last weekend.
Barry ran a remarkable time of 19:41 finishing in 1st place in his category. Well done to Barry.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
ANN MARIE IS NATIONAL MARATHON CHAMPION
October 31st, 2023
LAC had some outstanding results in the Dublin City Marathon.
Ann-Marie McGlynn ran 2:34:13, the best of the Irish and with it the prize of the National Title. Well done Ann-Marie and a big congratulations from all of your very proud club mates.
Paul Caulfield ran 2:52:06, Paddy Friel 2:59:14, Kevin Ferry 2:58:33, Adrian Callaghan 3:11:01, Stephen Shiels 3:19:02, Gary Kearns 3:34:27, Mark McFadden 3:31:20, Derek Campbell 3:31:14, Chris McMenamin 3:56:09, Pat Brady 4:24:15, Caroline Brady 4:00:24, Odhrán McGowan 4:20:57, Garrett Doherty 3:19:30, Martin O’Donnell 4:19:53, Noreen McGettigan 3:50:07, Graeme Michie 4:26:17 and Ciaran O’Donnell 3:48:17.
A sizeable number of club members travelled to Dublin to support our club mates during the marathon and their shouts of support were greatly appreciated.
The Frankfurt contingent also put in some fine performances with Ciaran McGonagle running 2:33:27, Raymond Birch 2:44:11, Kevin McGee 2:46:14 and Eamon O’Boyle 3:46:39.
Barry Mackey continues his Dubai race series running 1:31:06 in the Half Marathon finishing second in his category.
Closer to home Nakita Burke finished the Spooktacular 5km road race in Enniskillen in a time of 16:56 while Aidan McKenna finished in 19:57.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
BOBBY REA INTERNATIONAL XC
October 23rd, 2023
Congratulations to Noeleen Scanlon and Natasha Adams representing Team Ulster/Northern Ireland at the Bobby Rea International Cross Country last weekend.
Fantastic running from both, finishing 9th and 12th respectively in a very competitive field.
Also, Natasha and Ciaran McGonagle have been selected to represent Ireland at the upcoming British & Irish Master’s Cross Country event in Glasgow on 11th November. Well done Natasha and Ciaran on their achievement.
Best wishes to the 21 club members who will be racing in the Dublin Marathon and Frankfurt Marathon next weekend raising funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The Dublin contingent comprises-
Claire McGuigan, Annmarie McGlynn, Paddy Friel, Kevin Ferry, Adrian Callaghan, Stevie Shields, Gary Kearns, Mark McFadden, Derek Campbell, Chris McMenamin, Pat Brady & Caroline Brady, Odhrán McGowan, Garrett Doherty, Martin O’Donnell, Noreen McGettigan, Ciaran O’Donnell.
The Frankfurt contingent comprises-
Ciaran McGonagle, Raymond Birch, Kevin McGee and Eamon O’Boyle.
The very best of luck from all Club members.
Congratulations to Fintan Smith who ran sub twenty minutes over 5km for the first time last weekend running 19.54.
The club’s Annual General Meeting took place in the Station House Hotel on Monday the 2nd October 2023 and the following positions were approved- Chairperson Raymond Birch, Vice Chairperson Michael Galvin, Secretary Teresa McDaid, Male Captain Eoghain McGinley, Male Vice Captain Ciaran McGonagle, Female Captain Noeleen Scanlan, Female Vice Captain Shauna McGeehan, Treasurer Natasha Adams, Vice Treasurer Eunan Kelly, Senior Registrar Paul Lee, Juvenile Registrar Grit McGee, Juvenile Representative Jarlath Duffy, PRO Ciaran Liddy, Juvenile PRO Tina Page and Children’s Officer Patricia McKenna.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
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SUCCESS AT AUTUMN XC IN ABBOTSTOWN
October 16th, 2023
The Autumn Open International Cross Country took place last weekend at the National Sports Campus in Abbottstown Dublin and LAC athletes represented their club very well.
Noeleen Scanlon took first place in the Master’s women’s race and first in the F35 category while Natasha Adams finished in 4th place, 2nd in her category, F45.
Noeleen and Natasha have been selected to represent Northern Ireland and Ulster in the 2023 Bobby Rea International Cross Country which will take place at the Billy Neill Centre of Excellence, Dundonald on the 21st October 2023. Congratulation Noeleen and Natasha.
Ciaran McGonagle finished in first place in his category M45, while Nakita Burke finished in 4th place in the Senior race in a very competitive field.
Closer to home, The Jog in the Bog was staged in Derry over the weekend and LAC was well represented by Adrian Callaghan and John Hughes. Adrian ran 20:43 while John ran 21.59.
In Dubai Barry Mackey competed in a 10km race finishing 1st in his category in testing heat in a time of 40:40 while in Denmark Ciaran Doherty was first across the line in the Skagen Half Marathon in a remarkable time of 1:14:51.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
SUCCESS AT DONEGAL SENIOR XC - GOLD FOR NAKITA, SILVER FOR DONAL
October 10th, 2023
The Donegal Senior Cross County meet in Mullaghderg took place last weekend and LAC athletes performed brilliantly.
Nakita Burke won the Women’s Senior. An outstanding achievement in a competitive field.
Donal Farren finished in second place in the Senior cross country, an fantastic achievement on a difficult course.
LAC’s Senior Men’s team performed wonderfully well in Mullaghderg finishing in second place. The team was comprised of Michael Black, Philip McHugh, Dessie Shiels, Eoghain McGinley, Donal Farren and Ciaran McGonagle.
Abroad, Barry Mackey finished in 1st place in his category in the Dubai Harbour 5km race. Well done Barry.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
CROSS COUNTRY RETURNS - SUCCESS AT DONEGAL NOVICE XC
October 3rd, 2023
Senior Report
LAC enjoyed some outstanding results in Carndonagh in the Novice Cross Country Championships.
The challenging course saw club member Jesseka Gallagher finish in third place, a superb individual achievement while the team of which Jesseka was a member, the women’s Novice team, also finished in third place. The rest of the team comprised of Alison Higgins, Ciara McFadden, Fin Begley and Danielle Mulhern.
The men’s Novice team made up of Sean McFadden, Ronan Kelly, Dessie Shiels, Cian Friel and Michael Harkin performed very well finishing in second place.
Congratulations to Kathryn McDevitt and Pauric McKinny who were presented with the Donegal Athletics Board Master’s athletes of the year award.
Kathryn has been a wonderful ambassador for LAC. Kathryn has represented the club internationally while sharing her coaching skills with our younger club members.
Kathryn was recently in action in Pescara in Italy running the W40 400m in a 61:21 achieving a 4th place finish.
Sheldon Nyoni and Eoin Kelly received the Eamonn Giles Cup and P.J. Carlin Cup. The cups were presented by the Donegal Athletics Board.
Well deserved recognition for two valued LAC athletes. Congratulation to both young men.
The Donegal East three quarter distance marathon saw Ciaran McGonigle cross the line in 1st place in a time of 1:55:01. In a competitive field this was an impressive result. Well done Ciaran. Enda McLaughlin finished in 2:29:32 while Frank Pinder ran 2:59:02.
In the Donegal East Half marathon Manus McFadden was the first club member to cross the line in 1:41:18, Mairead Cullen ran 1:47:44 and Naoise Enright 1:51:43.
Loreto Collage hosted a 5km race which was well supported by LAC. The first senior club member to cross the finishing line was Sean Brophy in 20:28, Paul Lee ran 23:26 while Stephen Woods ran 24:44 and Liam Wiseman 27:09. Caroline McGonagle ran 30:23.
Best wishes to Barry Mackey who is presently in Dubai undergoing warm weather training.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
KATHRYN TAKES SILVER IN ITALY
September 26th 2023
Letterkenny Athletic Club Notes
Team Toner produced some fine running in the Woodlands National School 5km race. Lucy Toner ran 23.06 while Paul ran 23:07.
Club member Eoghain McGinley crossed the line in first place in a time of 16:45 followed closely by Philip McGee who ran 17:05, Paul McMonagle ran 20:59, Gary Price 22:01, Frank Pinder 22:38, Denis Shields 24:18 and Jimmy McBride ran 29:20. Well done Ita McGee on a superb run finishing in 24:17.
LAC athlete Kathryn McDevitt competed in the W40 200m final at the European Masters Athletics Championships in Pescara Italy in a time of 27.03 securing a fifth place finish in a very competitive field.
Kathryn has also booked a place in the individual 400m final.
Kathryn’s running prowess also assisted the relay team to win silver in the 4x100m.
Superb running by Kathryn.
Congratulations to Sean McEwen, based in Chicago, who ran a personal best of 3:14 in the Berlin Marathon on Sunday.
The club’s Annual General Meeting will take place in the Station House Hotel on Monday the 2nd October 2023 at 8pm. All club members are encouraged to attend.
LAC athlete and coach Ciaran McGonagle finished in 2nd place in the gruelling Seven Sisters Skyline run over the weekend. Ciaran completed the 30km challenge in 3:37:42. Well done Ciaran.
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
DONEGAL 5K & BELFAST HALF
Sep 15th, 2023
The Belfast Half Marathon was well supported by LAC last weekend.
Ann Marie McGlynn won the women’s race in an outstanding time of 1:14:53.
Gary Kearns ran a superb time of 1:34 a personal best for Gary while Chris McMenamin and Ciaran O’Donnell both crossed the line in 1:42. Chris’s time was a personal best. Noel Lynch finished in 1:47.
Well done to all LAC athletes.
The Donegal Shane Bonner Memorial 5km run produced some fine performances. The event was hosted by LAC and once again Divers Hyundai kindly sponsored and facilitated the event.
Eoin Hughes 16:45, Michael Harkin 17:29, Cian Friel 17:52, Enda McLaughlin 18:02, Bryan Kelly 18:39, Dessie Shiels 18:51, Barry Mackey 19:04, Barry McEleney 19:09, Martin Gormley 19:22, Aidan McKenna 20:30 and Frank Pinder 22:25,
LAC meets Tuesday 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run.
All runs start at the Aura. All levels catered for and encouraged.
Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 5.45pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny.
The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend.
Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.
AUTUMN CROSS COUNTRY
Oct 16th, 2022
LAC runners were in action in the Autumn Open International Cross Country this weekend in Dublin.
Nakita Burke ran a fantastic time of 21:23 in the senior women’s relay while Natasha Adams ran 21:53 in the masters women category, a fabulous result.
In the masters men category Ciaran McGonagle finished in an impressive 25:40, Raymond Birch ran 26:44 while Barry Mackey crossed the line in an impressive 30:56
Meanwhile in the masters men 65 plus Brian McBride ran an excellent time of 28:42.
Well done to all athletes who competed in a gruelling cross country meet which was also run as a trial race for the selection of the Irish Master’s teams for next month’s 5 Nations Cross Country International. A report will be provided in next week’s notes in relation to selection as it applies to LAC runners. Full details are not yet available.
LAC offers heartfelt condolences to club member Kathryn McDevitt following the loss of Kathryn’s sister Martina Martin in Creeslough. R.I.P.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
CAITRIONA IS EURO 50K CHAMP
January 22, 2020
The inaugural meet of the IAU 50km European Championships took place in Sotillo de Adrada, Avila, Spain on Saturday 8th October 2022. The championships saw 93 athletes from 20 European Federations taking part.
Representing Ireland was amongst other athletes, the national 50km record holder Caitriona Jennings of Letterkenny A.C.
Jennings took gold. A fabulous achievement.
Marty’s Run made a welcome return in Derry on Sunday the 9th October following a three year absence. LAC runner Nakita Burke was the first female to complete the 5km race in a time of 17.19.
As a mark of respect to the tragic loss of life in Creeslough local race meets and meetings were postponed. LAC offers condolences to all those effected, you are in the thoughts and prayers of our members.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
JUVENILE REPORT - DONEGAL EVEN AGE CROSS COUNTRY
October 6th, 2022
Last Sunday Morning ,Inishowen AC were the hosts for the opening Season of Donegal Even Age Cross -Country held at Carndonagh GAA Grounds. The Black& Amber were well represented on the day with almost 90 juveniles out in force and much fun was had. It was great to see so many new Members especially in the younger age group making their first debut for the club. 💛🖤
Following on from the Novice race, the U8's took part in a Fun,non competitive Race.
The Lac Girls ran with heart and determination , showing no fear in amongst a large field with notable performances from Abby Harkin and Eve walsh. 😊The mighty u8's boys certainly left their mark , with some super talent on display from Mathew Mcdevitt in 3rd , eoin Cuskelly 5th ,Sean Hegarty,6th. And Flynn mulligan in 7th . 👏👏
Aoibhinn hegarty got the day off to a storming start with a Brillant run in the u10 girls claiming her first Indivdual silver 🥈medal, with lac Girls Katie McDowell,Eve nic giolla Bhain,Aoibhe Gibson,Eabha walsh,Niamh woods clodagh naughton and Leah McClafferty who all held their own in the race with each improving greatly and ran with great consistent dedication finishing well in the middle of the pack, enough to secure them silver 🥈medals for the team .😊
The U10 Boys were up next,with great teamwork performance,resulting in Team Silver 🥈. James kilfeather led his teammates home in 11 th , caoimhin byrne, cian Mcgonagle,Noah Mcglynn, Sean Peter Gallagher , all battled 💪their way to the finish line in super top 20 finish.👏
The U 12 s did themselves proud taking a Silver🥈 for the Team with Great Individual runs leading the team home was Reah Robinson who only recently returned to athletics with a superb performance winning individual bronze 🥉followed closely behind were teammates LucySweeney ,Emma Naughton Ruth mcgrenra , Sarah Higgins ,and Paula mercade in impressive fashion. 😊
Our U12 Boys did themselves proud , with many running out of age but didn’t deter the lads from putting in top performances. Davyn McGlynn was the first lac home in 5th, following closely grouped together were Aidan Hegarty, Luke Mcclafferty, Hugo shields, Adam McAuley, Rueben o Domhnaill , Oisin Cuskelly and barnaby Lyon with the team finishing 4 th overall. 👏👏
In the Boys U14, we had our first county Champion of the day with a convincing win for Daragh Naughton who maintained his lead from start to finish with a steady pace to win the gold 🥇medal .Harry Mcelwaine , Swarnim Jha and eoin Sweeney all made their first debut in cross country and ran with great determination and pride👏👏 .The boys came so close to a Team medal finishing 4 th.
