Charlie Gallagher Wins North-West 10K

Congratulations to Charlie Gallagher who has made a welcome return to winning ways on his victory in the North West 10K on Sunday last. Charlie was in the leading group throughout the race with clubmates Kevin Holian, Kieran Carlin and Letterkenny's Gary Crossan. The group stayed together battling it out until 8K when Charlie pulled away to record a victory in a time of 32 minutes 23 seconds with Gary Crossan 2nd in 32 minutes 44 seconds, Kevin Holian taking the 3rd position in 33 minutes 17 and Kieran Carlin 4th in 33 minutes 29. This was excellent running by our men placing three athletes in the top four and recording good times on a very tough 10K course.

Kay Byrne continues her excellent season taking second place in the women's race in a very good time of 38 minutes 17 behind DSD's Maria McCambridge. Nancy McNamee was 3rd in the O40 category in 45.57 with Mary Martin the first O50 in 48.52. Great to see Noreen Bonner (nee Martin) back running again, her first race for many years running a respectable 50 minutes 10 seconds. Mark Connolly was 2nd in the Masters men's race in 35.56 and also good running from Steve O'Mahoney in 39.36.

James Gibbons won the men's walk category in an excellent time of 48 minutes 24 seconds with Ann McGill also well pleased with her performance winning the women's walk category in 58.40 with young Shauna Guthrie taking 2nd place. Natasha Duffy also walked very well and was one of the top walkers.

Donegal Schools' Track and Field Championships

Our Secondary School athletes were competing on Friday last in Buncrana with many good performances recorded. Pauric Feely winning triple gold, 100m, long jump (5.78m) and 4 x 100m relay with Joe McGinley, Mark McGlinchey and Enda O'Doherty. Mark McGlinchey, silver in 300m, Kevin Feely, gold in shot putt, excellent throwing from Kevin (14.87m), Michael Reid excellent win in the javelin throwing 40m plus. Stefan Connolly, silver in long jump, bronze in 300m and silver in relay, Mark McGowan, Bronze in 300m and relay. Lorcan McMenamin bronze in high jump, Ian Ward bronze in 800m.

In the girls events Breda McGinty, Maeve Culhane and Jackie Gibson all struck gold in their respective 800m races with Fionnuala Bruton winning bronze in her 800m. Bronagh O'Doherty won gold in the 100m as did Ciara Gallen winning the javelin and bronze in the 100m. Laura Friel had a terrific performance in the U15 High Jump recording a new p.b. of 1.50m. Tara Hegarty won silver in the 300m and best wishes for a speedy recovery to twin sister Ciara who fell in the race and broke her arm. Natasha Duffy won bronze in the javelin as did Shauna Guthrie in the long jump and 800m. Gold medals in the O/15 4 x 100m relay for Maeve, Fionnuala, Laura and Natasha and silver medals in the U/15 relay for Bronagh O'Doherty, Bronagh Sweeney, Breda and Shauna. Well done to all as they look forward to the Ulster District Schools next week.

Jeff Cassin

Jeff Cassin competed in the World Walks in Germany last weekend endeavouring to achieve the qualifying mark for the Olympic Games. Unfortunately Jeff had to pull out of the race at 33K but still has one more chance to try and make the A standard at the Phoenix Park International Grand Prix in June. We wish him luck.

Belfast Marathon

Well done to Bridget McGlynn and Seanie McDevitt who both completed the Belfast Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday.

Academy of Irish Athletics

Several of our top juvenile athletes in the U16 to U19 age groups have been invited to join the Academy of Irish Athletics. The academy has been designed to assist and encourage athletes who have gained high placing in National Juvenile championship competitions in 2003. The academy will meet on a number of occasions annually and will have a coaching focus, members will receive priority information with regard to international competition, competition pathways, coaching expertise, medical advice, injury prevention and general high-level athletic matters. The inaugural meeting of the academy will be held at the ALSAA complex, Dublin Airport on May 16th. Club athletes invited are Geraldine Kelly, Nikki Alcorn, Maeve Culhane, Pauric Feely, Mark McGowan and Matthew Larkin. Club coaches Neil Martin and Bernie Alcorn will be coaching at the Academy.

Gerard O'Callaghan

Many, many congratulations to former club athlete Gerard O'Callaghan who successfully completed the gruelling six day 250k Marathon Des Sables in Morocco, dubbed the toughest foot race on earth. Gerard was the first of seven Irish men to cross the finish line in 269th place out of 610 starters. Gerard took part in the event to fundraise for the depression support group Aware. Anybody who wishes to contribute can do so by emailing Gerard at gerry.o'callaghan@csfb.com.

Training

Training is in full swing for all age groups as athletes prepare for the upcoming primary and secondary schools championships and the Donegal and Ulster Club Championships. Full Fixture list on the Notice Board. Training times Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10.30 a.m.

Bernie Alcorn, P.R.O.