When the first part of the 'Irish Juvenile Club Track and Field Finals' took place in Tullamore on the first weekend in July club notes indicated
‘The clubs talented group of juveniles made their own piece of club history over the weekend when they won an unprecedented ten medals at Part 1 of the National Juvenile Track and Field finals in Tullamore. In addition they smashed Irish age group records and recorded numerous P.B. performances.’
The second part of these championships were held last weekend in Tullamore and once again Tir Chonaill Youngsters re wrote the history books and accumulated 12 gold relay medals performances plus two individual podium finishes and a number of PB and top six performances. more
27 July 2010 - Karl Griffin wins British Milers Club M800 (D) at Belfast
Karl Griffins 1min 53.22secs at the 'British Milers Club' meeting in Belfast last Saturday Night, 24 July 2010 - a fantastic time and performace for a 15 year old.
While his club mates were performing so well in Tullamore, Karl Griffin was winding his way to the Mary Peters Track in Belfast to compete in a British Milers Club promoted event. The philosophy of BMC meetings is to assist and encourage the athlete to run fast times. Pace makers are deployed to ensure that the pace is fast and a supportive atmosphere guarantees that athletes respond positively with good performances.
Karl Griffin, in an 800m where the pace maker misjudged the early pace - he was too slow - came from 6th at half way to record a magnificent victory and time of 1min 53.22secs. What makes this time and performance more noteworthy is the fact that Karl only celebrated his 15th birthday in June.
http://www.flotrack.org/videos/play/349683-bmc-m-800-d-belfast-2010
http://kcathletics.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=92142261
27 July 2010 - Dungloe Festival 5k
By Brendan NcDaid
25 July 2010 - Danny McDaid 15km
25 July 2010 - Tír Chonaill Women finish 4th in Athlone
In winter like conditions, the club’s women’s team competed and finished 4th in 'Round 2 of the National League' to Athlone on Sunday last. Scoring 92pts, they now await the overall results from the Santry group to find if their efforts gain a top eight and final position.
Performances
Maximum 9 points were scored by Geraldine Stewart, 11.11m, Shot Putt and Michelle Harvey, 1500m 4mins 46.62. Second place finishes and 7pts were secured by Teresa McGloin, 3000m 9mins 55.70secs; Louise Harvey, 400mH 68.11secs; Geraldine Stewart, Javelin,27.22m; 3rd place finishes and 6pts by Louise Harvey, 400m 61.78secs and High Jump 1.45m;Michelle Harvey, 800m 2mins 23.4secs; 4th place finishes and 5pts by Marie Rooney, 3k Walk; Lisa Shields, 100m ;Geraldine Stewart, 100mH; 4x400m relay team; and 5th place finishes and 4pts by the 4x100m relay team; Brenda Morris, Hammer; Michelle Harvey, Discus.
Well done to our Women’s Team, thanks to our guests Teresa McGloin and Lisa Shields and to club mentors/management David Doherty and Jackie Harvey for all their work behind the scenes ensuring that the team were well prepared and on the day competed to their maximum.
25 July 2010 - Club Tri athletes
A large number of club members have competed recently with great success in a series of duathlons/triathlons. All will continue to swim/cycle/run and complete as they prepare for the Olympic Triathlon in Blacksod, Bemullet on the 18th Sept.
The competition programme includes:
31 July - Rosses Point, Sligo, Sprint Triathlon
08 August - Gleniff Horseshoe, Cliffoney, Mountain 10k
21 August - Galeforcewest Adventure event, Westport
18 September - Blacksod, Belmullet, Olympic Triathlon, (full open sea 1500m swim) a big one for the Tír Chonaill group as it is planned to enter several teams.
23 July 2010 - Drumhalla, Rathmullan 5k
21 July 2010 - Ederney 10k
By Mark Connolly
The Ederney 10k is on Saturday July 31st at 12:00pm. Ederney is 20 minutes from Aghyaran towards Enniskillen.
21 July 2010 - Donegal County Board Grand Prix
21 July 2010 - The Irish Schools Track & Field Team Glasgow July 2010
20 July 2010 - Burtonport 5K 2010
Five club athletes contested the fast Burtonport 5k on Tuesday Evening 20th July. Local athlete and Letterkenny AC Ciaran Doherty, ran an excellent time of 14mins 45secs to record a very popular local victory. Tír Chonaill, fifteen years old Sean Kerrs, introduced to the sport twelve months ago, had a superb run to finish 19th overall and 2nd Junior on the night in a new PB time of 17mins 37secs. Richard McCarthy, who has coached Sean since joining the training group in Donegal Town, won the M50 section in a time of 18mins 8 secs. It was a case of the student beating the master.
Steven Travers, M45, 19mins 23secs; Vera Haughey. W45, 21mins32 sec's and Johnnie Ward, M45, 22mins 14secs were also very happy with their performances
20 July 2010 - Sperrin Harriers 5th Annual Classic 5 Mile Road Race
By Tommy Harraghy, Club Secretary, www.sperrinharriers.co.uk
The Sperrin Harriers 5th Annual Classic 5 Mile Road Race takes place in Cookstown on 6th August, starting at 7:30pm sharp. This year, there will also be a 5k Fun Run/Walk commencing at 6:30pm sharp.