In the girls u14 🏃♀️our solo competitor Eimear Cassidy ran a strong race to finish 11th. ⭐️
The U16 girls race was the club performance of the day.as Lac swept all the medals.Anna Russell drove home to a commanding victory to claim gold🥇,followed by her teammates Emma Bonar in 2nd 🥈and Sarah Henry in 3rd.🥉cara Mcmonagle finished a fine 6 th to seal the gold 🥇for the team. Notable performances also displayed from marina mercade,Lucy toner and maria Fleming,👏👏
A Strong 💪Talented U16 Group of seven lads lined the field , in the Black and Amber colors.Rohan Mcmenamin led his team home to victory in a fine 5th , with the team packing well,Kieran mcfeely who ran a good gutsy race finishing in 7 th position, ably supported by Jack Robinson , Caolan Spratt , Ewan McDowell , Harry shields and Henry Lyons to claim the team silver🥈 medals.
Sophia ward had an outstanding run to win Bronze 🥉in the combine u18/19 race. Her hard work was evident on the day . Clara mercade made her first debut and had a exceptional run with a 10 th place finish.👏
Last race of day was Philip McGee who ran a very good race in u18 combined with u 19 boys. Philip went out strong and was well positioned throughout the race claiming the Silver🥈 Medal.
Overall a great day for the club and off again next Sunday for the second of the Donegal (uneven) Cross country championship hosted by the Rosses Ac.
Congratulations to our 10 athletes who were receipents at the👏 Donegal county Board Awards last Friday Evening .A Fantastic Achievement to have accomplished and continued Success from all at Lac. 💛🖤
SENIOR REPORT - BANGOR 10K, GLENMORE 10MILE
Sep 26th, 2022
Mark Grennan was in tremendous form in Saturday morning's Bangor 10K in Co. Down. Mark finished in 12th position in a high quality field. His time was a very speedy 32.30. Natasha Adams was the 2nd woman in Bangor in a fast time of 34.49. Jessica Craig was the only woman to finish ahead of Natasha; her time was 34.40. There were several other impressive performances by Letterkenny AC runners. Paul Caulfield's time was 36.10. Liam Tinney clocked 37.49 and Patrick Brennan crossed the line in 38.47. The overall race winner was Ben Branagh, in 29.54.
Letterkenny AC runners were at the sharp end of Sunday morning's Glenmore 10 Mile Race, which was organised by Finn Valley AC. Ciaran McGonagle's excellent time of 54.43 gave him 1st place. Fellow LAC man, Philip McHugh, was just 18 seconds behind and finished in 2nd place.
Adrian Callaghan crossed the line in a time of 1.10.17. In-form Gary Price set yet another PB. His time of 1.10.38 emphasised how well his training for next month's Dublin Marathon has gone. Mark McFadden ran well and came home in 1.11.49. Derek Campbell's time was 1.12.02 and Martin O'Donnell's was 1.18.14. Frank Pinder had a strong run, finishing in 1.18.18. Christopher McMenamin clocked 1.30.38.
Aidan McKenna had a very busy weekend in Monaghan at the Monaghan Phoenix Marathon Festival. On Saturday, he was 11th in the Monaghan 10K in a time of 41.43. Just 24 hours later, Aidan was back in action, when he ran in a race of more than double the 10K distance. Aidan recorded a time of 1.34.28 for the Monaghan Half Marathon. Mindaugas Balciauskis, Monaghan Town Runners, was the 10K winner in 34.12; Yared Derese, Carrick Aces, won the half marathon in 1.14.01.
LAC endurance specialist, Dale Corbett, took part in another stamina sapping event at the weekend. He ran the Causeway Coast Ultra Marathon in 7.45.44. The distance equates to a full marathon, followed by a half marathon, then 1 Kilometre. Dale finished in a highly creditable 22nd position, which placed him inside the first third of runners. The race winner was Jonathan Gibson, in 5.49.36.
Seamus Morrison was 12th overall and the 3rd M50 runner in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. His time was 23.08. John Doherty completed his 55th parkrun in 24.36. Paul Lee was the 2nd M55 finisher in 25.21. Noel Lynch was 5th in the M50 category in 25.23. Joe Meagher was the leading runner in a time of 19.46.
In the Buncrana parkrun, Anthony Farren was 3rd overall, and the leading M55 finisher, in 22.30. This was Anthony's 40th parkrun. Dara Dunne was the 2nd woman, and the first W50 finisher, in 25.05. The first runner home was Paul Kearney, whose time was 19.41.
The entire Letterkenny Athletic Club community was deeply saddened by the recent death of Margaret Sullivan (nee Devenney.) Margaret was a long serving, hard working, well liked and deeply respected coach with LAC juveniles. She freely gave of her time to encourage young runners and to develop their talents. Her positive and optimistic attitude as well as her friendly and pleasant personality gave a great boost to all she came into contact with. Margaret was predeceased by her father, Patrick, who died shortly before Margaret. The large Letterkenny Athletic Club presence at Saturday morning's funeral in All Saints Church, Newtoncunningham, was a testament to the esteem in which Margaret was held.
Letterkenny Athletic Club would like to convey deepest condolences to the Sullivan and Devenney families.
Margaret Sullivan, R.I.P.
Patrick Devenney, R.I.P.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
SENIOR REPORT - DONEGAL 5K AND BELFAST HALF
19th Sep, 2022
On Sunday, a large number of Letterkenny Athletic Club runners travelled to the south Donegal town of Ballyshannon for the Donegal 5K Championship, the final event in the 2022 Donegal Grand Prix, which began back in May with the North West 10K. It was a highly successful morning for the club, both from the perspective of individual prizes and of team prizes.
As in last week's Milford 10K, Karol Duggan was again 2nd. There was even less of a margin in Ballyshannon than there had been in Milford. Karol was 8 seconds behind the winner in Milford; in Ballyshannon, Karol's very fast time of 15.31 saw him finish just 1 second behind race winner, Rosses AC's Declan Ferry. The next LAC runner was Philip McHugh, who was 5th in a PB of 15.57. Danny Mooney and Raymond Birch were also top 10 finishers. They both clocked 16.27.
Dale Corbett crossed the line in 17.22, Liam Tinney and Frank Sherry in 17.45, Patrick Brennan in 18.13 and Dessie Shiels in 18.24. Barry Mackey was the 3rd M50 finisher in 18.33. The next M50 runner was Aidan McKenna in 18.50. Martin Gormley's return to form continued and his time was 19.17.
Callum Keaveney's time of 19.26 was a PB. Ciaran O'Donnell finished in 20.15. Kathryn Gibbon was well to the fore in the women's race, in a time of 20.41. Michael Galvin's time was 20.51 and Paul Sweeney's was 21.43. John Hughes was 2nd in the M60 category in 21.59. Paul Lee's time was 22.14. Margaret Shiels had a strong showing in the very competitive F50 group with a time of 22.59. Richard Raymond showed that he has recovered well from a recent injury by finishing 3rd in the M60 category in 24.19.
Letterkenny AC enjoyed a highly successful Championship in relation to team prizes. The LAC team, of Karol Duggan, Philip McHugh, Danny Mooney and Raymond Birch took 1st place in the Male Open team. Their aggregate time of 1.04.24 gave them a large gap of more than 12 minutes over their nearest challengers, Finn Valley AC. Gold in the Male 35 team event also went to LAC. The combined times of Liam Tinney, Patrick Brennan, Dessie Shiels and Ciaran O'Donnell came to 1.14.39. This gave the LAC quartet a narrow advantage of just 17 seconds over Tir Chonaill AC. In the Male 50 team event, the LAC team took 2nd place. The aggregate time of the trio, Barry Mackey, Aidan McKenna and Martin Gormley, was 55.25. This was just 76 seconds adrift of the Inishowen AC team, who had the inspiration of the ageless Pauric McKinney. Pauric's time was 16.29, a time many runners half his age would be delighted with.
Also, on Sunday morning, a group of Letterkenny AC runners travelled to Belfast for the half marathon. The event started at Ormeau Embankment, went through the city and finished back at Ormeau Park. The theme for the LAC contingent here was also one of PBs. 75% of the quartet were rewarded with their best ever times over the 13.1 mile distance. Darren Price was the first of the club's runners across the line. His time was a highly creditable 1.20.11. Next was in-form Michael Harkin, whose PB time of 1.22.15 will give him great confidence going into next month's Dublin Marathon. Mark Nee had an excellent PB time of 1.25.58. Stephen Shiels also had a fine run and crossed the line in 1.33.12.
The race winner was Gideon Kipsang in 1.06.50. Gemma McDonald was the 1st woman in 1.23.23.
On Saturday, Marty Friel had an excellent run in the Dublin Half Marathon. His time of 1.43 was a PB. This race was part of a 4 race series and, for the first time ever, Peter Somba, Dunboyne AC, won all 4 races. His time of 1.06.35 gave him victory on Saturday. During the summer, he had won the 5 Mile race, 10K race and 10 Mile race. The winner of the women's race was Barbara Cleary, Donore Harriers, in 1.18.14.
Seamus Morrison was 3rd overall, and the leading M50 finisher, in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. His time was 22.46. Anthony Farren was the leading M55 finisher in 23.21. Noel Lynch was the 2nd M50 finisher in 25.15. Dara Dunne was the 2nd woman overall, and the leading W50 finisher in 25.31. The first runner home was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 19.22
Letterkenny Athletic Club would like to convey 'Congratulations' and 'Best Wishes for the Future' to club members, Niamh McDaid and Danny Mooney, following their recent engagement.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
MILFORD 5K, NATIONAL HALF & GREAT NORTH RUN
September 12th, 2022
Barry Mackey travelled to Ratoath, Co Meath, at the weekend, to run in the National Half Marathon Championship. Barry put on an excellent display and finished the 13.1 mile race in a time of 1.28.47. He was well positioned in a highly competitive M55 category. Barry was the 14th M55 finisher. The category was won by evergreen Pauric McKinney. The Inishowen AC man, and former LAC stalwart, recorded an excellent time of 1.15.02. The race winner was Yared Derese, Carrick Aces AC, in 1.05.29.
Patricia and Aidan McKenna were also in half marathon action at the weekend. They travelled to the north east of England to run in the Great North Run, one of the world's iconic road races. Both ran well and finished strongly in their age groups. Aidan's time was 1.28.07. Patricia finished the race in 2.15.42. Aidan was 44th out of the huge number of M50 runners. Patricia was well positioned among the vast number of W50 runners. There were 60,000 runners in the event, which started in Newcastle and finished in South Shields, on the North Sea coast. The race was won by 21 year old Ugandan, Jacob Kiplimo, in a very fast time of 59.33. Kenyan, Helen Obbiri, won the women's race in 1.07.05. She successfully defended her Great North Run title with a brilliant final kick, outsprinting Olympic gold medallists, fellow Kenyan, Peres Jepchirchir, and Ethiopian Almaz Ayana.
John Hughes took part in the stamina sapping Slieve Croob 10k Challenge on Saturday. The event comprised a 1050 ft climb to the summit, then back down. John's time was a highly creditable 55.38.
Milford Athletic Club organised the Hugo Duggan Memorial 10K on Sunday morning. The race is in memory of Hugo Duggan, who was one of Donegal's best athletes and a man who was well known, well liked and well respected throughout Ireland. Fittingly, Hugo's son, LAC man Karl, was to the fore in the race. He was 2nd in a fast time of 33.29. Karl was just 8 seconds behind race winner, Oran O'Hare. Ciaran McGonagle had a fine run and was 3rd in 33.48. Like all races organised under the auspices of Milford AC, the race went smoothly, benefitting from the experience of James Gibbons and the other helpers.
Martin Gormley travelled to his native Glenties at the start of the week, for the 'Charles McGuiness 5K.' It was a highly successful visit. Martin was 8th overall and the leading M50 runner. He came tantalisingly close to breaking 20 minutes, with a time of 20.02. Patrick Trimble, Rosses AC, was the race winner in 17.25.
In Saturday morning's Buncrana parkrun, Martin Gormley succeeded in attaining a sub 20 minute time. Martin's time of 19.49 gave him 4th place overall and 2nd place in the M55 category. Cathal McLaughlin, Derry City Track Club, was the leading M55 finisher in 18.58. First across the line was Adrian Boyle, of the same club, in 18.32. This was the 10th time that Martin had done the Buncrana parkrun. His recent return to form can be gauged from the fact that this was his fastest Buncrana run to date.
John Anthony Mullen was the leading LAC finisher in the Letterkenny parkrun. He was 7th overall and 2nd in the M55 age group in 23.38. Anthony Farren was the next M55 finisher in 24.22. Dara Dunne was the 2nd woman and the leading W50 runner in 25.42. John Doherty's time was 26.03. Noel Lynch was the first M50 runner in 26.11. Maura O'Grady was also first in her W55 category in 26.12. The first runner across the line was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 19.01.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
WATERSIDE HALF MARATHON AND PARKRUN
September 5th, 2022
With the darker evenings signalling the end of Summer, there are fewer midweek, evening races. It was also a quiet weekend. However, a new cross country season is imminent, so, with that in mind, many Letterkenny AC runners took the opportunity of getting in valuable training runs.
On Sunday, 2 LAC runners made the short journey to Derry for the well established Waterside Half Marathon. Peter Hamilton was well to the fore in the M50 category. His time was 2.01.24 Christopher McMenamin's time was 2.12.09. There were 1237 finishers in the very well supported race. The winner was Gideon Kimosop in a time of 1.07.19.
Also on Sunday, 3 athletes from the club showed their versatility by taking part in the Lough Key Sprint Triathlon in Co Roscommon. All of them put on excellent performances. Niamh McDaid was the winner of the F30-34 category in a total time of 1.29.57. Danny Mooney also won his M30-34 age group in 1.15.21. Liam Tinney's time of 1.28.59 gave him 7th place in the M45-49 category. The event comprised a 750m swim in Lough Key, a 23KM cycle around the scenic shores of Lough Key and finishing with a 5KM run through the beautiful forest park at Lough Key.
Martin Gormley celebrated reaching the half century mark for parkruns completed with a 2nd place finish in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. Martin's time of 20.28 gave him 1st place in the M55 category. He was also the leading male overall. Exactly half of Martin's parkruns have been in Letterkenny; the others have been mainly in Derry City and Buncrana. Martin has been first across the line in 5 of the 25 Letterkenny parkruns he has done. He has also been 2nd 8 times and 3rd on 6 occasions in Letterkenny. Martin has been 1st on one occasion in Buncrana and 1st across the line 3 times in Derry.
