National championship medals for Valley athletes in Dublin Marathon

New Record and AAI Title for Kay Byrne

The athletics connection that is synonomous with Kay Byrne continued at the 28th Dublin City Marathon on Monday as she returned a new women's club record. Her time 3 06-18 eclipsed the former best performance set by Noreen Martin in 1987 in the same event and for good measure won the AAI title in her age category. Kay was on target for a much faster time up to 24 miles but the marathon can catch out the best and she struggled slightly for a mile at that point losing valuable time. Kay a worker with the Department of Social Welfare in Lettekenny had a disappointing experience in this event in 2006 but was buoyant after Monday's event.

Masters Men

The event incorporates the AAI champs and the club masters team of Pat Hegarty 2-41, John Mc Glinchey 2-39 and Bernard Mc Cabe just over 3 hrs collected silver medals.

There was an added bonus for the latter two as Pat Hegarty won his age category returned a PB. After some 30 years and various medals and exceptional runs it's his first gold. I recall his first ever race back in the seventies in Donegal under 16 cross-country in Castlefin introduced on that occassion by Michael Crampsie if I remember correctly.

John Mc Glinchey the Castlefin man added to his lifetime acheivments not only with a PB but a bronze in his over 40 category.

Gloria Donaghy 3-51 and Michael Gallagher 3-12 were other finishers.

Also we note the local men who have competed in every one of the 28 marathons since the inception of the event, namely Pat O Loughlin of Castlederg and Donal Ward of Curraghmone.

Well done to all and they no doubt appreciated the members that travelled from the club to support.

Donegal Senior CC

Club Meeting

Club meeting next Tuesday night and the launch of the Stephens Day run-walk next on the agenda.

Results.

Dublin City Marathon Results.

National Championships Team and Individual Results.

Some pictures by Kieran Carlin.