Successful Winter Track and Field Outing

Donegal Town was the venue last Sunday for the first round of the Winter Track & Field Meeting. A very enjoyable day was had by our Track & Field athletes who were delighted to get a competition and a chance to assess how their winter training was coming along. Many thanks to Eamon Harvey and St. John Bosco for hosting the event.

In the U/13 age group Jodie Stewart showed she is well on target for a good performance in the National Combined Events Championships which will be held in Nenagh on the 29th January. Jodie won gold medals in the shot (2K) 8.56m and 600m, Silver medals in the 60m, standing triple jump and walk and a bronze medal in the High Jump (1.35m). Aileen Brennan likewise showed she is in good shape winning the high jump (1.38m), silver medal in the shot with a p.b. of 7.19m and bronze in the standing triple jump. Matthew Kelly also won gold with an excellent putt in the shot of 11.20m. Aaron McMenamin had excellent performances also in the high jump and standing triple jump taking the silver medals in both. Donna McBride was just pipped for the gold in the 60m but should be well pleased with her progress this season. Cormac Gallen showed his excellent progress this year also and although he was out of the medals he had strong performances in several events particularly the 600m where he finished 4th. Christine O'Neill competed well throughout the day and was just pipped for bronze in the 60m. Dermot Brennan and Andrew Harron also competed well during the day in several events.

In the U/15 age group Laura Friel was in good form winning the high jump (1.40m) and taking the silver medal in the 800m Walk. Laura's younger sister Paula looked very impressive winning the gold in the 800m Walk. Laura Feely won the shot (2.5kg) with an excellent throw of 10.27m. Christopher O'Leary was very impressive in the 600m winning the bronze medal. Ciara Gallen performed well in the high jump, shot and standing triple jump but was just out of the medals.

In the over 15 age group Geraldine Kelly won double gold with an excellent high jump and 60m and also won the bronze in the shot. Joe McGinley also showed he is in great shape winning the gold medal in the 60m and surprising many with an excellent run in the 600m winning the silver medal after fighting it out with Anthony Dorrian from Letterkenny A.C. to provide the spectators with a very exciting race. Joe also won silver in the high jump (1.55m) and a bronze in the shot (9.84m). Kieran O'Grady was an impressive winner of the shot with an excellent putt of 11.07m and also won the bronze medal in the 800m walk. Declan Hennessey easily won the gold medal in the 800m walk, silver in the 60m and 4th in the 600m. Brendan Alexander won silver in the 800m walk and held on in a battle to the line in the 600m to win the bronze medal.

Overall a very worthwhile competition for our track & field athletes and they will look forward to the 2nd round which will be hosted by Finn Valley A.C. in January.

Many thanks to the track & field coaches Christine Feely, George Gallen and Bernie Alcorn who travelled with the athletes.

Masters International

The club wishes good luck to our masters athletes who will be competed for Ireland in the Masters International Cross-Country in Croydon this weekend.

Bernie Alcorn, P.R.O.