Noel Lynch was the leading M50 finisher in the Letterkenny parkrun in a time of 25.34. John Doherty's time was 27.27.
Ann-marie McGlynn was last week given another well deserved award. At the recent Donegal County Board meeting, she was voted Senior Female Athlete of the Year.
Another high profile LAC female runner, Caitriona Jennings, featured in the recent edition of the very popular 'Irish Runner' magazine. It looked in-depth at her astonishing, record breaking 100K race in Berlin.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
WORLD RECORD FOR CAITRIONA IN WORLD 100K CHAMPS
28th Aug, 2022
Over 300 runners completed Sunday morning's very well organised Donegal Half Marathon in Letterkenny. Conditions for runners were calm, dry and humid. The event was sponsored by Kernan Retail Group . Milford AC's in-form, versatile Marty Lynch was the race winner in 1.13.34. The first Letterkenny AC runner across the line was Paul Caulfield, whose time of 1.19 gave him 7th place. Paul was the first of a large number of PBs by LAC runners. Stephen Robinson was next in 1.21.57.
Darren Price has recently been knocking on the door in relation to 5K PBs, with some near misses. However, he knocked the door down with a new half marathon PB of 1.22.07. This was almost 2 minutes off Darren's previous best. Michael Harkin has gained a lot of 5K PBs in the past year. He showed his versatility by gaining a new half marathon PB of 1.22.51. Mark Nee's time of 1.28.16 was also a PB. Liam Ferry crossed the line in 1.29.14. Frank Sherry's time was 1.31.02 and Adrian Callaghan's was 1.32.41. Paddy McDaid finished in 1.34.37. Mark McFadden clocked 1.36.56 and Stephen Shiels 1.37.00. Gary Price added to his growing list of PBs by clocking 1.37.32, to take more than 10 minutes off his existing PB. Derek Campbell's time of 1.40.48 was also a PB.
The gaining of 6 PBs by LAC runners is a testament to the hard work and effort put in over a long period of time by both runners and coaches. The clear evidence of excellent reserves of stamina augurs well for the cross country season.
Endurance specialist, Caitriona Jennings showed her astonishing strength and stamina on Saturday in Munich. She completed 100K in 7.07.16. She was the 3rd woman in the IUAA World Championships. In the process, Caitriona has written several national and world records. Her time was an Irish 100K and 50 Mile record. In addition, it was a world record time for a W40 athlete. The first woman was French athlete, Floriane Hot, in 7.04.03. To put Caitriona's time in perspective, it averages 4 mins 16 secs per KM for the 100K, or 6.52 per mile for each of the 62.1 miles. The event, in distance, is similar to running a Marathon, another Marathon then a 10 Mile race, all consecutively.
Seamus Morrison was 5th overall and the 2nd M50 finisher in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. His time was 22.43. Maura O'Grady was 1st of the W55 contingent in 25.42. Noel Lynch's time of 26.09 placed him 3rd in the M50 category. Frank Sherry, Naas AC, was first across the line in 19.21.
John Hughes was back in his home area in Co Down at the weekend and took in the Dunleath Playing Fields parkrun in Downpatrick. John had a top 10 finish and was the leading M60 runner in 22.18. The first runner home was Owen Carleton, in 16.46.
Martin Gormley succeeded in getting his 5K back under 20 minutes in the Derry City parkrun at the weekend. Martin's time of 19.34 gave him 9th place overall and 1st place in the M55 category. Martin is now just 1 short of the half century mark for parkruns completed. George De Bolla, Knowle and Dorridge Running Club, was the leading runner in 16.59.
Letterkenny AC would like to convey best wishes to club athlete, Christine Russell. Christine, who had represented the club with distinction in recent years, has recently gone to the University of Oklahoma on an Athletics Scholarship. She is studying for a Masters of Accounting. Christine has said she will keep the club informed of any running updates from her new home.
Letterkenny AC wishes to express sincere condolences to Seamus Morrison, and his family, following the recent death of his mother, Bridget.
Bridget Morrison, R.I.P.
The club also wishes to convey sincere condolences to Neil McCollum, and his family, following the recent death of his sister, Marie.
Marie McCollum, R.I.P.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
ANN MARIE EXCELS AT EURO CHAMPS IN MUNICH
August 22nd, 2022
At the start of the week, Annmarie McGlynn showed yet again that she is more than capable of competing at the very highest level of Athletics. On Monday, she had a tremendous run in the Marathon at the European Athletics Championships in Munich. Annmarie had a season's best time of 2.38.26, which gave her a place in the top 30. The Irish team, of which Annmarie was a member, finished in a highly creditable 5th place. The other 2 runners were Fionnuala McCormack and Aoife Cooke. Fionnuala was 7th overall in 2.29.25, just 50 seconds behind the winner, Aleksandra Lisowska of Poland. Aoife's time was 2.40.37. Speaking afterwards Annmarie said she was happy to have "come through the field in heat that worsened as the race went on." She expressed her satisfaction with her performance shortly after the race on Highland Radio. Annmarie emphasised that it was a team race and she was determined to ensure the team got a good result. The 5th place was, indeed, a good team performance. The Irish trio, whose aggregate time was 7.48.28 finished almost 3 minutes ahead of the Great Britain and N. Ireland team. Germany won the team event.
Mark English put in a medal winning performance at the end of the week. He had a superb run in the 800m and won the bronze medal in a time of 1.45.19, the 3rd fastest Irish time ever run in a 800m race.
Teresa McDaid has been working hard in Munich in her role as Team Manager of the Irish Athletics Team.
Adrian Callaghan recorded a time of 20.20 in Thursday evening's 'Jog in the Bog' 5K in Derry. He was 21st in a large field of 288 runners, meaning Adrian was in the top 7.5% of finishers. The race winner was Allen Boyle in 16.32.
Stephen Robinson was the winner of Friday evenings Kildarragh Fair 5K in Creeslough. Stephen's time of 18.38 put him 41 seconds clear of his nearest challenger. Cian Friel also had a fine run and was 4th overall in 20.14.
Martin Gormley was 3rd overall in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. His time of 20.20 was good enough to see him finish as the first M55 runner. Martin is closing in on the 50 mark for parkruns and just needs 2 more to reach the half century. John Anthony Mullen's time was 23.15. He was 7th overall and the 2nd M55 finisher. One man who recently passed the 50 mark was John Doherty. John's time in his 51st parkrun was 25.43. Paul Lee clocked 25.44. The first runner home was William Brown, Ballydrain Harriers, in 18.25.
Letterkenny Athletic Club would like to offer sincere condolences to Ciaran Liddy and his family following the recent death of his father, Sean, in Co Sligo.
Sean Liddy, R.I.P.
Hugh Gallagher
BARRY TAKES GOLD IN PRAGUE
August 13th, 2022
Barry Mackey travelled to Prague and, over the weekend, excelled in 2 events at the Masters' Europa Championship in Lovosice, 60KM from the Czech Republic's capital city. Barry began the weekend with a victory in the M55 1500m track race on Saturday. He ran an excellent time of 5.25. Just 24 hours later, Barry was back in action again, this time in the half marathon. He repeated his success. Once again, he won the M55 category. Barry's time, 1.35.46, was a M55 record for this championship. Barry was also presented with a trophy for being the first Irish athlete to compete at the event. With the temperature during the half marathon approaching 30 degrees, Barry described it as "the hardest race I have ever endured."
Dale Corbett had a fine run in Monday evening's Broughshane 10K, just outside Ballymena. Dale's time was 39.12.
The very popular, long established Ballyare 10K was held on Friday evening, in very warm conditions. The first Letterkenny AC runner across the finishing line was Frank Sherry in 39.34. Frank was 12th overall and 6th in the highly competitive M40 category. Adam Friel clocked 40.05, Cian Friel 40.42 and Frank Pinder 50.18. The race winner was Feidhlim McGowan, North Sligo AC, in 32.45. The leading woman was Georgina Reid, in 48.47.
Parkrun enthusiast, John Doherty, reached the 50 mark on Saturday morning for Letterkenny parkruns. John's time was Maura O'Grady ran 27.04, which was the fastest W55 time. The first runner home was Paul Murphy, 18.53.
Letterkenny AC has strong representation in Munich at the European Athletics Championships. The Team Manager is Teresa McDaid and in-form Annmarie McGlynn will represent Ireland in the Marathon.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
GALWAY, DOWN AND DANNY MCDAID 15K
August 8th, 2022
Letterkenny Athletic Club runners put in some excellent performances over the weekend, in Co Down, Galway and, nearer home, in Letterkenny. On Friday evening, Nakita Burke had a superb run in the Co Down 5K in Downpatrick. She was the 2nd woman in a fast time of 16.28. The winner was teenager, Emer McKee, Willowfield Harriers, in a time of 16.23. The overall winner was Brhane Gebrebrhan in 15.00.
Donal Farren and Adrian Callaghan both travelled to Galway on Saturday evening for the 'Streets of Galway 8K', a long standing race which is generally recognised as one of the highest quality road races in the country. Both had fine runs. Donal had a creditable top 10 finish in a race full of top class runners. Donal's time was 25.51. Annett Andrew was the winner in 24.10.
Adrian also had an excellent run. He was 18th in the M45 category in 33.34. There were 156 runners in the group, so Adrian finished inside the top 12% of his category.
126 runners completed Sunday's very well organised 'Danny McDaid 15K.' Despite the conditions being warm and windy- not conditions generally favoured by runners- fast times were the order of the day. Natasha Adams was the first Letterkenny AC runner home and she was also the winner of the women's race in 52.57. She had more than 10 minutes to spare over her nearest rival. In addition, Natasha set a new women's record for the race.
The next LAC runner across the line was Ciaran McGonagle in 53.29. Ciaran was 4th in the fiercely contested M40 category. Stephen Robinson clocked 57.06 and Darren Price 58.02. Endurance specialist, Dale Corbett, finished in 1.00.26. Liam Ferry's time was 1.01.01, Mark Nee's was 1.01.04 and Cian Friel's time was 1.01.20.
Keith Shiels celebrated his birthday with a time of 1.03.32. Shauna McGeehan was 2nd in the women's race in 1.03.39. Dessie Shiels clocked 1.06.30 and Gary Price 1.08.47. Fintan Smith and Paul Toner both finished in 1.10.48. Graham Michie's time was 1.12.24 and Martin O'Donnell's was 1.14.27. Patricia McKenna was 2nd in the F50 category in 1.18.26.
Letterkenny Athletic Club is very grateful to the 'Station House Hotel' for the generous sponsorship of the event. The club would also like to express gratitude to Kelly's Toyota, Letterkenny, for supplying the lead car. Letterkenny AC would also like to thank the stewards and everyone else who helped to make the event a success. Brendan McDaid, as usual, provided a highly efficient chip timing system in addition to all the preparatory work he carried out. The race is run over a distance which is rarely run anywhere in Ireland or Britain and was an ideal preparation for anyone preparing for the Donegal Half Marathon at the end of August.
Paul Lee was 5th overall and the leading M55 finisher in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. His time of 22.36 also meant he was the first M55 runner across the line. John Doherty, now just 1 short of the 50 mark, had a time of 26.52. Noel Lynch's time was 32.36. He was 5th in the M50 category. The first runner across the line was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 18.31.
The Irish team for the forthcoming European Athletics Championships in Munich has got a strong Letterkenny AC influence. The team manager is the highly acclaimed experienced Teresa McDaid. As a result of her highly impressive recent performances, Annmarie McGlynn has been chosen to run in the Marathon. It should be a strong Irish Marathon team as Fionnuala McCormack and Aoife Cooke have also been chosen.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
DUNGLOE, DUNLEWEY, MILFORD AND NATIONAL LEAGUE
August 1st, 2022
The capital of the Rosses, Dungloe, was the setting for Tuesday evening's 5K. 7 days earlier, in another part of The Rosses, Ciaran Doherty and Declan Ferry had been involved in one of the most exciting ever finishes to a Donegal race. In the Burtonport 5K, both men were credited with a time of 15.15, with Declan getting 1st place by a fraction of a second. There was no such close finish in Dungloe. Letterkenny AC man, Ciaran Doherty, was a convincing winner in a time of 15.36. Ciaran had 49 seconds to spare over his closest challenger, Shane O'Donnell, Rosses AC. Ciaran's wife, Teresa of Finn Valley AC, made it a family double. She won the women's race in a time of 16.49.
2 days later, the action remained in west Donegal. The Dunlewey Festival 5K took place in the scenic beauty of the picturesque, Gaeltacht village in the shadow of Donegal's highest peak, Errigal mountain. John Hughes put on a fine display and crossed the line in 22.07. The winner was Inishowen AC's Liam Bradley, whose time was 16.46. It was an excellent performance, as Liam is one of a very small number of M50 athletes to have been first in a Donegal race. The first woman was Fionnuala Diver, formerly of LAC and now competing for Rosses AC. Her time was 18.55.
Over 100 runners, including a large number from Letterkenny AC, took part in Friday evening's 'John Kilmartin Memorial 5K' in Milford. Despite the torrential rain, the race was of a high quality, with fast times and all the categories being keenly contested. The race winner was in-form Rosses AC man, Declan Ferry, who clocked 15.20.
The first LAC runner was Mark Greenan, who was 3rd in a time of 15.35. Milford Native, Karol Duggan, was 4th and the first M40 finisher in 15.48. LAC's 3rd runner in the top 10 was Philip McHugh, whose time was 16.49.
The women's race was of an exceptionally high standard and, like most local and national races, LAC women were to the fore. Noeleen Scanlan finished in 16.56, which gave her only 2 seconds to spare over club mate, Nakita Burke. Evergreen, Maria McCambridge, continues to defy the years. The Dundrum South Dublin runner, ex Olympian and former LAC stalwart recorded a time of 17.19. Shauna McGeehan was the next senior woman in a time of 19.15.
Paul Caulfield's time was 17.01, and he was followed by Stephen Robinson in 17.06. Next was Danny Mooney in 17.09. Michael Harkin continued the excellent form he has shown in the past year with a time of 17.42. Frank Sherry clocked 18.11, Liam Tinney 18.25, Mark Nee 18.30, Cian Friel 18.43 and Dessie Shiels 18.51. Barry Mackey was 3rd in the very competitive M50 category in 18.57. Keith Shiels' time was 18.58.