Full details including Leaflet and Entry Forms are on our Club Website.
http://www.sperrinharriers.co.uk/Classic_5M/
We look forward to seeing you there.
19 July 2010 - Mullaghmore/North West Hospice 3 Mile Race
The Mullaghmore/North West Hospice Race/Walk is on Sunday Aug 8th at 5:00pm. As usual, the race is 3 miles exactly around Mullaghmore Head. Superbly organized by club member Pat McManus, this event annually attracts over one hundred supporters to the scenic North Sligo venue. Entry fee is €10 and entries will be taken from 4:00pm at the Pier Head Hotel. Put the date and time into your diary and why not come and support a worthy cause.
18 July 2010 - Furey Series last race this Wednesday
By Eoghan Furey 00 353 87 9474883
Wednesday 21st July is the final race of the ' 2010 Furey Insurances 5k Series' and takes place on the Ballineska course beside Templemore Sports Complex. Overall series prizes will be decided on the night. With the growth shown in previous races we are expecting a large turnout for the final race. It would be most appreciated, if you intend to run that you pre enter.
NOTE : No penalty for non attendance. There will be a separate desk for those pre entered for Race No up until 7:10pm this will speed up your entry and allow for a more relaxed pre race atmosphere. The email address for pre entry is fudgelarge@gmail.com Just send me your : Name - Male/Female - Age - Club.
All pre entries will be accepted with up to 4:00pm Wednesday (race day). All pre entries by email will receive a copy of the race results that night.
Looking forward to seeing you all there and the series t-shirts for those who completed 4 races will also be available on the night.
Registration from 6:00pm as usual at Templemore Sports Complex Derry.
18 July 2010 - International duty for Karl Griffin & Clare Brady
Scotstown, Glasgow, was the venue on Saturday 17th July for the 'Home Countries Schools U17 Track & Field International'. Abbey Vocational School and Tír Chonaill AC athletes Karl Griffin and Clare Brady played important roles as the Irish Team performance defeating Wales and Scotland and finished runners up to England. Karl lined up in the eight man, two per country, 800m when the wind was blowing at 6/7 and the temperatures were down to 6/7 degrees. The race was tactical and slow with lots of pushing/shoving as the field ‘jokied’ for favourable positions through out the opening lap. The English pair Guy and Waterman had prime positions at the front of the field as the race entered the final 200m. Griffin was boxed on the kerb and Dean Cronin, the 2nd Irish representative made a move around the outside. Karl did find a gap as the race entered the home straight and the final 100m. Tom Gay had made a decisive five metres break and went onto to win. Karl, for the first time in the race, had the freedom to run and slowly closed down the English lad. Result 1 Guy - 2mins 00.03sces; 2 Griffin 2mins00.37secs, 3rd Watson, Scotland 2mins.00.66secs, 4th Cronin, Ireland 2mins 00.75secs.
Clare Brady, also had a very rewarding experience in Glasgow. She cleared a new PB of 2.50 - narrowly missing out on 2.60m and claimed an overall 6th place finish.
Clare, who has made remarkable progress in the Pole Vault this year, like Karl is underage again next year for this competition. Well done to both athletes.
The club is certainly proud of your achievements.
Video: Karl Griffins 800m at International Schools in Scotstown, Glasgow on Saturday
Pic: Karl Griffin,2nd in the 800m at the Schools International in Glasgow pictured with parents Bridge and Eamon who traveled over.
18 July 2010 - Celtic International
On Wednesday of last week the Ulster selectors picked the U16 and U19 Girls and Boys Teams for the upcoming 'Celtic International' which takes place in Athlone on the 7th August. Congratulations to following three club athletes that have been chosen - Emma Brady, U16 Girls 75m Hurdles; Christopher Doherty, U18 Boys Pole Vault and Louise Harvey, U18 Girls 80mH and 300mH.
16 July 2010 - Churchill 5k 2010
Churchill’s demanding and hilly 5k was the venue this evening for the latest race in the Asics Donegal County Board road race series. Club Athletes Johnnie Ward, M45 ,23mins 44secs, Vera Haughey, W45, 24mis and Jackie Harvey, W50, 26mins.05secs all put in good performances.Well done all.
15 July 2010 - Ulster/ANI Celtic Team
The Ulster/ANI Celtic Track and Field Team for the upcoming International on the 8th August Is Attached. The venue is Athlone. Teams competing are Scotland, Wales, Ulster and Rest of Ireland.
Ulster/ANI Celtic Track and Field Team.pdf
14 July 2010 - Round 2 National League
Tír Chonaill’s Women’s Team travel to Athlone I.T.’s state of the art Mondo surfaced Track and Field facility on Sunday next for the 2nd round of the National League. They will be led by recent National Senior medal winners Mary McLoone and Geraldine Stewart and have qualification for the prestigious League final as their goal. Following Round 1 they are placed in 9th overall position and will need a very good team performance on Sunday to qualify for the eight team final on Saturday 14th August.
No doubt the fighting spirit and talent of this group of women, will respond and attempt to emulate club teams that have annually during the past decade won or finished in a top three position in finals and have represented Ireland in European Club Finals - Gent, Belgium [2004], Dubnica, Yugoslavia, [2009] and Berne, Switzerland, [2010].
