Action commenced for the members of Lifford Strabane AC on Tuesday 11th July at the Finn Harps 5K Road Race. 144 runners/walkers took to the start line of this race. Lifford Strabane AC was represented by “The Doherty Duo” Pius & Laurence.
Pius Doherty finished in a time of 24:18 with Laurence Doherty running a personal best in a time of 25:48.
These two gentlemen started their running career after taking part in “Men on the Move” programme last year and continued to train with the club & both have since completed 2 marathons, a few half marathons 10 milers & numerous 10k’s & 5k’s.
The first line of the song “The Gambler”: “On a warm summers evening……….” (I bet you’re all singing it now), described racing conditions for Lifford Strabane AC’s 5K Road Race which took place on Wednesday 12th July.
Perfect for spectating but extremely hot for race goers. Despite the temptation of going to the beach or staying at home on the sun-lounger a total of 186 athletes toed the line of our own clubs race, 57 of which sporting the vest of Lifford Strabane AC.
First athlete to the finish line for the cub was the young Charlie McElwaine.
Charlie was the winner of the Junior Male race running a personal best in a fantastic time of 17:08PB placing 6th overall in a very high quality field. Brandon McGrinder was next to the line placing 7th overall 2nd Junior Male in a superb time of 17:13. 3rd Junior Male finisher for the club was Harvey Mullen in a great time of 20:58.
For the Senior Males it was the consistent Paul Kelly who finished 1st placing 8th overall in a super time of 17:18, Kenny Melaugh new comer to the club is making his presence felt placing 9th overall in an impressive time of 17:44. Master athlete Bill Duncan was next to the finish line for the club taking 2nd M50+ Category in a great time of 17:55.
The very promising Senior Lady athlete Linda McGrath led the club ladies home finished 4th female overall, 3rd Senior Female Finisher in a terrific time of 21:20, Ursula Coyle was next to the line taking 2nd F50+ Category in a great time of 22:39. Claire Keys was 3rd female club finisher running a personal best in a fine time of 22:44PB.
Sarah Gibson was the clubs first Junior Female finisher. Sarah was delighted to run a personal best in a time of 23:40PB, the young Farah Stevenson was next to the line in 24:46 followed by her sister Katelyn Stevenson in 26:29.
There were a number of category wins for Lifford Strabane AC athletes on the night. Charlie McElwaine 1st Junior Male 17:08PB, Geoff Sproule 2nd M40+ 18:48PB, Michael McGrinder 3rd M40+ 19:01, Bill Duncan 2nd M50+ 17:55, Michael Duncan 3rd M50+ 19:07, Pius Doherty M60+ 24:07, Linda McGrath 3rd SW 21:20, Ursula Coyle 2nd F50+ 22:39, Roisin McGinley 3rd F50+ 23:30. The customary draw for “Spot Prizes” took place after the race which always adds to the excitement.
In terms of supporting the club we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our club members in their excellent racing results, well done to all who improved their times with season bests/personal bests & to say thank you & offer our appreciation to them who provided food for the after race refreshments, to those that took on the various roles of marshalling, chip removal, tea making, registration duties, Pat Carlin for First Aid, Strabane Search & Rescue, Gardái, Naomh Pádraig GAA for providing parking facilities, Brendan & his team of time keepers for running a very successful race.
Friday 14th July, the venue was the coastal setting of Rathmullen 5k on a wet, warm & windy evening. The race starts on the pier & finishes along the sea front with a 1k incline to start you off. The calibre of the 180 race entrants was extremely high with in excess of 65 athletes finishing under the 20 minute mark!
Lifford Strabane AC was represented by 5 senior athletes & 1 juvenile athlete. James Stevenson was first to the line for the club in a super time of 17:28 his best time on this course to date. Master athlete Michael Duncan had a great run to win the M55+ Category running a personal best in a smashing time of 18:49PB.
Carmel Hoynes was next to the line placing 3rd in the F45+ Category in a time of 22:49, Joyce McKittrick ran a seasons best in a fine time of 22:59, young Farah Stevenson 2nd Junior Female overall ran 24:51 followed by her mum Angela McHugh in 30mins.
Lifford Strabane AC juvenile athletes, coaches & their families had another date at the All-Ireland National Juvenile Championships which took place in Tullamore, Co. Offaly over the weekend.
First up was the Juvenile ‘B’ Championships which was held on Saturday 16th July.
Rebecca Quinn won Bronze in the U16 Girls Long Jump 4.33M. Jack Moore had success in the U13 Boys Shot Putt taking Bronze.
Silver medal in the U13 Girls Shot Putt went to Emily Neeson with a terrific shot putt of 8.19M. All 3 successful athletes are coached by Sharon Foley Gallen.
Sunday 16th July was the final day of the All-Ireland National Juvenile Championships. Silver medal for Darragh Kirk in the Boys U16 Javelin, coached by Damien Crawford. Adrienne Gallen took Silver in the U14 Girls Shot Putt. Adrienne is coached by her Mum/Club Coach Sharon Foley Gallen.
Alan McGinley coached by Michael McKinney ran 4:03 in the Boys U19 1500M to win the race taking Gold.
Ryan Henderson competed in the U17 Boys Hammer, coached by John O’Donnell took Silver with a throw of 36.99M.
Stephen McCallion coached by Sharon Foley Gallen took Bronze in the Triple Jump in 12.00M
High Jumper Shannon Craig jumped her way to a Gold medal in 1.63M. Shannon is coached by John O’Donnell.
Hammer thrower Brendan O’Donnell picked up his 6th consecutive Gold Medal at juvenile level in the U19 Boys Hammer. Brendan is coached by his Dad/Club Coach John O’Donnell.
This was yet another praiseworthy weekend for the juvenile athletes & coaches of Lifford Strabane AC which saw the tally of medals rise to a total of 19 (8 Gold, 9 Silver & 2 Bronze) over the course of the Championships.
Our Club finished 2nd in the medals table overall, with an outstanding 13 medals overall in the Hammer, Javelin & Shot Putt making Lifford Strabane AC top of the throws table for the 2nd year in a row. These results were not achieved by luck or chance. It’s merely down to the commitment, work ethic & discipline from both athlete & coach.
The valued support of their families and fellow club athletes all having an impact on the success of these young aspiring athletes.
As the old Irish Proverb goes “Mol an óige tiocfaidh sí”. Praise the youth and they will prosper.
Well done to all who competed over the course of the week. Congratulations to all athletes that ran personal bests, category winners & to the medal recipients & competitors at the Track & Field events.