Mark McFadden crossed the line in 20.17 and Paul Sweeney in 21.59. Brian McBride was to the fore in the M60 category with a time of 22.36. Pat McKenna was the 2nd F50 runner in 24.13. Niamh McDaid's time was 24.18. M60 runner, Richard Raymond, overcame a troubling injury to come home in 24.38.
The race was very well organised, benefitting from the experience of Race Director, James Gibbons, and Brendan McDaid, the chip timing expert.
Track and Field specialist, Kathryn McDevitt, put on a quintet of quality performances on the track in Athlone on Sunday. She was running as a guest for Tir Chonaill AC and helped the Tir Chonaill women to 3rd place in the Division 1 competition; they gathered 125 points. Kathryn was 2nd in the 100 metres Sprint in 13.12 seconds. Her time of 27.36 seconds for the 200 metres also gave her 2nd place. Kathryn showed her versatility by finishing in 4th place in the shot putt with a throw of 8.55 metres. She also performed well in the 2 relay races. Kathryn ran the 3rd leg of the 4 X 100m relay. The team finished in 54 seconds. She ran the 1st leg in the 4 x 400m relay, where her team were 3rd in 4.36.98.
John Doherty completed his 48th Letterkenny parkrun on Saturday morning in a time of 25.29. Noel Lynch was the leading M50 runner in 28.23. The first runner across the line was Grant Murphy, of Glasgow club Bellahouston Road Runners, in 17.18.
Martin Gormley had an excellent run in Saturday's Buncrana parkrun. Martin was 2nd overall and the leading M55 finisher in 20.11. This is the fastest time Martin has done in the 9 Buncrana parkruns he has taken part in. All have been in 2022. The first runner across the line was Patrick Mackie, Bromsgrove and Redditch AC, in 17.47.
Letterkenny AC's very popular 'Danny McDaid 15K' will take place on Sunday August 7th. It starts at 11.30 am. Registration is at Aura Leisure Centre from 10.00 am. Online entry is €15 and entry on the day is €18. Technical Tee Shirts will be given to the first 200 entrants. Details about online entries are available on the club's Facebook page. The page is ' Letterkenny Athletic Club.' The club appreciates the generous sponsorship of the event from the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny.
Hugh Gallagher,
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
FROM BURTONPORT TO OREGAN
July 25th, 2022
Tuesday evening's Burtonport 5K saw one of the closest, most exciting ever finishes to a race in Donegal. Declan Ferry, Rosses AC, and Letterkenny AC's Ciaran Doherty, both Rosses natives, were involved in a sprint finish. Both were credited with a very fast time of 15.15, with Declan Ferry taking first place by the narrowest of margins.
Sean McFadden showed his phenomenal powers of recovery by clocking 19.05, just a week after completing the stamina sapping Mizen to Malin cycle.
Aidan McKenna had a fine run in Monaghan. He recorded a time of 1.09.06 for a 10 Mile race. The time was good enough to earn Aidan 4th place in a highly competitive M50 category in the Blayney Rockets event. The leading M50 runner was Liam Ryan, in 1.01.54. The overall race winner was Gideon Kimosop in 52.42.
Patricia McKenna also had an excellent time. She celebrated her birthday a day early by finishing in 1.24.01. The F50 category was also keenly contested and Patricia was 5th. The category winner was Sarah Benton, North Down AC, in 1.13.25. Tara Malone was the winner of the women's race. Her time was 1.06.00.
The leading LAC finisher in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun was John Anthony Mullen in a time of 23.14. John was 8th overall and the leading M55 finisher . John Doherty's time was 28.01. John is now just 3 runs short of the half century mark. Noel Lynch was the 2nd M50 finisher in 28.40. Maura O'Grady's time was 35.44. She was 3rd in the W55 category. The first runner across the line was Gerard Coyle in 21.18.
The World Athletics Championships, in Oregon, USA, have now come to a close. The Technical Leader of the Irish team has been LAC's hard working coach, Teresa McDaid.
Letterkenny AC's very popular 'Danny McDaid 15K' road race will take place on Sunday August 7th. It starts at 11.30 am. Details about online entries are available on the club's Facebook page. The page is 'Letterkenny Athletic Club.' The club appreciates the generous sponsorship of the event from the Station House Hotel,
Letterkenny.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
NEWMILLS 10K AND JUNIOR GOLD FOR RYAN CANNING
July 18th, 2022
Over a hundred runners braved the searing Sunday morning heat to run in the Letterkenny Athletic Club New Mills 10K. Despite the heat, the race was high in quality and included one LAC runner equalling her own Irish age category record.
The race winner was Derry runner, John Paul Willamson, whose time was 33.28. The next runner across the line was Ciaran Doherty who, perennially, is at the sharp end of races. Ciaran's time was 33.56. During the week, Ciaran and fellow LAC man, Ciaran O'Donnell, had assisted club mate Sean McFadden, who took on the herculean task of cycling from Mizen to Malin, a distance in excess of 600KM.
Natasha Adams was 7th overall and the winner of the women's race. Her time of 34.41 equalled her own Irish F45 record, which she set 2 months ago. Philip McHugh's time was 35.55. Raymond Birch had a top 10 finish and was 2nd in the M40 category. His time was 36.02. Stephen Robinson clocked 36.51.
Michael Harkin's rich vein of form continued and he crossed the line in 37.41. Martin Devenney's time was 37.59. Nakita Burke was the 3rd woman, in 38.40. Finn Valley AC's Teresa Doherty was the 2nd woman in a time of 36.12. Mark Nee finished in 39.54, Liam Ferry in 40.14 and Cian Friel in 41.02.
Barry Mackey was to the fore in the M50 category, finishing in 41.10. Kieran Crawford's time was 42.18. Keith Shiels and Adrian Callaghan both clocked 42.46, Dessie Shiels 42.56, Mark McFadden 43.48, Paul Toner 43.50 and Joey Segal 44.09. Shauna McGeehan's time was 44.11, Paul McMonagle's was 44.23, Garvan Mulligan's was 45.33 and Fintan Smith's was 45.59.
Paul Lee finished in 46.46, Gary Price in 46.47, Stephen Shiels in 47.56, Paul Harris in 48.46 and Paul Sweeney in 49.11. Patricia McKenna was the winner of the F50 category in a time of 52.23.
The Donegal 10K Championship was subsumed within the race and LAC had a highly successful day. The club won the prize for the 1st female team. The 3 counters, Natasha Adams, Nakita Burke and Shauna McGeehan, garnered an aggregate time of 1.57.36. The Senior men's team were 2nd. The aggregate time gained by Philip McHugh, Stephen Robinson and Mark Nee was 39.57.
The Rosses AC team won the men's 1st prize. The LAC M35-49 team won 1st prize in the M35-49 team competition. Ciaran Doherty, Raymond Birch and Michael Harkin's combined time was 1.47.44, which saw then with 7 minutes to spare from their closest challengers. To complete a highly successful day, the LAC M50 team took 2nd place. Barry Mackey, Paul Lee and Stephen Shiels combined to produce a time of 2.16.06. The Inishowen AC M50 team, who have enjoyed considerable success at National level, took first prize.
Letterkenny Athletic Club would like to thank An Garda Siochana, the Red Cross, the stewards and all others who helped make the race a success. The club is grateful to Diver's Hyundai for their valuable sponsorship of the event.
Ryan Canning's excellent form at National level continued. He was the winner of the Junior Men's race at the 'National Junior and U23 Championships' in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Ryan's time was 56.45 seconds, which was more than 2 seconds clear of his closest rival, Cillian McCabe, Rathfarnham WSAF AC.
Paul Lee had prepared for Sunday's 10K by running in the Letterkenny parkrun 24 hours earlier. Paul is a parkrun regular and this was his 83rd outing. Paul also helps to organise the event. His time was 23.23, which gave him a top 10 finish. He was also the leading M55 runner. Maura O'Grady had her fastest ever time, 25.15. She was the leading W55 finisher. John Doherty completed his 43rd parkrun in 27.50. First across the line was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 18.21.
Martin Gormley travelled to the Inishowen peninsula to run in the Buncrana parkrun. It was a highly successful outing, with Martin finishing in 4th position in 20.19. He was the leading M55 finisher. The first runner home was Jon-Jo Doherty, Liverpool Harriers & AC, in a fast time of 16.12. It was the 2nd fastest time ever run in the Buncrana parkrun.
Teresa McDaid, the club's highly experienced and highly rated coach, is currently in Oregon, USA with the Irish team at the World Athletics Championships. Teresa's designation is Technical Leader. The Championships are based at the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. It is the first time the World Athletics Championships have been held in the USA.
Letterkenny AC's very popular 'Danny McDaid 15K' road race will take place on Sunday August 7th. It starts at 11.30 am. Details about online entries are available on the club's Facebook page. The club appreciates the generous sponsorship of the event from the Station House Hotel,
Letterkenny.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny AC PRO
NATIONAL SUCCESS FOR ROHAN AND ERIN
July 14th, 2020
Several of our Athletes were in action in Tullamore last weekend at second round of Nationals. On saturday our Solo Competitor was Harry Mcelwaine. a new comer to athletics and competed in his first National . . Harry just missed out on finals of U 14 Boys 80 m, finishing 4th in his heat but gained a new pb of 10.75. An. upcoming athlete with a lot of talent, no doubt will have many more nationals to follow. . A fantastic Achievement to reach National Level .
Sunday saw the return of U14 Darragh Naughton And U15 Rohan Mcmenamin in action in the 1500m. Darragh had a very strong race , composed himself well , in the leading pack over several laps , but was unfortunate to be overtaken on the corner of last 200m , missing out on podium spot but a fantastic 4th position. Darragh has had a great season and will take a well earned break now before cross country season.
Rohan Mcmenamin excelled himself well in is 1500 m race. . Rohan has shown great progression throughout this season having ran a gutsy race , battling his way to finish line to earn himself a deserving First National Bronze Medal and and a new pb. . This was a brilliant result for Rohan, after been a little disappointed with his 800 m result last weekend.
Our sprint Duo (U16) Fern Duffy and(U15)
Erin Friel competed in the 200m. Fern ran well in her heat , achieving a new pb of 26.96. .Erin finished first in her heat and continued her fine form going into the finals with an impressive performance time of 26.09 to claim a National Bronze Medal. Erin was back on podium spot with another excellent display of natural speed of 12.89 in the 100 m to claim Silver, adding to her Medal Collection. A Rewarding result for Erin’s hard work.
Ryan Bradley a talented sprinter competed in the U16 100m. Ryan ran well finishing 6th in his heat. Congratulations to all our athletes on their progress to reach National s, a huge achievement on its own .
Congratulations to juvenile Coach Kathryn Mcdevitt on her Double Gold Medals won at the Worlds Athletics in Finland last weekend.
DOUBLE WORLD MASTERS GOLD FOR KATHRYN MCDEVITT
July 11th, 2022
A large group of Letterkenny AC runners ran in Friday evening's Rathmullen 5K. The weather conditions in the seaside town were near perfect for running. In-form Nakita Burke was the first LAC runner home. She was 5th overall and the first woman, in a very fast time of 16.12. Stephen Robinson's time of 16.35 gave him a top 10 finish. Patrick Brennan's excellent form continued and he gained a new PB of 17.46. Dessie Shiels finished in 18.07.
Sean McFadden made a welcome return to competitive action in Donegal. Sean, and Irene, Ruari and David have recently returned from Dubai for the summer. Sean's time was 18.19. Keith Shiels clocked 18.49. Barry Mackey was 3rd in the M50 category. He ran 18.50 and was delighted to get his time down to under 19 minutes again.
Fintan Smith's time was 20.04. Gary Price crossed the line in 20.12, Paul Sweeney in 21.30 and Mairead Cullen in 23.30. Margaret Shiels won the F50 category in 23.46. Young Gracie Smith finished in 42.08. The race winner was John Paul Willamson in a fast time of 15.16.
Noeleen Scanlan had another exceptional performance on her Sunday sojourn to Co Offaly. She ran comfortably inside the 1 hour mark in the Edenderry AC 10 Mile Road Race. Noeleen is no stranger to podium finishes and this race was no exception. She finished in 2nd place in the women's race in a very fast time of 59.08. Noeleen has set remarkably high standards recently at 5K and 10K. However, she underlined her versatlility in Edenderry by running a fast time over a much longer distance. The winner of the women's race was Michelle Finn, Leevale AC, in 57.43. The overall race winner was Paul O'Donnell, Dundrum South Dublin, in 49.49. 1 place ahead of Noeleen was the Tipperary teacher who is currently based in Donegal, Gary Scully. Gary, who seems to pop up all over Ireland, clocked 58.52. Just a day earlier, Gary had been first across the line in the Buncrana parkrun in 18.28. On Friday evening, he had completed the Rathmullen 5K in 16.32. Former LAC stalwart, Maria McCambridge, Dundrum South Dublin, was the leading F45 finisher in 59.59.
Kathryn McDevitt has travelled even further afield and is currently in the Finish town of Tampere. Kathryn is competing in the World Masters' Track and Field Championships. She had a golden weekend, in fact it was doubly golden. She helped the Irish W40 4 x 100m relay to gold on Saturday at the Ratina Stadium. Kathryn ran the 2nd leg; the other legs were run by Avril Dillon, Snezana Bechtina and Sinead O'Regan. The team's time was a very fast time of 48.80 seconds, which gave the Irish team 1st place ahead of USA and Finland.
Less than 24 hours later, Kathryn was back in action on the track again. She added to her gold tally by helping Ireland to another relay win, this time in the W40 4 x 400m relay. Snezhana Bechtina and Sinead O'Regan featured in this team as well. The 4th runner of the quick, quality quartet was Annette Quaid. Their time was 3.58.83. Once again, the USA and Finland were 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Parkrun regular, Maura O'Grady, was 8th overall, 2nd woman and the leading W55 finisher in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. Her time was 25.35. James McBride was the leading M70 runner in 38.36. The first runner across the finishing line was William Brown, Ballydrain Harriers, in 18.48.
John Hughes was back in his home area of Downpatrick at the weekend and used the opportunity to take in the local parkrun, Dunleath Playing Fields parkrun. John was to the fore in the run. He was 4th overall, and the leading M60 finisher, in a time of 22.12. The leading finisher was Tim McBride in 17.17.