Good luck to the team led by Marie Rooney, Captain, Mary McLoone, Geraldine Stewart, Philomena Gallagher, Louise Harvey, Lisa Shields, Michelle Harvey, Teresa McGloin, Brenda Morris, Jackie Harvey, [Manager]
Pic: Marie Rooney & Brenda Morris, National League Winners 2009
Athletic Association of Ireland Woodies National Track & Field League 2010 Round 2.pdf
14 July 2010 - Schools International
Scotstown’s blue surfaced track in Glasgow is the venue on Saturday for the annual home countries U17 International. Good luck to club members Clare Brady, Pole Vault and Karl Griffin, 800m, part of the Irish Team as they pit their talents against the best from Wales/Scotland and English schools.
12 July 2010 - Successful Tír Chonaill Summer Camp
Over one hundred young athletes/children enjoyed five days of sport/art/dance coaching when the annual 'Tír Chonaill Summer Camp' was help in the spacious grounds of the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town from the 5th to the 9th July. more
12 July 2010 - Local Athletes shine at Santry
The National Senior Track and Field Championships at Santry Stadium over the weekend attracted excellent entries, had all the Irish Team that will compete in upcoming European Senior [Barcelona] and World Juniors [Canada] in attendance and included some of the most competitive events in years across a number of disciplines. The inclusion of Paralympic track and field disciplines was another memorable addition. more
10 July 2010 - Murvagh Beach Long Run
Club athletes before setting off on their Saturday morning long run at Murvagh beach, on what was a warm and humid but dry beautiful morning for the long run. The group were delighted to welcome Ballyshannon native and marathon runner, now based in the USA, Joanna Croal train with them over the past few weeks while she holidayed at home.
Every third long run takes place at this venue where each loop is just over three miles with three loops being 10 miles. Some of the group did 10 miles, other 13.5 miles while a few did 15 miles. Text messages will now go out each Thursday/Friday informing club athletes of the Saturday morning venue, which will rotate between, Castle Caldwell, Murvagh and road, with hopefully some runs linking up with the North Sligo and Leitrim athletes. If you wish to be included in this text message please contact Paddy on 087 2376389.
Standing L-R: Martin O'Halloran: Sean Cassidy; Nora Timoney; Marie Rooney; Ann Donoghue; Gerry McCafferty; Joanna Croal.
Front L-R: Bernie McNeely; Gabby McGloin; Caroline Spratt. Missing from photo but there: Paddy Donoghue (photographer); Elenaor Rooney; Kevin Connors and Jackie Harvey.
09 July 2010 - J. G Memorial Cranford 4.2 Mile
06 July 2010 - Manorcunningham 5k 2010
05 July 2010 - ‘Top Ten’ for our Juveniles in Tullamore
The clubs talented group of juveniles made their own piece of club history over the weekend when they won an unprecedented ten medals at 'Part 1 of the National Juvenile Track and Field Finals' in Tullamore. In addition they smashed Irish age group records and recorded numerous P. B. performances. more
05 July 2010 - Cara Pharmacy renew Club Sponsorship
Tír Chonaill’s main sponsors for the past four years, Cara Pharmacy, with head offices in Bundoran, and nine stores across the North West, including Donegal Town, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan, and employing over one hundred people in the region renewed their support for the club as the company celebrated ten years in business at a special function in the company’s HQ in Bundoran last Friday afternoon. A statement from Tír Chonaill at the celebratory function indicated that ‘We at Tír Chonaill Athletic Club are delighted and proud to be associated with Cara Pharmacy. We thank Canice and Ramona for their continued support and look forward to growing that relationship in the future. We congratulate you and all at Cara Pharmacy on what is a wonderful and indeed amazing achievement, and we wish you every
continued success going forward. www.carapharmacy.com. Pic shows Cara Pharmacy, Directors, Canice and Romana making a presentation to Tír Chonaill Chairman Paul O’Gara. Also included in the photograph are club members Eamon Harvey, club Secretary Michelle Harvey and Paddy Donoghue.
05 July 2010 - Summer Camp Success
The clubs annual summer camp has attracted over one hundred participants. It runs all this week and has a multitude of activities. Report and photographs very soon.
02 July 2010 - Rathmullan 5k 2010
30 June 2010 - Boa Island Triathlon
Three club athletes competed at the inaugural 'Boa Island Triathlon' last weekend and all reported being pleased with their performances. Niall Clancy, a stalwart of the event who draws on his experience each time he competes, produced a good all round performance to clock an excellent 1.14.24 and 43rd place overall. Team Cummins, with Sara Daly on the swim (10.04), Tony Cummins on the bike (38.01), and new to this discipline Paul Ward on the run (16.54) clocking a great overall time of 1.06.54 to take second relay team spot. Well done all.
