from Lifford AC Lifford Athletic Club held the first race in its New Year 5K series last Sunday in St.Johnston and Carrigans. On a cold but dry morning, 240 hardy athletes took to the start line, with juveniles tackling a mile route, with the majority of runners taking on the 5K course straddling the picturesque Foyle river.
Local lad Dean Toland running for the Finn Valley club emerged victorious for the second year in a row, knocking twelve seconds off last years time to come home in 16.23. Second runner home was Foyle Valley’s Adrian McGowan in 16.51, with David Taylor third in 17.31. In the Senior Womens category, it was a Lifford AC one, two and three with Anne Marie McGlynn emerging victorious coming home in 17.51, a womens course record. Natasha Adams was second home in 18.37, with team mate Claire McGuigan third in 18.52.
In the Womens V1 category, Lifford AC’s Amanda Monaghan was first home in 23.56, followed by Laura Corbett (24.54) and Carmel Hoynes (25.04). In the V2, Letterkenny AC’s Ruth McCrudden was first in 26.13, followed by Roisin McGinley (27.11) and Sharon O’Kane (27.34). In the V3, Finn Valley’s Gloria Donaghey was first in 23.45, with Leslie Brown and Betty Burns first in the the V4 and V5 categories respectively.
In the Mens V1 category, Kenneth O’Donnell was first home in 18.39, followed by Lifford’s Eddie Kelly (18.53) and Ciaran Bovaird (20.02). In the V2, it was a Finn Valley one, two, with Raymond Doherty (19.00) coming in ahead of Joe Carlin (20.04) with Letterkenny’s Paul Cosgrove third in 20.10. In the V3 category, Letterkenny’s Joe English was first home in 18.43 followed by Roy Hunter in 21.02 and Shaun O’Donnell in 22.31. In the V4, Tir Chonaill’s Donal Haughey was first home in 20.40, Richard Raymond (21.03) second, and Paddy Donaghey (21.38) third. In the V5, Letterkenny AC’s Brian McBride was the winner in 20.48, followed by Malcolm McCausland (21.29) and Anthony Murray (22.25).
In the Junior Womens category, City of Derry’s Hannah McGowan led the way in 20.43, followed by Finn Valley’s Eloise Carlin (23.13) and Lifford’s Shannon Craig (24.54) in third. In the Junior Mens race, Letterkenny AC’s Enda McBride was first home in 18.25 followed by City of Derry’s Zachary McGowan (18.30) and Shane Gallagher (20.14) in third.
In the juvenile races, Lifford AC’s Alan McGinley was first home followed by Letterkenny’s Ben Carr, and Lifford AC’s Karen Gallagher in third. In the Under 9 girls age group, Alisha Cuskelly was the winner, with Oran Gallagher first in the boys. Aine Marie McBride won the girls Under 11 race, with Dean Quigley winning the boys. In the Under 13’s, Olivia Cuskelly and Niall Quinn were winners of the girls and boys races respectively, while in the Under 15 category, Claudia Cuskelly and Alan McGinley were the winners of their respective races.
Thanks to Kildrum Tigers FC and the Fishermans Inn for the use of their facilities. Thanks also to everyone that helped out with race organisation and marshalling the course. Finally, thanks to the committee members that made sandwiches, cakes, etc for the after race refreshments.
After a very successful turnout in St Johnston, the series moves to Raphoe next week Sunday 27th January with another 10am start. All athletes taking part last Sunday are now pre-registered for next weeks race and its simply a case of turning up and collecting your number. For new entrants, pre-registration can be done on line at liffordac.com. Cost of entry is €5 for the 5K and €3 for the juvenile mile. For further information, contact Brendan on 086-6007847.
Sunday’s results, category winners, and the Points Table after Race 1 are attached