Race two of Lifford AC’s 5K series saw yet another large contingent of athletes take to the roads around Raphoe, on Sunday for what is turning out to be a hugely successful three race series. An early morning start and a few early showers did nothing to deter the 169 runners who travelled from across the county and beyond.
Under the starters orders of local Councillor and former Lifford AC athlete, Frank McBrearty, athletes made their way around a new race route in the town, ending up in the Diamond area. Foyle Valley’s Keith Shiels was first man home, completing the 5k route in 16.51. Letterkenny’s Humphrey Murphy was second man home, finishing in 17.37, just coming home ahead of Foyle Valley’s Patrick Mahon 17.37, with Lifford pair Daniel Hannigan (17.42) and James Crossan (17.45) yet again posting strong runs for the local club.
Following on from her victory in last weeks St. Johnston/Carrigans race, City of Derry girl Catherine Lilburn was the victor here again in Raphoe, coming home in 19.07. Second woman home was Tír Chónaill’s Vera Haughey in 23.01, followed by team mate Jackie Harvey in 23.40. Lifford’s Isabella Breslin was fourth woman home finshing in 23.59, just ahead of Foyle Valley’s Gemma McGinty in 24.02.
In the category placings, Letterkenny’s Humphrey Murphy led the V1’s, followed by Tír Chónaill’s Martin O’Halloran (17.52) and Letterkenny’s Martin Gormley (17.53). In the V2 category, Letterkenny’s Joe English led the way in 18.13 followed by Enniskillen’s Jimmy Renfrew (19.03) and City of Derry’s Peter Lilburn third in 19.07. In the V3 category, City of Derry’s Christy McMonagle was again victorious coming home in 20.33, followed by Lifford’s Danny Burns in 24.50.
In the Women’s senior race, Catherine Lilburn was victorious, followed by Gemma McGinty, and Finn Valley’s Samantha Wilkinson (24.50) in third. In the Women’s V1 category, Isabella Breslin led the way, followed by Letterkenny’s Laura Corbett (24.06) and Jane Watt in 25.24. In the V2 category, Dympna Barrett (24.59) and Ruth McCrudden (26.47) were first and second, with Lifford’s Anne Lynch finishing in third in 34.04. In the V3 category, the Tír Chónaill pair of Vera Haughey and Jackie Harvey led the way, with Lifford’s Betty Burns third in 35.03.
In the Junior Women’s race, it was a City of Derry one two, led home by Amy McDaid in 20.44, followed by Hannah McGowan (22.00) and Lifford AC’s Shannon Craig in 25.12. The Junior men’s race was won by Letterkenny lad Conor Morrison in 19.22, followed by City of Derry’s Zack McGowan (19.59) and ever improving Lifford AC athlete Ciaran Meehan third in 20.31.
Thanks to everyone who turned up to support the race today. With a race start of 10.00am, and all proceedings including refreshments and results printed and announced by 11.30am, it was a well organised race morning, and very much a large team effort by all involved. Thanks to Councillor McBrearty for starting the race, the race marshalls and organisers, the local Gardaí, everyone who helped out with refreshments, and to Deele College for the use of their fine sportshall for pre and post race activities.
The final race of the series will be held in Lifford next Sunday, 29th January, again with a 10am start. With yet more points collected today and a change of race positions for several athletes, the race next week should be an exciting affair when the final points are tallied. Athletes can register on line at www.liffordac.com and receive their race number in advance, speeding entry up on the morning of the race. For further details on next weeks race, contact Brendan on 086-6007847.