THE Donegal discus record had stood for 41 years – but has now been broken twice in a week.
Finn Valley AC’s Gavin McLaughlin broke the record today, competing at the Ulster Winter Throws Festival, hosted by his club in Stranorlar.
The Convoy man set a new mark of 44.34 metres this morning.
McLaughlin adds almost a metre to John Kelly’s 43.50m from last weekend.
Just last Saturday, Kelly shattered the 41-year-old record held by Finn Valley AC’s Sean Carlin.
While competing in Växjö, Sweden, Kelly broke the Donegal discus record with a new mark of 43.50 metres.
Carlin reached out to 42.62m while competing at the Irish Army Championships at The Curragh in ’79.
Now, McLaughlin has broken new ground again to set club and county marks.
Former Irish Olympic Team Manager Patsy McGonagle said of the Convoy native: “That puts Gavin into the zone.
“He’s now one of the best discus throwers in the country. He had dropped out for a period recently, but with a good winter’s work now he can definitely challenge for discus and shot put honours at national level in 2021.”
Today’s meet attracted nationwide competition.
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