30 June 2010 - Karl Griffins victory in last Saturdays Tailteann Inter Pro at Tullamore
30 June 2010 - Club Juvenile Athletes that have qualified for the All Irelands
Club Juvenile Athletes that have qualified for the' All Ireland's during July i.e.Week Ends 3/4th July and 17/18th July. more
30 June 2010 - Johnston and Davidson Lead Home Record Field at Carndonagh 5K
Report By Gerry Lynch
Richard Johnston won the latest installment of his season long battle with tenacious Foyle Valley rival Scott Rankin, at a wet and windy Carndonagh 5K on Wednesday night last and American visitor Hannah Davidson was much too good for the local opposition in the Women's race, as a record 179 finishers contested the penultimate race in the hugely popular Furey Insurances 5K Series.
A confident run from the red vested Johnston saw him break away around the 4k mark and storm through the hilly final kilometre for a 15m55s clocking, comfortably ahead of Rankin on 16m6s with Carndonagh man Joe McKinney next on 16m23s. The Spartan is now three to one up in their four Series head to heads to date. Rankin was an excellent fourth in the fast Buncrana race - which Johnston missed - back at the end of May and the final race on the Balliniska circuit, on Wednesday 21st July should be another exciting duel between two fine young road racers!
Providence College athletics scholarship student Hannah Davidson, visiting her boyfriend David McCarthy in Derry, was a class apart in the women's race posting an impressive 17m30s for ninth overall and a clear victory over the battling Inishowen F40, Helena Crossan who ran a gutsy 18m29s on her home turf with another Series regular, Springwells Gemma Turley, third on 19m26s.
The joint promotion between City of Derry Spartans and Inishowen Ac proved a real winner as a record 179 entry was attracted to the event, Runners of all abilities were involved, the finish times ranging from sub 16m to just over 43m,proving that running is indeed for everyone!!
Age Group Winners: City of Derry, Foyle Valley ,Tír Chonaill AC and Finn Valley mopped up practically all the age group prizes - the exception being another female visitor, young Emma McKinney who ran a quick 20m10s to lift the Female U20 award.
Tír Chonaill's Sean Kerr's took the Male U20 with 18m38s and his club mate Richard McCarthy, brother of race Sponsor Atlanfish's Declan, was the top M50 with 18m33s. Foyle Valley pair Ryan Snodgrass and Billy Orr claimed the M35 and M45 prizes respectively with times of 17m48s and 18m26s.Valleys female trio, Sandra McKeever, Rosie O'Brien and Kate Meehan were the top F35, F40and F45 finishers.Their times were 3m9s, 21m26s and 23m49s.
Finn Valleys Gloria Donaghey ran 22m49s for the F50 prize and Moville man Seamus McElhinney on 23m18s took another M60 award. Inishowens Willie John McLaughlin produced a storming finish to pip Condy Doherty in the M65 grade and the Spartans Paul McCafferty M40 and Peter Lilburn M55 were worthy winners on 17m35s and 18m49s.
The road race action continues tonight Friday 2nd July with the Rathmullan 5K, start time 7:30pm and Saturday brings the Strabane 10K which has a12noon start time.
The sixth and final Furey Insurances 5K is on Wednesday 21st July on the Baliniska circuit at 7:30pm with Templemore Sports Complex serving as race HQ--this one sponsored by the Donnelly and Taggart Group is not to be missed!
Looking further ahead the annual Dessies Run 10K is in the Gransha Grounds on Sunday 29th August--12noon start - and of course the real big one, the Tesco Waterside Half Marathon on Sunday 12th September, also in the Gransha Grounds.
29 June 2010 - Doherty and Harvey success at National Junior Championships
The 'National Junior U20 Championships', held at Tullamore on Sunday, had two club athletes, gain top three placing. Louise Harvey, early in the day finished 4th in the 400mH - 66.68secs and bounced back later in the day with a new PB in the 100mH - 15.43secs for 2nd place in a blanket finish. Christopher Doherty, continued his successful season when he equalled his PB with a best of 3.60m – narrowly missing 3.80m on his first attempt.
29 June 2010 - Children’s Games
Congratulations to the clubs U11 2 x 60m team – Orla Coughlan and Mary Flora Scott who traveled to the All Ireland children’s games in Templemore last Saturday. Mary Flora 9.89secs and Orla 10.06secs gave the pair a total time of 19.95secs and an overall 12th team placing. Well done to both girls and thanks to the parents and mentors that made the long journey south to support.
29 June 2010 - Waterbus Fund Raiser
On Sunday week last club members and supporters enjoyed an evening of music, food and craic as they ventured on an evening cruise around Donegal Bay. Reports indicate that it was a most enjoyable and well organized social venture. Thanks to all who supported, to Brian O’Sullivan, musician and entertainer, the management of the waterbus and to club chairman Paul O’Gara who organizational work behind the scenes.
28 June 2010 - Interested in tickets for London 2012 - you need to register!
Press release from London 2012
The world's greatest sporting events are coming to London in 2012! Approximately 8 million tickets will be available for the Olympic Games, with another 2 million for the Paralympic Games.
We aim to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the most spectacular sporting shows on earth and ensure there's a great atmosphere at every venue.
You can register your interest with us now and be the first to receive all the latest ticketing news and information before tickets go on sale.
Tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2011. You will need to submit an application for tickets when sales are launched even if you have registered your details with London 2012 and you have a ticketing account.
