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Letterkenny clubs’ joint venture raises €5,088 for Conall Shiels

written by Staff Writer November 16, 2019

Two clubs. One town. One cause. Friday evening was a rather special occasion in a number of ways.

Firstly, Letterkenny Athletic Club and Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club came together to present a cheque for the sum of €5,088 for Conall Shiels which was raised by members of both clubs who ran the Dublin Marathon three weeks ago.

Conall’s father, Kieran, gave a lovely speech of appreciation of the efforts of both clubs to raise funds for five-year-old Conall who needs 24-hour care.

All pictures by kind permission of John Hughes

It really brought home the great sense of community, which contrary to what some might say, still exists in Letterkenny. It was great for both Letterkenny clubs to support a local charity.

Letterkenny AC’s senior women’s team who won team gold in the Dublin Marathon, with Letterkenny MD Mayor, Cllr John O’Donnell. Included are Marie Boyle, Monica McGranaghan, Ann Marie McGlynn and Teresa Jennings, who accepted the medal on behalf of her daughter, Caitriona.

Secondly, the night also gave an opportunity to acknowledge the achievement of Letterkenny AC’s senior women’s team, and also Paddy Ward. Letterkenny AC has a great history in the national marathon and Friday night was an acknowledgement of another chapter in that proud history.

Letterkenny AC’s women won the national marathon title in some style. Members of the team were: Ann-Marie McGlynn (who finished second overall) Caitriona Jennings, Monica McGranaghan and Marie Boyle.

The club was also delighted to present Paddy Ward with his over-65 medal. Paddy ran the second fastest marathon time ever by a runner from the Republic of Ireland at this year’s Dublin Marathon. As they say – some man for one man.

Letterkenny AC’s Paddy Ward, national marathon championship o-65 winner, with Cllr John O’Donnell, Letterkenny MD Mayor.

Paddy is a Burtonport man – but he is regarded by his club mates as an honorary Letterkenny/Mac’s Deli man.

Letterkenny AC Chairman, Aidan McKenna and Letterkenny 24/7 Chairman, Liam Tinney, spoke on behalf of their respective clubs, while Letterkenny AC coach, Teresa McDaid talked about the success of the medal winners.

Letterkenny AC coach, Teresa McDaid, addressing the presentation ceremony on Friday night.

Thanks are extended to all club members from both Letterkenny AC and Letterkenny 24/7 who came along on the night.

Thanks also to Pat and Amanda for the use of The Kitchen and for the great coffee, and to Letterkenny Municipal District Mayor, Cllr John O’Donnell, for making the medal presentations.