Letterkenny Athletic Club Notes:
LETTERKENNY A.C. HOSTS INTERFIRMS 5K
The prestigious annual event, officially started by Fr. Kieran McAteer, showcased talent from local athletes, representing their clubs and workplaces.
Fr. Kieran’s presence at the starting line carried special significance, as he was part of the original committee, who established this iconic race back in 1978. The inaugural event, held on Wednesday, April 12th, 1978, saw Fr. Kieran himself, representing The Clergy, secure second place with a blistering time of 14:48.
The club has extended warm wishes to Fr. Kieran as he prepares to celebrate the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination at Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar, marking another significant milestone for this respected figure in the local athletics community.
Foyle Valley A.C.’s Chris McGuinness claimed this year’s overall men’s victory with a time of 15:49, while Strabane A.C.’s Ann-Marie McGlynn dominated the women’s field with an exceptional 15:55 finish. In the team competition, DSP emerged victorious with a strong collective performance. Garvin Boyce (19:34) Liam Wiseman (23:35) and Paul Gillen (24:12).
Leading Letterkenny A.C.’s charge was Cian Friel, who achieved a significant personal milestone by breaking the 17-minute barrier for the first time with a superb performance of 16:56. His outstanding performance secured 6th place overall. After a short lay down at the finish line, Friel commented that his recent training has paid dividends and he could race relaxed, knowing that his nemesis, Michael Harkin had raced earlier in the week and would be supporting from the sidelines.
Enda McLaughlin powered through the downpour to claim 11th position with a strong time of 17:27. Mark O’Donnell completed the loop of ballyraine in 19:46, while Adrian Callaghan followed closely in a time of 19:49. Peter Gallagher dipped under the 20 minute barrier in a time of 19:53. Ray McDermott, finished in 43rd with a time of 20:13, while Marie Boyle carried the flag for Letterkenny’s female competitors, delivering an outstanding performance with a time of 21:33, in the difficult conditions.
Noel Lynch, finished with a time of 23:11, showing tremendous determination as he splashed through puddles on the rain-soaked course.
Following the race, Letterkenny A.C. held a special presentation to honour Ann-Marie McGlynn for her decade of dedicated service to the club. The emotional ceremony recognised her tremendous contributions to Letterkenny A.C. over the past ten years. The club extended heartfelt wishes to both Ann-Marie McGlynn and Claire McGuigan for continued success with their newly formed club, Strabane A.C.
LETTERKENNY AC ATHLETES MADE A STRONG SHOWING AT AURIVO KILLYGORDON 5K
Letterkenny Athletic Club supported the Aurivo Killygordon 5K on Tuesday, June 3rd. Leading the Letterkenny contingent was Frank Pinder with a time of 22:57. Not far behind was Noel Lynch, who crossed the finish line in 23:59. Jean McGlinchey completing the course in 27:51. 10 seconds separated the twins, Claire Price and Denise Gallagher, who finished with strong times of 28:13 and 28:23 respectively.
Caroline O’Leary powered through the course in 28:26, while Nicola Doherty followed closely in a time of 28:37. Shaun O’Donnell completing the race in 30:56. Rounding out the Letterkenny AC participants were Noreen Pinder, who finished with a time of 33:25 and Angela McGee, who crossed the line in 34:28.
Strong Turnout and Impressive times for LAC Athletes at Letterkenny Gaels 5K
The Letterkenny Gaels 5K on Wednesday evening saw a remarkable showing from Letterkenny Athletic Club (LAC) athletes, with Michael Harkin leading the club’s charge with an outstanding time of 17:32, securing 6th place overall in the competitive field. Shaun Kerrs of Tír Chonaill AC claimed overall victory with a time of 16:12.
Under perfect running conditions, LAC demonstrated its depth and talent across all age categories. Dessie Shiels followed closely behind Harkin, crossing the finish line in 18:19 to claim 9th position. The club’s junior talent was on display as David McFadden delivered an impressive performance, completing the course in 19:28. Dean Murray finished with a solid time of 20:18, while Donal Campbell rounded out the club’s top five male finishers with 20:42. Anne McMenamin stood out as LAC’s top female performer, finishing in 20:47, demonstrating exceptional form and placing her among the top female finishers. Michael Mooney (20:48) and Gary Kearns (21:06), both showing impressive speed while Robert Kavanagh added to the club’s M50 success with a time of 21:21.
Eoghan Ó Riain sprinted for the line like a half back exiting a scrum, finishing in 23:20. O’Riain was followed closely by Irene McFadden (23.23) who outkicked Denis Shield in 23:26.
Amanda McNulty completed the 5K in 24:23, with Doireann Ní Riain (25:11) and Stella McCole (25:14) following shortly after, all demonstrating the strength in depth of the women’s team.
Rory Kennedy finished in 26:21 while Ciara McFadden crossed the line in 26:26 and Linda Cronin just seconds after in 26:38. Richard Raymond showed incredible determination in the M70 category with a time of 27:13. Noelle Lynch completed the course in 29:45, with Noreen Sharkey finishing in 30:09. Shaun O’Donnell (30:39), Noah McGonagle (31:57), and Martina McBrearty (33:38) all displayed great perseverance, while Margaret Coyle rounded out the LAC contingent with a time of 51:10.
KELLY HAUNTS MOONEY AGAIN AS LETTERKENNY’S SILVER STREAK CONTINUES
Letterkenny AC’s Danny Mooney was forced to play second fiddle yet again with Kieran Kelly of Raheny AC as he asserted his dominance once more. Kelly claimed victory at the Foyle Valley AC “Out the Line” 5-Mile race on Thursday evening. In very blustery conditions Kelly crossed the line in a blistering 24:29. Just four seconds behind, Mooney secured second place with an equally impressive 24:33, continuing one of the most compelling rivalries in regional distance running.
This marks the second time this season that Kelly and Mooney have battled on the banks of the Foyle, with mere seconds separating them. At the Bay Road 5K, Kelly finished with a three-second advantage.
Four seconds was the margin this time, but still close enough for Danny to spend another night lying awake wondering what might have been. Some spectators were overheard wondering if Mooney has a psychological block about winning, like a greyhound that’s never caught the mechanical rabbit and wouldn’t know what to do with it if he did!
JENNINGS CLAIMS TOP-10 FINISH AT COMRADES MARATHON
In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, Caitriona Jennings of Letterkenny Athletic Club secured an impressive 8th place finish in the women’s division at the 98th Comrades Marathon yesterday. The iconic “down” run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban challenged athletes across its gruelling 89.98-kilometer course under the warm South African sun.
The historic ultramarathon, renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance running events, saw Jennings cross the finish line with an outstanding time of 6 hours, 16 minutes, and 42 seconds. Her performance marks one of the strongest showings by an Irish athlete in recent Comrades history, demonstrating exceptional pacing strategy throughout the demanding route.
Jennings maintained remarkable consistency across the challenging course, climbing from 15th place in the early stages to finish 8th overall. Her performance earned Nedbank International team a second place in the team standings.
KILLYCLOGHER 10K RACE & 5K FUN RUN
On a sunny Saturday morning, 7 June, Killyclogher hosted its annual 10k road race and 5k fun run. Letterkenny AC’s Anne Robinson tackled the rolling 10k course which started and finished at Ballinamullan. With ambition of breaking “The 50!”, Robinsons was delighted that recent training paid out as she crossed the line in 49 minutes and 59 seconds.
Niamh McDaid swapped the wetsuit for her carbon racing shoes to compete in the 5k. Finishing in 37th place out of 411 competitors in a season best time of 23:02.
