Tír Chonaill Athletes Mary McLoone, Michelle Harvey and Juvenile Relay Team win Scottish Titles at Kelvin Hall

Tir Chonaill’s Mary McLoone, Michelle Harvey and the clubs under 13 girls relay team made a successful trip to the 'Scottish Senior Championships and Juvenile Relays' in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow last weekend.

Mary McLoone continued her successful 2009 Indoor season with a 2^nd round winning leap of 5.91metres for victory in the Long Jump from Iceland’s Johanna Ingadoter, 5.69m and Edinburgh’s Laurie McKenna. Mary, winner of the 2008 athletics award at the prestigious 'Donegal Sports Star Awards Banquet' in Letterkenny on Friday night, is a much stronger athlete this year and when a little more consistency is mastered in her run up will no doubt improve upon her recent county record of 6.11metres.Three hours after her successful early morning long jump exploits. Mary in her favourite event, the Triple Jump, finished 2nd with a best of 12.25metres behind Shaftsbury (Barnet Harriers) Noni Moroti, 13.27m with Edinburgh’s Gilian Kerr in bronze position -12.23m. Not happy with the technical aspects of her triple jump performance Mary will continue to work from her Letterkenny base, she teaches in the local Glenswilly NS and will concentrate on the Irish Championships next weekend in the Odyssey and an International in Cardiff at the end of February.

Michelle Harvey, was involved in the fifteen laps 3,000m as Mary McLoone completed her final attempts in the Long Jump. The Abbey Vocational School based P.E. teacher was very relaxed during the opening 1,000m and lead by fifteen metres in a split of 3mins 16 secs. It’s difficult to front run, concentrate and hold a fast pace on a tight 200m track. Her pace visibly slowed down during the 2nd 1,000m and Edinburgh’s Susan Ridley closed the gap to five metres. However Michele responded during the final 800m and won impressively - time 10mins 1273 secs - from Ridley - 10mins 16 secs and Sandra Branney, Glasgow third. Ninty minutes later Michelle lined up in the 1,500m – hardly enough time to have recovered fully- and finished 2nd behind Belfast’s Kerry Harty. Michelle will also contest the 'Irish Indoors' at the Odyssey Arena Belfast next weekend.

Over 100 club teams entered in the relay c/ships. The heats of under 13, 15 and 17 - 4 x 200m races were held in early afternoon during a break in the senior c/ships. It’s difficult to beat the atmosphere, drama and sheer excitement of relay running. Over 400 young athletes in six age categories encouraged by approx 1,000 noisy and supportive family members made this event a never to be forgotten experience.

Tír Chonaill’s U13 Girls squad of Emma Brady, Kate McGowan, Sarah Timoney, Kelly McGrory and Eva Mc Mullin were very impressive in winning the first of four heats in an excellent time of 2mins 00.60 secs. A final qualification was difficult – the winner in each of four heats plus one fastest loser.

Following a two hours rest and viewing of some very competitive senior finals the Tir Chonaill group were again in action in the first relay final. Drawn in Lane 3 the quartet of Brady,McGowan, Timoney and McGrory came from third place at the 1^st change over to 2^nd at the 2^nd change over and held 2^nd as Kelly McGrory the anchor runner took the baton. Kelly, from Laghey, closed the gap on leaders Edinburgh and entering the back straight took the lead. As the noise level increased, she kept her composure all the way to the finish line and recorded an historic club victory – the first non Scottish club to win an underage relay title. It was fitting that club seniors Mary McLoone and Michelle Harvey, both who competed with distinction at this venue as juveniles, and the parents of all five young athletes were present to support and encourage the youngsters.

Tir Chonall AC would like to congratulate club members Mary McLoone on winning the overall athletics award and Kate Keeney who was recognised as the top sports school girl at last Friday nights Donegal Sports Star Award Banquet in Letterkenny.

Tír Chonaill Group in the Kelvin Hall including Senior winners

Michelle Harvey and Mary McLoone; Girls Under 13 Relay winning squad and parents

Tír Chonaill winning Under 13 Girls Squad in the Kelvin Hall