The Lifford track is certainly taking shape
Lifford Athletic Club’s Olympic standard track took a big step closer to completion this week with the arrival of Mondo’s track lining team.
With the main track laid during 2012, the high jump area was newly laid during the week with the line marking team arriving Thursday.
Lifford AC’s Brendan O’Donnell spoke of his delight at the latest developments. “The development of the new track has been a nine year project at this stage, but this week sees a huge step forward towards its final completion.
Irish international athlete David McCarthy pictured with Lifford AC club members at the clubs new Olympic standard track last week.
“The old saying goes that the best things come to those who wait and while there have been may ups and downs, the end product is nearly in sight. An Olympic standard track with full IAAF accreditation is a brilliant new addition not just to Lifford but to the whole of the North West”.
With this exact same surface being showcased at the 2012 London Olympics where fast times were the order of the day, the development of such a facility in Donegal will help to showcase athletics in the North West.
The sheltered setting of the Lifford grounds, coupled with an Olympic standard surface will ensure fast times are recorded when the track opens up fully in a few months time. At the recent Donegal Track and Field Championships held at the venue, Letterkenny AC’s Ruairi Finnegan achieved a European Junior standard in the 1500m. Just last week, West Waterford AC’s David McCarthy was in town to get some training in on the new Mondo track in preparation for this weekends European Team Championships.
The Irish international will go in the 3000m at Santry this weekend, and was very impressed with the quality of the new track and affirmed his commitment to be back in the near future.
Weather permitting, the track lining is expected to be completed next week.
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