On Sunday, October 7, Carndonagh was the venue for the Donegal Masters & Juvenile Even Ages Cross Country Championships. Lifford Strabane AC was represented in a total of seven races.
Racing action commenced with the Senior Ladies Race. The teams battled their way around a wet & very windy 3K course which resulted in Lifford Strabane AC Senior Ladies Team finishing 2nd overall, successfully picking up “Team Silver”.
The ladies’ team was led home by Lifford Strabane AC’s leading lady the fearless Claire McGuigan. McGuigan’s fantastic performance resulted in a convincing win placing 1st overall to claim The Donegal Masters Cross Country Champion 2018.
McGuigan’s teammate, Linda McGrath newbie to the cross-country scene & displaying great potential on the grass was next to finish for Lifford Strabane AC placing a very impressive 6th place overall.
Dympna Houston finished 17th overall followed by the final scorer for the ladies’ team & another newbie to cross country Claire Keys placing 26th overall to secure the very commendable Silver Medal. Fantastic result ladies.
Next race of the day was the Senior Mens 5k race. This race saw a great effort from all five team members!! Despite the gutsy runs from all team members, our men’s team placed joint 5th overall.
It was the consistent Garreth McCullagh who led the Lifford Strabane AC men’s team home, next to finish was Lifford Strabane AC’s, Paul Kelly. 3rd finisher for the club was Eddie Kelly. Kevin McMenamin had a great run to finish 4th for the club followed by Martin Kelly the final club finisher. All senior athletes are coached by Michael McKinney.
There was more success for Lifford Strabane AC in the Juvenile Under 14 Girls Race, it was our very own Lifford Strabane AC Under 14 Girls Team that was crowned “Team Bronze”.
Lifford Strabane AC’s talented Elsa Moore led the team consisting of Ella Costello, Ashleigh McArdle & Clara Mullen home, taking 1st place & a well-deserved individual Gold Medal & the title Donegal U14 Girls Cross Country Champion 2018!! These young athletes were in excellent form, all girls displaying great fighting spirit!! Well done to Elsa Moore on her individual Gold Medal & taking the title of U14 Girls Donegal Cross Country Champion.
In the Boys U16 race, the club was represented by Jude McCrossan producing a fine run. Wilson Craig had a super run in the Boys U18 race placing 3rd overall to take a hard-earned individual Bronze Medal.
Well done also to Lifford Strabane AC’s Ava Crawford, Cloe Costello, Jaime McGinley, Faustina Gibson, Emer McFadden, Orla McCrory, Emma Jayne Friel, Alisha McDaid, Jack Moore & Matthew Doran who all performed excellently in their respective races.
T. together
E. everyone
A. achieves
M. more
Well done to all who competed & represented Lifford Strabane AC at the Donegal Cross Country Championships. All at the club are tremendously proud of your achievements.
Other News:
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets.
Friday, November 2, in the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane Lifford Strabane AC will host the 50th Anniversary of Lifford AC which was established in 1968.
Tickets priced at £20/€22 are available from any club committee member. This night will be about celebrating 50 years of athletics and is not just for club members!! Everyone Welcome!! Guaranteed to be a great night.
Juvenile training Monday 6:15pm & Wednesday 6:15pm over 10’s only!! Walking Group Monday & Wednesday 6:30pm on both evenings. Adult training Tuesday & Thursdays at 6.45pm. Lifford Strabane AC caters for all abilities. All training sessions are coach led. New members always welcomed.