Letterkenny Athletic Club's very popular New Mills 10K will take place on Sunday July 17th. The race has a start time of 11.30am. Online entry is € 10. The entry fee on race day is €12. Details of the online entry are available on the club's Facebook page, 'Letterkenny Athletic Club.' Check in and registration will be available from 10.00am at Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny. Letterkenny AC is grateful to Diver's Hyundai for their continued and generous sponsorship of the event.
Details will be available in future weeks about the 'Danny McDaid 15K', which will take place on Sunday August 7th, also starting at 11.30am. It is one of the few races anywhere in Ireland or Britain that is run over this distance. The club appreciates the generous sponsorship of the event from The Station House Hotel, Letterkenny.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
NATIONAL TITLE FOR JAMES AND RUEBEN
July 5th, 2022
The first of three weekends of National Track and Field championships took place in Tullamore last weekend with some exceptional performances from our younger Lac athletes and u14/15 ‘s. It may not have been a medal day for everyone, but each and everyone of our athletes did themselves and the club proud with reaching National Level.
Day 1 saw our Young U10 Duo’s Aoibhe Gibson and Charley Mcgee O Donnell compete in their first nationals . Together with a combined result of 24.98 resulted in 5 th place with both displaying great potential in the Turbo Javelin with super throws.
Our U11 Boys were in action in the
childrens games competiting as teams. This group of boys have made the headlines on several occasions and have bonded well as a team .
Highlight performance of the day was the U11 Turbo Javelin. Which saw James Davison and Rueben o Domhnaill crowned All Ireland Champions . James , holding the Ulster title gave an impressive throw of 21.21 along with another from Rueben at 21.17, combined result gave them a total of 42.48 enough to claim the gold. This was no surprise as both boys have shown consistent performance s at Donegals , provincial’s and now winning the National with new pbs.. Well Done Boys. Next up was Duo Daragh McGuirk and darragh coyle competed in the 60 m sprint finishing 7th overall and then back on track for the 600 m saw them finish a creditable 5th place with darragh mcgurik achieving a new pb of 9.39.
Well Done to Daniel McGlynn and Arnav Radhakrishnan nair ,U11 Girls , Grace Martin and Sadbh shields who all gave good throws in the Turbo Javelin and enjoyed the experience. This was a popular event for our Lac u11 Boys &Girls.
Emma Naughton competed in the U12 High Jump , showing great potential and gaining new knowledge and experience.
In the U12 Sprints Oisin Cuskelly narrowly missing out in the final of 60 m , but Ran extremely well in his heat.
Brendan Ndambira claimed silver in the 80 m , having qualified as 1st from his heat in 12.23. He left it all on the track running hard all the way to a fantastic Silver in the finals in 10.54.
Jack o donnell finished 3rd in his 60 m heat and finished 7 th in the finals. Grace McGlynn finished a fantastic 5th overall with a strong throw of 9.31.and a pb. Grace has shown consistency and excellent ability throughout track and field season and will have many more nationals to follow. Well Done Grace. Clodagh Gallagher enjoyed her first National event competing in the high jump,
.
On Sunday, saw three Lac. middle distancers in action in the 800 m. Daragh Naughton , another consistent athlete this T&F season on results ran a strong tactical race to claim the Silver National Medal . U15 Emma Bonar , dominated her race from get go , running a mature and confident race to finish in 2nd, adding another National Medal to her collection. Rohan Mcmenamin had an excellent run in the 800 m heats , finishing 2nd , qualifying for finals in which was a highly competitive race. Rohan held well his position amongst a tight crew , just not able to gain medal position but had a strong finish in 5th. Rohan will have plenty more national events for years.
Katie Elliott competed in the U15 75 mh, just missed out on qualifying for finals. Katie finished 5 th overall in the High Jump, . Katie has had an outstanding track and field Season so far gathering a collection of medals and Pbs and no doubt will continue to grow her talent. Well Done Katie.
A great day was had from u13 Maeve Doherty finishing 5th and a PB in a time of 2.08 in the 80m and Ava Harkin competed in the Javelin giving it her all to finish a fine 8th place.
Anya Duffy finished 9th in the u14 girls javelin with a throw of 24.54 which also makes it a PB .
One of the last events of the day was our 11 and U13 Boys 4x100m relays. The U11 Boys were unfortunate placing 4th just missed the podium spot but showed great team spirit and acquitted themselves well.
The U13 Boys were victorious in their relay race claiming a very deserving Team Bronze National Medals. The team was made up of Brendan Ndambira, Jack o Donnell , thali Daher, eoghan Duffy and U12 sub Oisin Cuskelly .The Boys ran in great spirit and determined to get a medal and it certainly paid off. Well Done Boys.
Thank you to Coaches and parents for continued support and well Done to all our competitors.
ROSCOMMON 10 MILE AND 5K FOR KAREN
June 26th, 2022
Ann Marie McGlynn put on yet another outstanding performance on Saturday. She was the first woman in the Roscommon 10 Mile Race. Not only was she the winner of the women's race in a phenomenal time of 55.32, but she also set a new course record. Ann Marie put a gap of 80 seconds between the very highly rated, Michelle Finn (Leevale AC), and herself. Ann Marie's impressive pace worked out at an average of 5.32 per mile.
Fellow LAC runner, Conor Gallagher, also had an excellent run. He was 14th in a time of 57.43. The overall race winner was William Maunsell, Clonmel AC, in a very fast time of 50.34.
A large number of Letterkenny AC runners supported a good cause on Tuesday evening and ran in the '5K for Karen.' Almost 150 runners supported the event. Milford AC's Martin Lynch was first across the line in 16.32, followed by LAC's Danny Mooney in 17.22. Philip McHugh was 4th in 17.28. Noeleen Scanlan's good form continued; she was the leading woman and 5th overall in 17.30.
Patrick Brennan was 5th in the highly competitive M40 category in 18.31. Dessie Shiels clocked 19.10, with his brother, Keith, next in 19.18. Calum Keaveney crossed the line in 20.50 and Fintan Smith in 21.06. The M50 category was also keenly contested and Stephen Shiels and Barry Mackey were a highly creditabfle joint 4th in 21.29.
Paul Sweeney's time was 22.05. In-form Brendan Delap was the leading M60 runner in 22.13. He was closely followed by the 2nd M60, John Hughes, in 22.20. Bryan Margey's time was 23.06, with Lee Gildea close behind on 23.13. Margaret Shiels won the F50 category in 24.05. Richard Raymond's time was 24.38. Christopher McMenamin clocked 24.43. Patricia McKenna was the 2nd F50 runner in 24.47. Maura O'Grady's time was 24.59. Frank Pinder crossed the line in 25.31. Shauna McGeehan finished in 26.30 and Niamh McDaid in 26.32.
Prolific racer, Barry Mackey, was back in action on Sunday morning in the Donegal Town Summer Festival 10K. Barry was 3rd in the M50 category in a time of 41.41. The race winner was Martin Cunningham, Tir Chonaill AC, in 33.25. Finn Valley AC's Teresa McGloin had an impressive run and was 2nd overall in 34.48. The ubiquitous teacher from Co Tipperary, Gary Scully, is a welcome addition to the running scene in Donegal every summer. He has recently returned and he completed the 10K in 36.46. He was 1st in the M40 category. Earlier in the week, in the '5K for Karen', he was 3rd overall and the leading M40 runner in 17.23.
Letterkenny Athletic Club's very popular New Mills 10K will take place on Sunday July 17th. The race has a start time of 11.30am. Online entry is €10. The entry fee on race day is €12. Details of the online entry are available on the club's Facebook page, 'Letterkenny Athletic Club.' Check in and registration will be available from 10.00am at Aura Leisure Centre. Letterkenny AC is grateful to Diver's Hyundai for their continued and generous sponsorship of the event.
Details will be available in future weeks of the 'Danny McDaid 15K', which will take place on Sunday August 7th, also starting at 11.30 am. The race is named in honour of legendary LAC athlete Danny McDaid, who competed for Ireland in the Marathon at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Danny, with an incredible marathon PB of 2.13.06 (Limerick, 1976), can still be seen out running on a regular basis. He puts a lot of work into the club in a variety of roles and is well deserving of having an event named after him. The club appreciates the generous sponsorship of the event from The Station House Hotel, Letterkenny.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny AC PRO
TOP TEAM IN SAN FRANCISCO
January 22, 2020
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NATIONAL T&F, NI MASTERS AND GLENSWILLY 5K
June 26th, 2022
Nakita Burke reinforced her status as one of Ireland's top runners in the National Senior Track and Field Championships at the Santry track, Dublin, at the weekend. She was 5th in the 5000m race in 16.43. The race was full of the elite of Irish distance runners, with Fionnuala McCormack winning it in 16.07.
Johnson Bangura was 7th in his 100m heat in 12.47 secs. The winner of the heat was Colin Doyle, Leevale AC, in 11.22 secs. Eoin Kelly was 5th in his 400m heat.
Kathryn McDevitt had a sensational triple gold success in the Northern Ireland Masters' Track and Field Championship. She was the gold medallist in both of her 2 specialist distances of 100m and 200m. Kathryn won the 100m in a time of 13.31 seconds. Her 200m winning time was 27.05 secs. Her terrific, triumphant trilogy was completed when she picked up gold in the 400m. Not only did her time of 62.76 secs give her a gold medal; it was also a PB. Kathryn's performances were made even more remarkable because of the very strong wind she had to battle. As a bonus, she gained a silver medal in the Triple Jump. These astounding successes will fill Kathryn with confidence ahead of the World Masters' Track and Championships. Kathryn will be competing in the 200m, the Triple Jump and will be a key member of the Irish 4 x 100m relay team and the 4 x 400m relay team. To complete a memorable weekend for Kathryn, her young son, Matthew, won a silver medal in the 60m race at the Donegal County Community Games Finals.
Danny Sharkey won the M60 3000m Walk in 19.59.29.
The community of Glenswilly put on a 5K on Tuesday evening which, as usual, was of a very high standard. The race was well organised, the food after the race was a veritable banquet and the chip timing provided by Brendan McDaid was thoroughly efficient. The popularity of the event was underlined as there were more than 500 runners taking part.
Paul Caulfield was the leading Letterkenny AC runner in a fast time of 17.02, which gave him 14th place. Darren continued his remarkable consistency and crossed the line in 17.12. Adam Friel's time was 17.26. LAC's 'King of the PBs' Michael Harkin, continued his astonishing success. He brought his 5K time down to 17.26. Michael's evening was made more successful as he won 1st prize in the M45 category.
Shauna McGeehan was the 3rd woman in 18.36. Claire McGuigan, Lifford Strabane AC, was the winner in 17.01. Mark Nee was the 2nd M45 finisher in 18.42. Philip McGee's time was 18.56. Cian Friel clocked 19.05. Dessie Shiels was the 3rd M45 finisher in 19.12. Dessie's brother, Keith, was just 3 seconds behind in 19.15. Anna Russell clocked 19.30 and Joey Segal 19.31. Barry Mackey showed that he has recovered from his recent injury problems with a sub 20 minute time of 19.53. Stephen Shiels finished in 20.29, Adrian Callaghan in 20.34, Fintan Smith in 20.47, Derek Campbell in 21.39 and Paul Sweeney in 21.40.
Brendan Delap was the 2nd M60 runner in 22.14. Owen Kelly's time was 22.16. Noreen McGettigan's time of 22.27 gave her 1st place in the F45 category. Niamh McDaid's time was 23.15 and Rosaleen Doherty's was 23.41. Margaret Shiels was the leading F50 runner in 23.51. Richard Raymond was to the fore in the M60 category in 24.15. Mairead Cullen's time was 24.19. The race winner was Declan Ferry, Rosses AC, in 16.03.
Noeleen Scanlan and Aidan McKenna both had good runs in the Newell 10K on Friday evening. Noeleen was the 3rd woman and 10th overall in a fast time of 35.15. Aidan was 7th in a highly competitive M50 category in 39.38. The 1st woman was Fionnuala Ross, Armagh AC, and the overall winner was Yared Derese, Carrick Aces.
Barry Mackey travelled to the Midlands on Saturday morning and the journey was well worthwhile. Barry ran an excellent time of 32.53 for the Derravaragh (Co. Westmeath) 5 Mile race. It was Barry's second race of the week. Barry finished in a highly creditable 13th position in a race that was won by Ronan Wogan, in 26.51.
Caitriona Jennings put on an excellent performance in the 10000 metres race in the Hong Kong Athletics Championships at the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground. 10000m is a tough event under any circumstances but Caitriona had to endure a temperature of 29 degrees, as well as a 77% humidity level.
Fin Begley was 3rd in her category in the stamina sapping Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club's event on Saturday. The Triathlon, based in Downings, consisted of a 1.9K swim, a 90K cycle and a Half Marathon. The event was made even tougher by the atrocious, and most unseasonal, weather conditions.
Parkrun regular, John Doherty, completed his 45th Letterkenny parkrun in 26.11. First across the line was Frank Sherry, in 18.45.
The very popular Letterkenny AC New Mills 10K will take place on Sunday July 17th, with a 11.30am start. More details will be provided in future weeks. The club is grateful to Diver's Hyundai for their valuable sponsorship.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
NI SENIORS AND MORE
June 20th, 2022
Several Letterkenny Athletic Club runners took part in Saturday's Northern Ireland Senior Track and Field Championship. The event took place at the Mary Peters' Track, Belfast. All put on superb performances and enhanced the club's already excellent reputation.
Noeleen Scanlan had an outstanding run and seemlessly transferred her impressive road form to the track. She was 2nd in the 5000m in 17.12.59, just 2 seconds behind Emma Mitchell. Nakita Burke was also among the medals. Nakita is renowned as one of Ireland's top runners over 5K and 10K. However, she showed her versatility by finishing in 3rd place in the 1500m race in 4.29.78. The time represented a PB for Nakita. Christine Russell also had an impressive run, finishing in 4.43.08. Rebekah Osborne was first across the line in 4.28.78.
Eoin Kelly ran 51.53 seconds in his 400m heat. Ryan Canning was 3rd in the 400m Hurdles in a time of 56.18 secs. This was a PB for Ryan. The winner was Jack Mitchell, in 52.25 secs. Ciaran Doherty made a stunning return to competitive action with a 3rd place finish in the very tough 3000m Steeplechase. Ciaran's time was 10.23.34. The winner was Adam Kirk-Smith, 9.24.59.
Danny Sharkey was 3rd in the 3000m Walk. Danny's time was 19.20.50. The winner was Brian O'Domhnaill, Finn Valley AC, in 14.42.50.