If you are not a resident of the UK and EU, regardless of citizenship, you will be required to apply for tickets via your local National Olympic Committee (NOC) or National Paralympic Committee (NPC) from 2011. Some NOCs and NPCs may appoint an Authorised Ticket Reseller (ATR) in order to help the general public obtain tickets and services relating to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. If you register your interest with us, we will send you the contact details of your local NOC, NPC or ATR when they are made available. A full list will be posted on the 2012 website in late 2010.
There will also be free sports and events, including Road Cycling, Triathlon and the Marathon. These will be held on the streets of London, where thousands of spectators can line the route to cheer on the athletes.
Do you know all of the sports taking place at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games? If not, why don't you find out about them so you know which events you would like to apply for in 2011? View the complete list of sports and venues at London 2012 on www.tickets.london2012.com
28 June 2010 - Club Sponsors Cara Pharmacy Celebrates 10 Years
Club sponsors for the past four years Cara Pharmacy, with head offices in Bundoran, celebrate 10 years in business on Friday 02 July. Company directors Canice and Ramona Nicholas are active Tír Chonaill Athletic Club members with Canice a regular on the road racing and triathlon scene, both, with a common sense approach, are invaluable sources of advice and readily available to all club members with encouragement and guidance.
26 June 2010 - Griffin, Finnigan and Brady secure places on Irish Schools Team
Following outstanding performances at the Irish Schools Inter Pro/Tailteann Games today in Tullamore, Abbey Vocational Schools, Karl Griffin and Clare Brady and St Eunans, Ruairi Finnegan secured places on the Irish Schools Under 17 team that will contest the home countries schools International in Scots town, Glasgow on the 17th July.
Karl, in a tactical 800m race, out kicked the opposition, over the final 150m to win impressively in a time of 1 min 58.4secs while Ruairi in the race of the day won the 1500m in new record time of 3mins 54.4secs. Clare cleared 2.30m in the Pole Vault for a 2nd finish position - the top two in each event gained automatic selection. AVS Pole Vaulter Christopher Doherty 2nd in the Irish schools today finished 4th.
Pic 1: Karl Griffin, Clare Brady & Christopher Doherty.
Pic 2: Ruairi Finnigan.
25 June 2010 - Aghyaran Summers Day 5k
Five Tír Chonaill athletes made the short journey to Aghyaran on Friday night for a superbly organised and very well supported 5k road race. more Results.pdf
25 June 2010 - Round 2 Draw of National League
Round 2 Draw of National League.pdf
23 June 2010 - Mary McLoone
Last weekend Mary McLoone was a member of the successful Irish Team that traveled to Budapest for the European Div 1 Team Championships. The Irish team succeeded in retaining Div 1 status with Mary having good performances and contributing valuable points in the Long and Triple Jump.
23 June 2010 - Karl Griffin at Olympic Training Camp in Bucharest
Karl Griffin returned on Wednesday from a six day Olympic Training Camp in Bucharest. From reports, it was very enjoyable, very warm and very isolated. Karl was part of a 24 athletics group that included Letterkenny colleagues, Ruairi Finnigan and Mark English. The multi sport camp had Irish representatives from Rowing, Cycling, Triathlon, Boxing and Gymnastics. One of the highlights of the camp was to spectate and attend training sessions organized by the Romanian Gymnastics squad.
20 June 2010 - Club Athletes at Ulster/NI Juvenile Championships
At the 'Ulster/Northern Ireland Juvenile club Championships', last Saturday and Sunday, in the Antrim Forum the clubs juvenile athletes put together a series of outstanding performances with many qualifying for podium positions, all Ireland places and a series of PB’s [personal best performances]. The two day event was run in Mediterranean conditions. The following deserve a big congratulations and well done. more
20 June 2010 - South Donegal Athletes at Mullaghmore Triathlon
If you were one of the many who were lucky enough to be in Mullaghmore on Saturday last for the annual Mullaghmore Triathlon, you would have been forgiven for thinking that you were in some sun drenched exotic land, such was the beauty of this North Sligo village on what was a glorious summer’s day. From early morning a steady stream of athletes were witnessed fine tuning bikes, adjusting swim suits, checking running gear and anxiously watching the shimmering, rolling waves as they kissed the golden sands along the beach, under the ever watchful eye of majestic Ben Bulben, most oblivious to the stunning natural beauty that surrounded them.
The triathlon, consisting of a choice of distances in the swim, (750m and 300m); a 20k bike ride and a 5k run, got under way at 10.30am when the first wave entered the water, with the fourth and final wave, (300m) hitting the surf at 11.06am. For the twenty five plus local athletes from the South Donegal area, who had been in training for this particular event since the turn of the year, the day had finally arrived. After the initial anxiousness that accompanies such events, had receded, all settled into the spirit of the day and with superb performances all reported delight with their results, with many recording personnel bests. Some took part in relays, where a different athlete completed each event with their total times giving the results.
