Letterkenny AC held their 50th anniversary celebrations in the Radisson Hotel on Saturday night.
The club have had major success over their 50 years and it was more than worth having a night dedicated to celebrating their achievements.
Martin Gormley was MC on the night, while councillor Ciaran Brogan addressed those in attendance.
Awards were also given out to athletes for their success in the 2022 season
Senior Awards recipients
Female of the Year: Ann Marie McGlynn
Male of the Year: Donal Farren
Performance of the Year: Caitriona Jennings
Cross country female: Nakita Burke
Cross country male: Karol Duggan
Road Female: Noeleen Scanlan
Road Male: Mark Grennan
Newcomer for 2022: Marc Wallace
Most Improved Male: Philip McHugh
Most Improved Female: Eimear Gormley
T&F Female: Kathryn McDevitt
T&F Male: Sheldon Nyoni Remeo
Junior of the Year: Ryan Canning
Female master of the year: Natasha Adams
Male master of the year: Ciaran McGonagle
Nifty at 50: Kevin McGee
Captains Award: Christine Russell
International and Lifetime awards were also given out on the night, with international awards going to Ann Marie McGlynn, Catriona Jennings, Darren McBrearty and Danny Mooney.
Lifetime Awards were presenting to the following:
John B Doherty
John was a founder member of LAC. He was a talented athlete, competing on road, cross country and track.
He sold lotto tickets to his loyal supporters in Blake’s Bar for many years and raised thousands of euros for the club.
Charlie Fox
Charlie was also a founder member of the club. He facilitated committee meetings in Fox’s bar in late ’71.
He was a dedicated athlete with his brother Seamus competing at many races until he emigrated. A frequent spectator supporting LAC on vacations over the vears.
Noel Mc Carron
Noel got involved with his brother Eddie in the early days of the club. He won national medals under 23 at 800m and 1500m. He went on to compete internationally at marathon. Most remembered for his motivational skills with youth and seniors. He was rewarded with athletics scholarship to US. He was a big fundraiser in the early days of LAC.
Eddie Mc Carron
Like Noel he was involved from the early days of LAC. A talented athlete, Senior schools 5000m champion and good cross country runner. But most of all like bother Noel was an exceptional motivator, coach and fundraiser. Would we see it today, club athletes selling Christmas trees along the road to raise money for the club? When someone broke into the clubhouse and robbed Eddie’s trees, it didn’t deter Eddie, who contacted the forestry and got more trees.
Fr. Kieran Mc Ateer
When curate in St. Eunans, he served as chair of the club 73-74. He was regarded as one of the toughest competitors LAC ever produced. 110% in training and competition.
Charlie Kelly
Came back from Dublin in 74. A native on convoy, came chairperson around 79, overseen laying of track on Pearse Road and its opening in 1980 with a successful track meet with the great Eamon Coughlan, Gerry Kiernan, Neil Cusack and many other athletes competing. Next came the building of a club house which was opened in 1983.
Mairead Hennessy
A successful juvenile and senior sprinter form ’72. She went into administration as secretary and took over from Charlie as chair. Was a successful coach for 13 years with a group of 400m runners which included Joe Higgins, Daragh and Fabian Mc Shane, Sean Melly and national indoor champion at 400m Frankie Higgins.
Michael Cullen
Michael was regarded as the best PRO any club could have. He was the reason we all bought the local papers every weekend. His colourful language and attention to detail was exceptional.
Kevin Toner
Kevin got involved with LAC with family. He soon realised he could run himself. However, it was in admin that he excelled and served in many positions. He headed a group to fundraise for the building of the club house. Over two years 45000 was raised through weekly silver circles. When he went out to town businesses and local estates and sold many lines. He had the distinction of competing in 40 consecutive Interfirms. He went on to represent Ireland at Masters
Neily Mc Daid
Nelly was involved with LAC from its formation in 1972. Transferred from Cranford in ’77. A regular on track and cross country teams winning Ulster Senior C Country Individual title. Big fundraiser over many years. When businesses saw his, coming they would say how much do you want today Nelly? It was his contribution as chief steward that stands out, HIs liaison with Garda and his band of loyal stewards. He may seem like the quiet man of the club but once Nelly got his teeth into something he was like a terrier. He wouldn’t let go until a job was completed I Know that tonight he would like to remember his volunteers that passed away lately. Namely Anjo Dutty, Michael Crossan and Bernard Mc Glynn.
Geraldine Diver was there on the night to capture the fun and celebrations.