Aidan McKenna ran in Clones, Co Monaghan, on Friday evening. He enjoyed more success than the Donegal Gaelic footballers had enjoyed at the same location 5 days earlier. Aidan ran 18.42 in the Clones AC 5K. It gave Aidan a top 20 place overall and first place in the M50 category. The race winner was Gideon Kimosop, in a fast time of 15.33.
Endurance specialist, Dale Corbett, took part in the stamina sapping Belfast 24 Hour Race in Victoria Park. Dale covered 81.8 miles, which equates to 3 full marathons and a 5K.
During the week, the very popular Letterkenny AC New Mills 10K was launched by Brendan McDaid and Danny McDaid. It was done in conjunction with our very generous race sponsor, Diver's Hyundai. The race date is Sunday July 17th, with a 11.30 am start. More details will be provided in future weeks. Letterkeny AC is grateful to Diver's Hyundai for their valuable sponsorship.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
ULSTER CHAMPION FOR LAC TRIO
June 13th, 2022
Lac had another exceptional weekend success at the U14-19 Ulster Championships held over two days at the Antrim Forum.
Day 1 started well with our four U14 athletes who all gained All- Ireland Qualification . Maeve Doherty competed in the 75 mh , finishing 6 th in her heat, but was saving her energy for finals with a Strong finish in 13.45 to take the bronze medal. Maeve just missed the podium spot in 80 m finals with 4th place finish. Harry Mcelwaine, competing in his first provincial championship showed great promise in the shot putt and Long jump , whilst in the 80 m , finished 1st in heats and with 4th position in finals , secured him All-Ireland Qualification.
Anya Duffy missed out Medaling by narrowest margin in the javelin taking 4 th with a strong throw of 20.54 and also finished 4 th in the 75 mh . Anya may have gained no Medals but came away with extra experience and booking her spot for Nationals
.Darragh Naughton was in action both days and claimed Double Ulster Titles with Victories in both 800 m and 1500m. Darragh 's superb Performance in the 800 m brought him home comfortably in time of 2.17,52 to take top podium . Back on track early Sunday Morning , darragh continued with another strong dominant performance earning his second Ulster gold medal.
Moving to our older athletes on Day 1 , we had an accumulation of medals won . We saw Fern Duffy , Emma price, Ryan Bradley and Dan o Connell all make it through to finals in their respective sprint race. Fern secured a podium spot in the 100 m claiming Silver and later had another superb performance in the 250 mh securing another Silver Medal. Emma finished 5th overall in 200 m finals. Ryan Bradley was successful in 100m , was 3 rd in his Heats and maintained his speed in final to take the Bronze. Ryan was 5th overall in the 200m . Dan O Connell was 6 th in 200 m, and 7 th in long jump. In the Middle distance , Rohan mcmenanin ran well in 800 m battling his way to finish line to take 3rd podium position with bronze,. Emma Bonar claimed Victory in the 800m coming home in 2.17.63 taking gold, and Ulster Champion a continuation from her outstanding performance in all Ireland schools last week.
Rohan Mcmenanin was back in action on Sunday morning with another strong run in Boys 1500 m gaining himself another Bronze medal. Katie Elliott was in action on Sunday , starting with the 80mh . Katie displayed an excellent performance to take top podium spot and Ulster Champion title . Later in day Katie made it back to podium to claim 3rd in high jump with a fine clearance of 1.45. Erin Friel and Katie both ran the 200 m , with Erin finish 1st in her heat , Katie was 3rd. Erin won bronze in finals with a fine run and Katie finished 5 th .Erin was back on podium later in the day after making it through to finals of 200 m , with an outstanding performance displayed earning the gold along with the Ulster Champion Title Anna Russell had a good run in the 1500m .
Congratulations and well Done to All our Athletes and Thank you to our Coaches and Parents for travelling and supporting athletes last weekend. .
5KS, MARATHONS, TRACK & FIELD
June 13th, 2022
Like May, June is proving to be a busy month for road races. Dessie Shiels was Letterkenny Athletic Club's sole runner in Tuesday's Aurivo 5K in Killygordon. Dessie had a fine run and crossed the line in 18.22. Dessie was 11th overall and 5th in a very competitive M40 category. The winner of the race, which attracted 140 runners, was Finn Valley AC's Dermot McElchar in 16.00.
24 hours later, the 5K action moved closer to Letterkenny, with the Illistrin National School 5K. The first LAC runner home was Cian Friel in 19.50. Cian was 4th overall. Paddy McDaid was just 1 place and 3 seconds behind. Fintan Smith's time was 21.51.
The winner of the women's race was Noreen McGettigan in 23.41. Lucy Sweeney clocked 24.18 and Frank Pinder 26.05. Ruth McGrenra's time was 34.02 and Cillian Devine's was 36.31.The race winner was Patrick Trimble, Rosses AC, in 17.50.
Martin Devenney was in superlative form in Thursday evening's St Eunan's NS 5K in Raphoe He emerged victorious in a time of 17.49. Martin showed that he has fully recovered from his recent Marathon PB in Manchester. The race attracted 280 runners.
The action moved to Letterkeny on Friday evening. Darren Price continued his splendid recent form. He took part in the Letterkenny Gaels 5K and was the leading Letterkenny AC runner in 17.45. Darren was 5th overall and 2nd in the M40 category. Dessie Shiels also maintained his good form and completed his 2nd 5K in 72 hours in a time of 18.39. Dessie's brother, Keith, crossed the line in 19.36, making it a fruitful, fraternal Friday.
John Hughes was the winner of the M60 category in 21.41. Peter Gallagher was just 5 seconds behind, in 21.46. Brian McBride was 2nd in the M60 age group in 22.53. The race winner was Rosses AC's Noel Diver, in 16.50.
Patrick Brennan had a fine run on Saturday morning in the Killyclogher 10K, near Omagh, Co Tyrone. Patrick was 25th overall in 38.51. He was 6th in a highly competitive M40 category. The race attracted almost 300 runners and the winner was Gideon Kipsang, in 32.04.
Marathon specialist, Ciaran McGonagle, put on an excellent performance in Sunday's very tough Wild Atlantic Way Marathon. Ciaran came home in 2nd place in 2.48.15. The winner was James McDonald, Cambridge Harriers, in 2.43.48. The route took in the stunning, scenic coastline from Killybegs to Glencolmcille. It is undoubtedly one of Europe's most scenic Marathons while, similtaneously, being one of the toughest, with a succession of punishing climbs.
At the ANI open track meeting at Antrim Forum 2 weekends ago, Ryan Canning was the leading Under 20 runner, and 2nd overall, in the 400m. His time was 52.38 seconds. The first runner across the line was James Armstrong, Orangegrove AC, in 51.64.
Sprint specialist, Kathryn McDevitt, was 3rd in the 100m in 13.41 seconds. Kathryn was 1st in the W40 category. Lauren Roy, City of Lisburn AC, was the 100m winner in 12.08. Kathryn showed her versatility by also taking part in the 400m, which she completed in 1.05.84 mins. She then made her debut in the Triple Jump. Kathryn recorded a distance of 7.80 metres.
Johnson Bangura represented the club in Bank Holiday Monday's Donegal Senior County Championship. Johnson won the 100m in 11.1 secs. He was 2nd in the 200m in 23.6secs. Daniel McHugh, Finn Valley AC, won in 23.4 secs.
A week later, Ryan Canning was 3rd in the Under 20s 200m race at the Northern Ireland and Ulster Age Group Championships in Antrim. Ryan's time was 23.92 seconds in a race won by Sean Harding in 22.75 secs. Ryan then showed his versatlility by completing the 400m Hurdles in 58.22 secs. The winner was Fintan Dewhurst, in 54.50 secs.
In Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun, Paul Lee and John Doherty both clocked 25.29. Paul was the leading M55 finisher. Maura O'Grady was the leading W55 finisher in 26.29. The first runner across the line was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 18.40.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
SUCCESS AT IRISH SCHOOLS, CHILDREN GAMES AND U12/13. NI ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP
June 6th, 2022
Lac made their presence felt with a melody of Medals and a great show of strength and determination in both Track & Field events at the Schools
Nationals in Tullamore , Children Games and U12/13. NI Ulster Championship held in clones weekend.
Our U9 /10' s had a good outing , showing great potential and determination and enjoyed the experience . Notable performances from Noah Mcglynn Who claimed Silver in the Javelin and Eve Ni giolla Bhain competing in the 300 taking bronze.
In the U10 girls Aoibhe Gibson finished 10th in amongst a field of 30 in the Long jump. Millie O Donovan ran strong in the 60 m to finish 7th. Our u10 boys Caleb Bomah, jake o Donovan gave strong performance s in the 60 m finishing in top 20. Katie McDowell finished 5 th in the 500 m just 1.2 sec off Medaling . The U 10 Girls relay team missed out on podium spot but ran with heart and determination.
Our U11 Boys a talented crew and making headlines often saw U11 Lac Trio Ethan Sullivan and team mates James Davison , Rueben O Domhnaill. challenged themselves in the turbo javelin , and put on an impressive show , with lac taking top two podium spots , Ethan with a massive throw of 18.4 taking Gold, and Ulster Champion" , James gave a 16.49 throw taking the silver and Rueben threw 15.43 finishing 4 th just missed out on Medaling .
Darragh Duffy took to podium in LJ , claiming a bronze medal showing
real potential in this event. Darragh McGuirk had a strong run in the 600m , in a field of talented athletes, held his own and came home to a very deserving 2nd podium position taking silver, joined by his teammate Darragh coyle taking bronze. We saw four Lac Boys , Darragh coyle, Ethan Sullivan, Darragh McGuirk and Darragh Duffy all finish in top 10 overall in 60m. This same group of boys along with James Davison were crown Ulster Champions in the Relay earning themselves gold medals. Sadhbh Shields was 6 th and grace Martin 8 th in the U11 Girls Turbo both gaining great experience.
The U12's were in top form with some impressive individual and team performances .
U12 Girls Lucy Sweeney had a good clearance in high jump claiming bronze medal. , along with Emma Naughton in 4th, just narrowly missed out on podium but gained All - Ireland Qualification. Adam McAuley displayed great talent and technique to claim the gold and Ulster Champion in the High jump with a clearance of 1.25 and new PB. Adam also finished 5th in the Turbo Javelin.Oisin Cuskelly ran strong in his 60 m heats , qualifying to finals where he performed a great race finishing at the top with a gold medal. Our U12 Boys relay team had a tough battle for the podium. The Black&amber crew Aiden Heraghty, Oisin CusKelly, Luke McClafferty, Adam McAuley and Daryn McGlynn put in a brave performance working well as a team, earning a very deserving silver"
Next up was our U13 age group where again we saw some impressive
performance all around. U13 Girls Clodagh Gallagher jumped 1.3m in the high jump giving her 2nd place on podium winning a silver medal. Grace McGlynn competed in the U13 Girls shot putt with a strong display to gain herself silver. U13 Ava Harkin put on an impressive show in the Javelin with a throw 22.18 metres to take gold and Ulster Champion.
U13 Boys Brendan Ndambira And Jack O'Donnell competed in the 80m sprint , both making it thought in heats to finals. Brendan a newcomer to the club sprinted his way home in finals to claim gold and crowned Ulster Champion. Jack held well with good pace to take the bronze.
Jack earned his second medal in hurdles after showing great technique
winning silver, His teammate Thalji al da her newcomer to the club
claimed bronze in hurdles ,a great result for first time. Thanji al da her
had an impressive jump in LJ earning himself a Silver Medal.
The U13 Boys relay team Jack O Donnell, Brendan , eoghan Duffy, Thani Josh Speer and Jamie Gorman give it their all with excellence team work to take Ulster Champion title.
Thanks to coaches and parents for travelling on day. Congratulations to Emma Bonar ( Loreto Letterkenny) who has an amazing race in the 800m junior girls winning Gold at All Ireland Schools in Tullamore and Rohan mcmenamin (st Eunans college) who won silver in minor 800m.
WOMEN'S MINI MARATHON AND MORE
June 6, 2022
The month of May ended with another road race, the 16th held in Donegal during the month. Now that the Covid restrictions are gone, Donegal showed that it is establishing itself again as Ireland's road race capital. The Scoil Mhuire Ramelton 5K attracted 235 runners. In-form Darren Price was the first Letterkenny AC runner home. Darren was 7th overall and first in the M40 category in 17.11. Shauna McGeehan was the leading woman in a PB time of 17.50.
Dessie Shiels had a fine run and was the 2nd M40 runner in 18.02. Paul Toner was also well to the fore in the M40 category in 19.14. Gary Price received a deserved reward for his conscientious training with a sub 20 minute time and a PB of 19.16. Mark McFadden also finished in sub 20 minutes, in 19.53.
John Hughes was 2nd in the M60 category in 21.24. Richard Raymond also featured prominently in the M60, crossing the line in 24.07.
The race winner was Rosses AC's Declan Ferry in 15.32.
4 days later, the 5K action moved to west Donegal. Saturday morning's Donegal Airport Runway 5K was the scene of some fast times. LAC track specialist, Danny Mooney, was the race winner in 15.14. Just 1 second behind was Declan Ferry. The Rosses AC man clocked up his 2nd sub 16 minute 5K of the week.
Mark McFadden is currently in a rich vein of form and clocked another sub 20 time, of 19.16. Over 60 runners took part in the 5K.
5 Letterkenny AC women left sundrenched Donegal on Sunday to travel to rain soaked Dublin to take part in the VHI Women's Mini Marathon, which is a 10K race. The quintet turned in quality performances. Nakita Burke was 4th in an excellent time of 33.48. It was a PB for Nakita, by 13 seconds and was her first sub 34 minute 10K. Noeleen Scanlan had an outstanding run. She recorded her first ever sub 35 minute time, which was a PB of 34.24. Noeleen was a highly creditable 8th overall.
Natasha Adams, who recently rewrote an Irish athletics national F45 record, continued her scintillating form. She won the F45 category in 34.34. Shauna McGeehan completed a memorable
week; she followed up Tuesday evening's 5K PB with a new 10K PB. Shauna's time was 38.09. Patricia McKenna had an excellent run and finished in 52.34.
With 3 PBs and an age group 1st prize, the journey was well worth the effort. The race winner was Aoife Kilgallon, Sligo AC, in a very fast time of 33.07.