Most of these athletes have been training with the local athletic club Tír Chonaill AC, with many of them competing regularly for the club at both cross country and road. Barry Duffy, Niall Clancy, Barry Gallagher, Noel Hoey, Sinead Donagher, Jane and Paul McDevitt, Canice Nicholas, Eleanor Rooney, Diarmuid and Donagh Keon, Brenda Morris, Michael Shanley, Olivia Murphy, Pat McManus, Brian McMullin, Malachy Cullen, Ciaran Ferguson, Terry Hughes, Daniel and Philip McLoone, all competed the full triathlon of all three events, while Orla Kilgannon (swim), Patsy Kilgannon (bike) and Sean Cassidy (run) took third place in the relay section with a second relay team of Grace Murray (swim), Bernie Maguire (bike) and Claire Flood (run) vowing to come back stronger for next year. The group, who train together, have a great mix of experienced tri athletes, able to provide invaluable advice and guidance, and new first timers, all eager to learn and very committed to their craft, making this an exceptional and enjoyable training experience for all. Congratulations and well done all.
Training will resume, after a well deserved rest, at the beginning of July.
Mullaghmore Tri Provisional Results19Jun2010.pdf
14 June 2010 - Buncrana 10K
The consistent Innishowen AC man Joe McKinney was a comfortable winner of Saturday nights Buncrana 10K which attracted an entry of around 150. McKinney ran 34n13s for the win, ahead of City of Derry,s Brendan Murphy on 35m03s and his M45 club mate, Gerry Duddy with 35m24s.
Letterkenny AC,s Fionnuala Diver ran 39m56s for the Women's victory, Teresa Doherty of Innishowen was next on 41m12s and another Letterkenny athlete Noreen McGettigan claimed third spot with 41m41s. Tír Chonaill,s Leo Murray was the top M40,his 35m31s getting him home in front of the Spartans Paul McCafferty on 36m05s; Peter Lilburngot in the prizes again, top M50 with 38m43s and Foyle Valleys Kate Meehan was the leading F40. Report from Gerry Lynch
14 June 2010 - National League success at Antrim
Last Sunday the Antrim Forum was the venue for Round 1 of the National League. The clubs Women’s Team, not at full strength, finished 4th on the day with appoints total of 89pts behind Ballymena and Antrim 124pts,City of Lisburn, 112pts, North Down 102pts. Victories were recorded by Geraldine Stewart in the Javelin and Shot Putt; Mary McLoone, Long and Triple Jump, 2nd place points were gained by Louise Harvey, 400m Hurdles and top three placing's by Marie Rooney, Walks and 3,000m, Good support points came from Philomena Gallagher, Jackie Harvey and Brenda Morris. To qualify for the final the team hopes to be at full strength for Round 2 in three weeks time.
At the Ulster/Northern Ireland and age group c/ships, also at Antrim on Saturday, Louise Harvey won both the 300mH and 100mH in the under age group and qualified for the early July National Finals.
National League Individual Results Round1.pdf
14 June 2010 - Women’s Mini Marathon
Tír Chonaill AC club coaches Martina McGee and Lorraine Delaney, both coach in Bundoran with the juvenile group, made their running debuts at the popular women’s mini marathon on the bank holiday weekend. The Flora Dublin mini marathon, the largest all female sporting event in the world with over 40,000 participants this year, proved to be a good inaugural event for the girls with both crossing the finish line in an excellent 58.48. All the hard training out the lonely country roads paid off, well done girls.
14 June 2010 - Donegal Community Games Finals
There was success for numerous club athletes, at the Community Games finals on Sunday afternoon in Milford. Matthew Duffy from Bundoran took the gold in the U10 hurdles with a strong and positive run from a very strong field while Sarah Timoney from Ballyshannon, after only taking up the event in recent weeks, was a superb winner of the 900m walk. Also in the walk and new to the club training was Aoibhinn Gallagher, Ballyshannon, who took a super bronze medal. more
14 June 2010 - Special Olympians success in Limerick
Last weekend Limerick was the venue for the Irish Special Olympics Athletics finals. The club would like to congratulate the following, all who have trained at the club in Donegal Town with great purpose over the last twelve months, on their great success at this festival of athletics –Ailing Eves, gold and bronze; Marie McGloin, gold and silver; Declan Friel, gold and a ribbon; Anthony Donagher, silver in 50m and 5th in the soft ball throw. This group trained on Wednesday mornings under the expertise of club coaches Peter O’Connor and Anne McGowan aided by AVS Transition year students James Flynn, Emmett Gallagher and Christopher Doherty.
Ciaran and David Gallagher, both members of the senior section of the Tír Chonaill club, had equally outstanding achievements. David ran 57secs to win the 400m with Ciaran a close 2nd while both filled 2nd and 3rd finishing places in the 200m. Since joining the club two years ago both have rarely missed Tues/Thurs/Sunday morning training sessions. Club coaches Richard McCarthy and Michelle Harvey and the entire club are very proud of your achievements. Congratulations to all.
12 June 2010 - TC Athletes at Enniskillen Rotary 10k
Once again a large number of club athletes made the short journey to Enniskillen for the annual and ever popular Rotary 10k which took place in warm and humid conditions on Saturday last. Continuing the trend of all road races so far this season, there was a 33% increase in the number of entrants, with 1100 pre-entered online and over 400 entering on the day, all toeing the line for the 2.00pm start.