Dara Dunne completed Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun in 25.56. She was the 3rd woman overall and the 2nd W50 finisher in 23.36. Parkrun regular, John Doherty, completed his 43rd parkrun in 26.20. Maura O'Grady's time was 26.23. She was the leading W55 finisher. The first runner across the line was Philip Cooper, Annadale Striders, in 18.03.
Hugh Gallagher
PRO
EDINBURGH, FRANCE, HONG KONG AND BUNCRANA
May 30, 2022
Several Letterkenny Athletic Club runners travelled to the Inishowen peninsula on Wednesday evening to take part in the Furey Insurances Buncrana 5K. The first 2 LAC runners home were both in-form women. Nakita Burke won the women's race in an excellent time of 16.23. She also finished in the top 20 overall in what was a high quality race, won by John Paul Willamson, in 15.08. He had 2 seconds to spare from Eskander Turkj, Annandale Striders.
Natasha Adams rewrote the record books with her astonishing run. She was the 3rd woman in 16.38 and the F45 winner. However, Natasha didn't just win the category on the night; she set a new Irish F45 record.
Paul Caulfield had a good run and finished in 17.07. Darren Price was well to the fore in a very competitive M40 category in 17.41. Dessie Shiels was also well positioned in his M45 category in 18.22. Keith Shiels completed a fraternal sub 19 double with his time of 18.50. Mark Nee was just 2 seconds behind in 18.52. Christine Russell had a good performance, finishing in 19.20.
Cian Friel clocked 19.23. Barry Mackey was well positioned in a very tough M55 category with a time of 19.46. John Hughes was the 2nd M60 finisher in 21.38. Brendan Delap had an excellent run and was 3rd in a very competitive M65 category in 22.07.
As has been mentioned, Natasha Adams set a new Irish F45 record. Former Letterkenny AC stalwart, Pauric McKinney, now of Inishowen AC, set a new Irish M55 record. Evergreen Pauric, who continues to defy the years, recorded a time of 16.12. It eclipsed 3 seconds from the previous record which had been jointly held by another outstanding runner, Tommy Hughes, and Pauric himself. The record was a belated birthday present for Pauric, who was 57 just 3 days earlier. Just 4 days later, Pauric recorded a superb double. His time of 33.11 in the Newry 10K on Sunday was a new Irish M55 10K record. The previous record had stood since 2019.
Annmarie McGlynn received a deserved reward for her outstanding performances in recent years by being selected as a member of the Irish team for Saturday's European 10000m Cup. The event was held in the aptly named town of Pace, in France. Annmarie recorded an excellent time of 33.31 for the mentally and physically demanding 25 laps.
Endurance specialist, Caitriona Jennings, had a fine run in Saturday's Spartan Trail Half Marathon in Hong Kong. The temperature during the race, which took place on the island of Lamma, was a sweltering 32 degrees. It was an elite invitational event, which had a staggered start of 4 runners every minute. Speaking afterwards, Caitriona said this was an advantage as it helped with the narrow trails. It was a controlled way of reintroducing racing to Hong Kong, following the cessation of competitive athletics due to Covid restrictions.
A large contingent of LAC runners travelled to the Scottish capital city, Edinburgh, for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Sinead Ward made a stunning marathon debut. Her dedicated training, right through the tough, winter weather conditions, paid enormous dividends. Sinead crossed the finishing line, after an arduous 26 miles and 385 yards, in an excellent time of 3.05.41. That time gave Sinead first place in the very competitive F40 category. Sinead just started running 2 years ago when her favoured activities in the gym were rendered impossible following the Covid lockdown of Spring 2020.
Stephen Shiels had a fine run and completed the course in 3.25.18. He finished in a strong position in the M50 category. Paul Lee crossed the line in 4.13.25 and Noel Lynch in 4.29.39.
The winner of the Edinburgh Marathon was Matthew Gillette, in 2.17.57. Gillette was more than 3 minutes clear of Peter Avent in 2nd place, so his winning margin wasn't a close shave.
Edinburgh hosted a complete weekend festival of events. There had been a 5K and 10K the previous day. 2 hours before the Marathon started, the Half Marathon runners had an early start; they were under starter's orders at 8.00am, which, in the heat, was probably the optimal start time. 2 LAC runners made their half marathon debuts and both put on impressive performances. Fintan Smith's time was 1.38.54 and James Doherty's was 1.54.50. The winner was Kieran Walker, in a very fast time of 1.05.19.
Liam Ferry had an excellent run in Saturday's Letterkenny parkrun. His time of 19.28 was only 4 seconds outside his best time. He was 4th overall and the leading M40 runner. Parkrun regular, John Doherty's time was 25.18. It was John's 43rd parkrun. First across the line was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 18.38.
Hard working coach, Teresa McDaid, received 2 well deserved rewards last week, arising from the Donegal Sports Star Awards. She picked up the Olympic Recognition Award and the Coach/Manager Award. Teresa was part of Team Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics. It was the first time a woman had filled the role of senior team operations manager for Ireland's athletes at an Olympics.
Nakita Burke and Christine Russell, members of the Donegal Senior Cross Country Team, picked up the Team Award from Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach, Councillor Jack Murray.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO
INTERFIRMS, BELFAST AND STRABANE HALF
May 16, 2022
Letterkenny Athletic Club's very popular Inter Firms' 5K was held last Wednesday. Almost 100 runners took part, with LAC's Danny Mooney emerging victorious, in a time of 15,51. The next LAC runner was Adam Friel, in 17.32. Darren Price was to the fore in the very competitive M40 category, in 17.34. Michael Harkin's relentless pursuit of PBs continued and he crossed the line in a PB of 17.44.
The winner of the women's race was in-form Shauna McGeehan in 18.11. Dessie Shiels clocked 18.26, Paul Toner 18.47, Keith Shiels 19.05, Paddy McDaid 19.09 and Mark Nee 19.12. Cian Friel's time was 19.42 and GaryPrice's was 20.01. Fintan Smith crossed the line in 21.03.
Adrian Callaghan's time was 21.19. John Hughes was 3rd in a very tough M60 category in 21.29. The next M60 runner was Brendan Delap, 21.58. John Mullen's time was 23.02 and Rosaleen Doherty's was 23.24. Richard Raymond finished in 24.24.
Letterkenny Athletic Club is very grateful to all those who gave freely of their team to make the event a success. The club would also like to thank Hickey, Clarke and Langan Insurance Brokers, for their continued and generous sponsorship of the event.
The winning female team in the event was the HSE team, which comprised Rosaleen Doherty, Aine Keating and Annette Sheehy. The Aurivo team, consisting of Gerard Gallagher, John McElhill and Shane Gallagher, won the male team prize. The team that was 2nd was from ATU. It consisted of 3 LAC runners- Danny Mooney, Adam Friel and Paul Toner.
Several LAC runners were in top form in Thursday evening's 'Firmus Fab 5 Meets.' The event took place at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast. Sprint specialist, Kathryn McDevitt, was a convincing winner of the 200m race in a time of 27.36 seconds.
In the men's 200m race, Johnson Bangura was 4th in 23.82 seconds. Fellow LAC runner, Dan O'Connell, was 7th in 26.31 seconds. Dan was also the 2nd runner in the Under 20 category.
2 days later, Nakita Burke and Noeleen Scanlan, 2 in-form athletes, put on outstanding displays at the Mary Peters Track. They ran in the 5000m at the Belfast Miler's Meeting. Nakita gained a podium finish with a 3rd place. Noeleen was 4th. Both women ran impressive sub 17 minute times. Nakita completed the 12 and a half laps in 16.46.58, with Noeleen just over 2 seconds behind in 16.48.45. Emma Mitchell was the winner in 16.38.48.
Niamh McDaid was the 3rd woman in the Sprint Race in Saturday's Wild Atlantic Adventure Race in a time of 1.46.50. Mairead Cullen completed the course in 1.56.48. The total distance was 39 KM. Bryan Margey completed the gruelling long event which comprised a 10K run, 6 on the road and 4 cross country/beach, 30K cycle, 2K hill run, another cycle (12.5K), 1K kayak and culminating in a short run. Bryan completed the arduous course in a highly creditable time of 3.24.59. It was a total of 55.5KM.
On Sunday, several LAC runners made the short journey to take part in the Lifford Strabane Half Marathon. All put in excellent performances. Martin Devenney was first of the LAC contingent in an excellent time of 1.19.02. Liam Ferry was delighted to complete his first race of 2022 in 1.29.39. Liam Tinney's time was 1.30.39. Barry Mackey ran well and recorded a time of 1.33.40. Barry was 8th in a highly competitive M55 category, which was won by Martin Lucas, Inishowen AC, in 1.19.32. Adrian Callaghan crossed the line in 1.47.40. Noel Lynch's time was 1.48.50. The race winner was Kyle Doherty, City of Derry Spartans, in 1.11.40.
Sinead Ward made an astounding 10K debut in Sunday's Drumlin 10K in Emyvale Co Monaghan. She won the women's race in an excellent time of 40.26 on a challenging course. Sinead has been embarking on a tough programme of marathon training. She is preparing for the Edinburgh Marathon, which will take place in the Scottish capital on Sunday May 29th. Her 2 week taper is beginning now. Her dedicated training, under the expert eye of her father, Paddy, combined with this 10K performance, means that she should approach the marathon with a high level of confidence. This was only Sinead's second ever race. Her only previous race was last summer's Milford 5K, when she was the race winner. The overall winner of the Drumlin 10K was Yared Dares in 31.39.
Donal Farren was the first finisher in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. In doing so, he set a new course record. Donal's time of 16.15 was the fastest time ever run on the course and was the first ever sub 17 minute time. Donal crossed the line more than 5 minutes before the next runner.
John Anthony Mullen was 5th overall and the leading M55 finisher in 24.01. Dara Dunne was 2nd in the W50 category in 26.06. James McBride's time of 28.12 saw him finish as the leading M65 runner. John Doherty's time was 29.24.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
SUCCESSFUL DONEGAL CHAMPS FOR LAC JUVENILES
May 10th, 2022
It was another busy weekend for our Juveniles with the opening of the Donegal T&F Championship for our U 12 and 13's athletes ,held in Lifford last Sunday. A Large turnout from both Competitors and Supporters along with the beautiful Sunshine , made for a very Enjoyable Atmosphere for Everyone. The Black & Amber crew set the standard high, whilst competing in a wide range of events accumulating medals in every discipline ranging from sprints to field events.
Lac had three relay team winners with Our U12 Boys having two relay teams entered , both teams claiming Medals. Taking part in the B race were Adam McAuley , LukeMcClafferty,darragh Duffy and Ethan Sullivan taking the gold and in the A race taking bronze were davyn Mcglynn, Oisin Cuskelly, darragh McGuirk , Aidan Hegarethy and James Davison as sub.
Our U13 Girls relay team made up by Caoimhe McGee , sairah mcmenamin , along with Emma naughton and Lucy Sweeney took top podium spot winning gold .
Lac Duo Kathyrn Davison and clodagh Gallagher competed in the u13 high jump , both displaying determination and drive , with clodagh in 2nd and Kathyrn in 3rd. Both girls achieved new pbs.Kathryn also claimed bronze in the long jump with a new PB of 3.84.
Caoimhe McGee showed great strength in her shot putt throws coming away with a 3rd place taking bronze.
U12 Nina Nwanko competed for the first time and did it with class .nina won silver in the high jump with a clearance of 1.23 m and earned a new PB.
Young Adam McCauley (u12)showed great technique in the high jump with a well earned silver medal.
Ava Harkin a continuous consistent competitor in the u13 javelin , won gold and crown Donegal champion.
Lucy Sweeney ran the 600 m race with good steady stride and held well to take the 3rd podium spot and bronze medal.
In the U13 Boys, Lac had top two spots on podium.Young jack o Donnell an all rounder claimed the Gold and the Donegal champion title competing in the 60 mh , for the first time, along with his teammate Luke Elliott who won silver.Jack continued his winning spree by claiming-a bronze medal in the Long Jump. Later in the day, Jack saved the best for last in the 80 m sprints, having won his heats comfortably, Jack ran with heart and determination in the final what came down to a a photo finish , taking his spot once again on the podium winning a deserving gold and another Donegal title .
Lac athletes were the top winners in the sprinting event with three gold medals won. Oisin Cuskelly competed in the u12 60 m, taking first in his heat , into the final ran a strong steady pace to take the Gold medal and Donegal Champion title . Sairah mcmenamin also won her heat and later strided her way into the finals to finish first and claim her first of many gold medals and Donegal champion title . Great achievement Sairah.
Well Done to all our athletes on top performance s , and great teamwork display.
Thank you to our Coaches and parents for travelling on the day. Next stop is Ulsters.
Congratulations to our athletes who represented their secondary schools at the Districts last week with many qualifying to Ulster schools next week.
Lac hosted a very successful Primary school sports day with a large number of schools in attendence. Well Done to all the kids, teachers , St Eunan’s TYs for their help and to everyone who helped with the event last Friday .
Best Of Luck to our Younger Athletes who are heading to Finn Valley this Friday evening for the Little Athletics Competition
LAC IN ACTION IN BALLYSHANNON
May 9th, 2022
With many Letterkenny Athletic Club runners recovering from the North West 10K and preparing for the upcoming Inter Firms 5K, this was a quiet week in relation to competitive action.
2 runners travelled to southern Donegal on Friday evening for the popular and well organised Ballyshannon 5K. In-form Darren Price was the leading M40 runner in a time of 17.07. He was 7th overall. His time represented a PB. Barry Mackey was delighted to turn in a sub 20 minute performance of 19.41. The race winner was John Travers, Donore Harriers, in a very fast time of 14.26.
John Anthony Mullen was a top 10 finisher, and the leading M55 runner, in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. John Anthony's time was 24.02. Parkrun regular, John Doherty, crossed the line in 27.03. This was John's 40th parkrun. The leading runner was Sean Wilson, Acorns AC, in 21.00.
The very popular Letterkenny AC Inter Firms' 5K will be held on Wednesday May 11th. The start time is 7.30pm and registration is online. Letterkenny Athletic Club is very grateful to Hickey, Clarke and Langan, Insurance Brokers, for their continued and generous sponsorship of the event.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
LAC TO THE FORE AT NORTHWEST 10K
May 3rd, 2022
The North West 10K was held in Letterkenny on Monday. It is always one of the most popular events in the north west of Ireland and this year was no exception, with almost 1000 runners and walkers taking part.
First runner across the finishing line was Letterkenny AC runner, Mark Greenan, who recorded an excellent time of 33.00. He was closely followed by a young LAC runner, Eoin Hughes, who was just 6 seconds behind. Conor Gallagher was also a top 10 finisher, with a time of 34.29.