A very thoughtful and welcome addition to this really well organised and friendly event was the individual text message received by all those who had pre-entered, stating their name, finishing position and time and this within an hour of the prize giving at the end of the event, well done all concerned.
All the club athletes were pleased with their runs, with fine performances by all. The ever improving and recent recruit to the club Gerry McManus was first club athlete to cross the finish line in an excellent 41.55, looking fresh and as if he could do it all over again.
Following closely was club stalwart Marie Rooney, with a superb run taking first place in her category with 42.26 on the clock and 4th female overall. Next up was another club stalwart and coach Paddy Donoghue who with 42.33 was pleased with his form. Sean Cassidy with 43.03 had a great run and was chased all the way home by Brenda Morris in a good 44.08. Philomena Gallagher (44.50), Gerry McCafferty (45.02), Sharon McGowan (47.15), Caroline Spratt (47.37), Eileen Ward (48.55), Ann Donoghue (49.46), Pol O’Loughlin (49.52), Bernie McNeely (50.50), club coach Emma Corry (56.42) and new comer to running Valerie Moore (60.48). Congratulations and well done all.
Congratulations to local Bundoran resident and Letterkenny AC athlete Brian Thursby-Phelim finished in a superb third place overall with an excellent 33.16 after a titanic struggle with eventual winner Owen Gahan and second placed Connor Magill.
Next Saturday the second Lisnaskea 10k run/walk takes place with entry on the day from 10.30am at the Castle Park Centre. The run has a start time of 12 noon. The course, along quiet country roads, promises a flat fast course!
11 June 2010 - Mullaghmore Triathlon
The club will have its largest representation ever at a triathlon event when more than twenty athletes will enter the water for the Mullaghmore tri at the end of the month. Some athletes will be taking part in the relay section of the event while the majority will take in the full distances, 750m swim, 20k bike, followed by a 5k run. Triathlons are fast becoming the sport of choice for many athletes over the past few years; recognising the benefits of the three disciplines and how one can compliment the other no matter which is your primary discipline. All of the competing athletes have been training in Bundoran and Ballyshannon with Tír Chonaill Athletic Club all through the winter months to the present; most are already club members and have competed with some success on the road for the club. We wish them all the very best in Mullaghmore and throughout the season.
11 June 2010 - Culmore 5k
Club athlete and leading Irish mountain running challenger Leo Murray, fresh after his silver medal success with the Irish mountain running team at the recent European mountain running championships in Spain, continued his fine form at the Culmore 5k on Wednesday evening with a category winning run and sixth place overall in a fine 17.09 for a demanding course.
10 June 2010 - Donegal Juvenile, Senior and Masters Championships - Letterkenny 1st June 2010
There were some excellent performances from the small number of club athletes who competed at the first round of the Donegal track and field championships held recently at the Danny McDaid track in Letterkenny. The second round for the even age groups, seniors and masters will take place at the same venue on Tuesday 22 June with a 6.30pm start.
A small group of Ballyshannon athletes traveled and with some excellent performances all came home with medals across a variety of events. Amie McCafferty with a good run took silver in the U-13 girls 60m hurdles with club athlete Kelsie Warren taking third and bronze. Amie placed a great fourth in the 80m and claimed a super joint first in the long jump with a 3.58m leap. Kelsie recorded a best of 3.08m. In the shot putt Kelsie took the gold with a superb 4.99m putt while Amie took fourth with 4.82m. In the U-15 age group we had Katie McCafferty with a putt of 5.98m taking a bronze medal, while Katie along with Sarah Timoney made the final of the 80m hurdles. Both girls moved up to the U-17 age group to take part in the long jump and took fifth and sixth place respectively with best leaps of 3.78m for Katie and 3.69m for Sarah. Well done all.
The club’s sole master athlete competing was Ballyshannon man Paul Ward, who in a very competitive 1500m, ran along with the seniors race, took the gold medal with a fine 4.31 on the clock, ahead of City of Derry’s Declan McCarthy.
Shaun Kerrs, going in the senior 1500m clocked a respectable 4.46 for the distance. Moving down from his more familiar distance of 800m to the more grueling 400m was one of the club’s emerging young athletes Karl Griffin, taking the gold with a good 50.77 on the clock.
Christopher Doherty, more renowned for his pole vaulting, clocked a good 58.19 for the same distance, while a gritty run from the ever improving Mark McGuinness saw him take an excellent gold at his less familiar of 800m with 2.09 on the clock.
Donegal Championships 2010 Field Events results.pdf
Donegal Championships 2010 Track & Field.pdf
10 June 2010 - Johnston wins latest head to head at Culmore 5K
Report by Gerry Lynch
Richard Johnston and Scott Rankin resumed their seasons on going battle for supremacy at Culmore on Wednesday night, in Race 4 of the hugely popular Furey Insurances 5K Series, with the Randalstown based City of Derry Spartans newcomer carving out a ten second victory margin over his Foyle Valley rival in a wind affected 16m 6secs ,as the Women's race went to Inishowen's impressive Helena Crossan in 18m 45secs.
A record entry of 151 runners were attracted to Culmore, further proof of the increasing interest in road running all over the country and the huge spectator input on the two lap Coney Rd/Culmore Point course was also impressive.