The winner of the women's race was Natasha Adams, who is currently in a rich vein of form. Natasha's time was 34.41. Just over a week ago, Natasha was 2nd overall, and first woman, in the Ballyshannon 5K. In addition, her time then of 16.34 set a new Irish F45 5K road record.
Paul Caulfield clocked 35.33. Darren Price was well to the fore in the M40 category, in a time of 36.38. He was just a tantalisingly close 3 seconds away from a PB. Michael Harkin, 'King of the PBs' recorded another best time, of 37.28. Martin Devenney showed that he has made a good recovery from his recent exploits in the Manchester Marathon. His time was 38.03. Patrick Brennan showed the same powers of recovery, with a time of 38.09.
Shauna McGeehan was among the leading women, finishing in 39.21. Dessie Shiels ran well, crossing the line in 39.20. Paddy McDaid clocked 40.31, Keith Shiels 41.28 and Cian Friel 41.34. Ciaran Crawford made a welcome, and strong, return to competitive action with a time of 41.51. Mark McFadden finished in 42.32 and Ciaran O'Donnell in 42.34. Barry Mackey featured strongly in the M55 category, with a time of 43.13.
Gary Price is another athlete who has run numerous PBs recently and this race was no exception. He collected yet another PB, this time 43.43. Gary Kearns finished in 43.49. Naoise Enright has also made a strong recovery from the Manchester Marathon and recorded a time of 43.57. Peter Gallagher and Paul Lee both crossed the line in 44.39.
Kevin Kiely and Brendan Delap both featured strongly in the M60 category, finishing in 45.43 and 46.00 respectively. Adrian Callaghan's time was 46.21. Patrick McFadden clocked 46.31, John McFadden 46.45, Noel Lynch 47.40, James Doherty 49.47 and Chris McMenamin 52.30.
Endurance specialist, Caitriona Jennings, had an exceptional run in Sunday's Limerick Marathon. She won the women's race in 2.41.07. She put a huge margin of 17 minutes between herself and her closest challenger. The overall Marathon winner was Sergiu Ciobanu, in 2.21.21.
In Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun, John Doherty, a regular, crossed the line in 25.29. Maura O'Grady, another parkrun regular, was the first woman home, in 26.21. The leading runner was Frank Sherry, Naas AC, in 19.52.
Last week, Ann Marie McGlynn received a well deserved reward for her magnificent performances and achievements in recent years. She was selected to compete as a member of the Irish team for the European Athletics' Championships. She will run in the Marathon, along with Fionnuala McCormack and Aoife Cooke. The Championships will take place in Munich in the middle of August. It is a multi sports event, which will be the biggest sports event in Munich since the 1972 Olympics, in which Danny McDaid ran the Marathon.
The very popular Letterkenny AC Inter Firms' 5K will be held on Wednesday May 11th. The start time is 7.30pm and registration is online. Letterkenny AC is very grateful to Hickey, Clarke and Langan, Insurance Brokers, for their continued and generous sponsorship of the event.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny AC PRO
WEEKLY REPORT - MILFORD, BALLYSHANNON, BELFAST
April 24th, 2022
A large group of Letterkenny Athletic Club runners made the short journey to Milford on Friday evening to take part in the Milford AC 'Hugh Gallagher Memorial 5K.' Hugh Gallagher was a much loved, highly respected athlete from Creevy, between Carrigart and Creeslough. He won medals at National, European and World level into his nineties. Hugh, a former 'Donegal Person of the Year, died in 2017, aged 92.
The race winner was Danny Mooney, in an excellent time of 15.52. He had 5 seconds to spare over Milford AC's Marty Lynch. Nakita Burke won the women's race in style, setting a new course record of 16.43. In-form Paul Caulfield was 8th overall and he set a new PB, 16.48.
Adam Friel ran a highly creditable time of 17.25. Darren Price was well to the fore in a highly competitive M40 category, in a time of 17.39. Michael Harkin has been in stunning form for 12 months now and this continued. He equalled his PB time of 17.46. Dessie Shiels had a fine run and crossed the line in 18.24. Cian Friel's time was 19.24. Ciaran O'Donnell managed a sub 20 minute time of 19.59. He was 3rd in the keenly contested M50 category, which saw Milford AC's Anthony Doherty emerge victorious in 17.33.
Gary Price's dedicated training has seen him garner a plethora of PB's in recent months and his time of 20.00 was yet another PB. Gary Kearns' time was 21.09. Marie Boyle's time of 21.38 saw her well placed in the F40 category. Brendan Delap had an excellent performed and was the 2nd M60 finisher in 21.56. Milford AC's John Fealty was the leading M60 runner in 20.13.
The race had in excess of 100 runners. Like all events run under the auspices of Milford AC, the race was superbly organised and benefitted from the organisational ability and experience of James Gibbons, and the hard working team of helpers. It was a fitting tribute to Hugh Gallagher; several members of Hugh's family were in attendance. Rosemary, Angela, Kathleen and Paul all assisted with the prize giving.
Just over 12 hours later, the Donegal 5K action moved 85KM south. Saturday morning's Streets of
Ballyshannon 5K attracted 230 runners. Just as he had done on Friday evening, Brendan McDaid once again provided a very efficient chip timing service.
Natasha Adams has a superb run and was 2nd overall in 16.34. The only runner ahead of Natasha was Ballymore Cobh AC's Trevor Cummins, whose time was 16.16. Barry Mackey shook off his recent back problems and recorded a time of 20.16. Barry was delighted to finish as the 2nd M55 runner. Jimmy Currid, North Sligo AC, was the M55 winner in 19.27.
There were excellent performances from 3 Letterkenny AC runners at the Mary Peters' Track in Belfast on Saturday. Ann Marie McGlynn set a new Irish F40 5000m track record. Her time was a very speedy 15.46. In the same race, Noeleen Scanlan also put on another excellent performance. Over the past year, Noeleen has shown remarkable consistency on track, cross country and road. She continued that pattern when she set herself a new 5000m track PB of 17.20.
Another very consistent athlete, Conor Gallagher, ran an excellent time of 16.44 in the men's 5000m. The race was won by Lucas Cairns, of Scottish club Inverness Harriers, in 15.34.
Maura O'Grady ran well in Saturday morning's Letterkenny parkrun. Her time of 26.14 saw her finish as the 4th woman overall and the leading W55 runner. Noel Lynch and Paul Lee used the run to sharpen up, as part of their preparation for next month's Edinburgh Marathon. Noeleen's was the leading M50 finisher in 26.28 and Paul was 2nd in 26.40. Parkrun regular, John Doherty, ran 26.40 as well. The first runner home was Philip O'Hare, in 22.14.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
HISTORIC DAY FOR LAC AT EURO CLUBS CROSS COUNTRY IN PORTUGAL
February 7th, 2022
The high flying women of Letterkenny Athletic Club received well deserved recognition for their pre Christmas cross country exploits. In December, they had won the women's National Senior Cross Country Championship for the first time in the club's history. That magnificent win in Dublin earned them the right to represent Ireland at Sunday's European Champions Club Cup Cross Country Championship. The event was held in Oeiras, Portugal.
LAC secured a highly creditable 9th place, thanks to a trio of terrific performances. Nakita Burke continued the outstanding form and consistency she has shown in cross country, road and track in recent years. She finished in 25th place in a highly competitive race, which featured the cream of European runners. Her time, just 7 days after an excellent 3rd place finish in the Raheny 5, was 24.02 for the 6,400 metre course. Shortly behind, in 31 st place in a time of 24.17 , was Noeleen Scanlan, who also had an excellent run in Raheny. Noeleen has also shown remarkable consistency over a prolonged period of time. Natasha Adams, another highly consistent performer, was 42nd in 25.09.
The individual winner of the race was Spaniard, Lakina Amebaw. She led her team, Playas Castello, to team gold. Istanbul BBSK were 2nd and Bilbao AT 3rd.
The strength of women's cross country running in Donegal can be gauged from the fact that Finn Valley AC finished 6th in the Junior (Under 20) race.
Letterkenny parkrun celebrated its 6th Birthday at the weekend. Unfortunately, the event was marred by the forced cancellation, due to appalling weather, of Saturday's parkrun. The parkrun has been a welcome addition to the Letterkenny running scene since 2016. Many LAC runners have participated in the runs. In addition, many have used their organisational ability and experience to assist with the smooth running of the event, which takes place every Saturday morning at 9.30.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
LAC SENIORS BACK ON TRACK
January 10th, 2022
Barry Mackey is currently trading Ireland's cold and wintry conditions for the warmer climes of Dubai. He took part in Saturday morning's Super Sports Meydan Run in Dubai. The event comprised a 3K, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Barry opted for the 10K and put on a tremendous performance. He ran a sub 40 minute time of 39.48 and emerged as the victor of the M50 category. The race winner was Godfrey Segule, whose time was 30.04.
A group of LAC runners travelled to the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown, Dublin, on Sunday, for the 1st round of the 2022 National Indoor League. Sprint specialist, Kathryn McDevitt, finished a highly creditable 4th position in a very competitive 60 metres race. Her time was a very fast 8.37 seconds. The winner was Rachel Keane, Tullamore Harriers, in 8.00. Kathryn was the winner of the 200m race, in 27.42.
Sheldon Romeo Nyoni was the winner of his heat in the 200m. His time of 23.72 saw him finish an impressive 2.54 seconds clear of his nearest challenger, Craughwell AC's John Walkin. Sheldon also put on a very impressive performance in the 60m. He was 2nd in 7.47 seconds, just 0.31 of a second behind winner, Gabriel Kehinde, Ennis Track AC. Ryan Canning and Joseph Aidoo dominated their heat. Ryan was the winner in 23.57; Joseph was 2nd, in 24.03. Joseph also performed well in the 60m, where he was 3rd in 7.58 seconds. The winner was Colin Murphy, Leevale AC, in 7.27s.
Ryan was 2nd in his 400m heat. His time of 50.93 was only 0.3 of a second behind the winner, David Mannion, South Galway AC.
Richard Raymond continued his comeback from knee surgery and completed the Letterkenny parkrun in 26.15. He was the leading M65-69 runner. Parkrun regular, John Doherty, finished in 27.03. First across the line was Graeme Michie, in 21.33.
Hugh Gallagher.
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.
LAC START 2022 WITH A BANG
January 04, 2022
A group of Letterkenny AC runners made the short journey to Milford last Tuesday to compete in Milford AC's 3K Handicap Race. Like all events organised under the auspices of Milford AC, it was superbly well organised and provided a good race in what is often a quiet time between Christmas and New Year. Handicap races can be notoriously difficult to get right. However, James Gibbons and Hugh Coll's experience and organisational ability ensured an excellent race. The race also benefitted from the very efficient chip timing system provided by Teresa and Brendan McDaid..The 3K route was the final 3K of the often used Milford 5K route. There were 92 runners, which was a record for the event. The race took place in glorious weather conditions.
Christine Russell continued her good form and was the fastest woman on the day with a PB time of 9.55. Another in-form runner, Michael Harkin, clocked 10.22. Mark McFadden was next with 11.35. Niamh McDaid's time was 12.55. Brian McBride crossed the line in 13.46. Fellow LAC M65 runner, Richard Raymond, continued his excellent comeback from serious knee surgery, to finish in 14.35. The fastest time on the day was the 9.44 run by Finn Valley AC's Shea Carlin. The first runner across the line was Lennon Murphy.
Nakita Burke travelled to Co Down on Tuesday and ran in the stamina sapping Newcastle AC 'Castlewellan Christmas Cracker.' The race comprised 8.5 miles of road and forest tracks around Castlewellan. The race was in the form of 2 person relay teams. Nakita and her relay partner, Aidan Brown, Newcastle and District AC, completed the course in 1.01.16. They finished in a highly creditable 8th place out of 615 pairs of runners. The winning pairing was Zak Hanna and Andrew Annett, 53.05.
On the final day of 2021, a group of
LAC runners travelled to Loughmacrory, Co Tyrone, to run in the very popular, very competitive 'Lough 5.' There was unseasonally pleasant weather for the 5 mile race, which attracted 584 runners. Natasha Adams was the leading runner from the club's contingent. Her excellent time of 28.16 gave her 2nd place in the women's race. Natasha held off a strong challenge from Catherine Whoriskey, City of Derry Spartans, to claim 2nd spot. The first woman was Olympian, Ciara Mageean, City of Lisburn AC. Her time of 26.07 gave her 2nd place overall. The only runner ahead of her was Andrew Annett, Mourne Runners; he was the race winner in a very fast time of 25.02.
The next LAC runner across the line was in-form Christine Russell. She had recovered well from her fine run just 3 days earlier and was the 4th female finisher in a time of 29.15. Next was another runner who has enjoyed superlative form in recent months, Eimear Gormley. A week earlier she had set yet another 5K PB, in the 'Turkey Trot.' She followed this up with another excellent performance, completing the 5 miles in 32.08. Club Chairman, Aidan McKenna, had a fine run and was well to the fore in the M50 category in a time of 32.52.
Shauna McGeehan continued her good from and crossed the line in 34.33. John Hughes ran well and finished in 38.27.
Paul Lee ran the first Letterkenny parkrun of 2022 and finished in 24.55. Paul, who is also one of the parkrun's dedicated army of organisers, was 9th overall and the leading M50 runner. Maura O'Grady clocked 27.45 and was the 2nd W55 finisher. Michael Guiney, West Limerick AC, was first across the line in 22.27.
Ann Marie McGlynn received a well deserved accolade when she was named 'Female Athlete of the Year' for 2021. Ann Marie had a tremendous year and missed out on being chosen to represent Ireland in the Marathon at the Tokyo Olympics by a mere 4 seconds. That was how much she was outside the qualifying time when she ran an outstanding race in the Cheshire Marathon.
Letterkenny Athletic Club would like to wish a Happy New Year to local media outlets. The club appreciates, and is grateful for, the valuable space they provide, in their publications and on their programmes, to give information about the club's news, events, results and achievements. LAC would also like to convey New Year Greetings to our sponsors and to thank them for their valuable support. In addition, the club would like to thank race stewards, club coaches and all others who contributed to the club's success during 2021. Despite the difficult circumstances arising from Covid-19, the club had an astoundingly successful year and we look forward to further success in 2022.
Hugh Gallagher
Letterkenny Athletic Club PRO.