Despite this and a warm sunny evening, the strong headwind for half the distance slowed times right down but there were several exciting tussles throughout the big field. Up front Johnston and Rankin ran with Paddy Mor Doherty and Joe McKinney for close to 3K before the two younger men got clear with the Spartan sustaining his effort longer to sprint home in 16m6s to the 16m16s clocking of his rival.
Inishowen M40 McKinney's strength saw him finish third in 16m23s, the red vested Doherty posted 16m28s with another Foyle Valley man Pius McIntyre, 5th in 16m57s, ahead of M40 Leo Murray of Tír Chonaill on 17m9s.
The top M45, City of Derry,s Damien McGinty was next on 17m12s, Inishowen Declan Caldwell finished just one second behind closely followed by Finn Valleys M45 Domnic Bonner and the unattached Connor McCullagh ,completing the top ten with 17m15s and 17m17s respectively.
Helena Crossan's 18m45s gave her a comfortable cushion in the Women's race, the real battle here played out behind her, as Gemma Turley, Theresa Doherty and the City of Derry duo, Jackie McGinley and Marina Campbell fought an intense duel for supremecy. There was little between them for most of the distance but the currently unattached Turley found enough late on to edge clear of the fast finishing Theresa Doherty of Innishowen who pipped McGinley on the line for third.
Turley ran 19m27s,Doherty 19m33s with McGinley given 19m34s and Campbell claimed fifth with 19m47s as her Spartans club mate and top F40 Bridgeen Byrne filled out the top six on 20m26s. Katrina Ruddy, unattached, was the leading F35 on 23m39s and Finn Valley's Gloria Donaghey with 22 30s was the first F50.
The remaining Male age group winners were Mid Ulster's Jon O'Neill whose 19m13s gave him the U20 prize; the City of Derry pair, M50 Dermot Connolly and M55 Peter Lilburn with 17m54s and 18m23s. Moville man Seamus McElhinney ran 23m21s for the M60 award.
The Prizes were presented by the race sponsors, two Culmore businessmen and sports fans, Physio Shawn Barron and Joe Jackson Ice Cream Parlour proprietor, Neill Doherty who doled out very welcome, delicious ice creams at the finish line.
Reminder that the next race in the 2010 Furey Insurances 5k series is on June 30th at 7.30 in Carndonagh, Inis Eoghain.
Also note Buncrana 10k takes place this Sat 12th June at 6.30. (Contact Eunan Mc Laughlin 0749362320).
10 June 2010 - Tír Chonaill’s Mary McLoone gains selection on Irish Europa Cup Team
Athletics Ireland has today announced a full team to attend the 2nd European Team Championship to be held in Budapest (HUN) on June 19-20 which includes six NI Athletes. more
10 June 2010 - Karl Griffin in Irish Schools Track & Field 800m
Video - Irish Schools Track & Field 2010 Intermediate Boys 800m 5th June
10 June 2010 - Karl Griffin invited to Olympic Council Training Camp
Athletics Ireland announced today that twenty four of the countries top young athletes will attend a week long training camp in Bucharest, Romania from the 17th June. Local club/school athlete Karl Griffin, who has been hitting the headlines recently will be part of an overall group of 50 youngsters from a variety of sports born in 1994/95. The group supported and funded by the Olympic Council of Ireland, will train and receive expert support coaching, medical and sports science services during the week. This multi sport group will form the backbone of Irish teams for the 2011 and 2012 European and World Youth Olympic.
09 June 2010 - Ulster U17 Schools Team for the upcoming Inter Pro
When the annual 'Schools Inter Pro' takes place in Tullamore on Saturday 26th June, local Abbey Vocational School athletes Karl Griffin, 800m, Clare Brady and Christopher Doherty both Pole Vault, Ciara Crawford, Walks will be contesting/scoring for the the Ulster Team and provided they can gain a top two finish position will be gaining selection on the 'Irish Schools Team' for the home countries international. Mark McGuinness from St Cathines, Vocational School, Killybegs, has also been selected as first reserve in the 1500m. Tír Chonaill AC congratulate all on their selection and best wish on the 26th.
Attached is the 'Ulster U17 Schools Team' for the upcoming Inter Pro. The Irish Schools Team for the 'Home Countries Schools International' will be selected following this competition. Highlighted are athletes from North West School's i.e. Donegal/Derry/Tyrone/Fermanagh.
Ulster U17 Schools Team for the upcoming Inter Pro.pdf
09 June 2010 - Dunfanaghy Runegal 10k
07 June 2010 - Draw for 1st Rd of National League
Draw for 1st Rd of National League.pdf
07 June 2010 - First Round of the National League
Next weekend our Senior women travel to Antrim for the 'First Round of the National League' – the first step in defence of a title they have won for the past two years.
The clubs older juveniles ie U14 to 19 also compete in 'Ulster Juvenile Club Championships' during the next two weekends.
07 June 2010 - Day of Stunning Performances at Woodie’s DIY Irish Schools Championships
From the very start of the 'Woodie’s DIY Irish Schools Track and Field Finals' on Saturday last the performances from the cream of the countries young athletes were stunning with several new records being set. Athletes from the local south Donegal schools played their part in this great athletics day with Abbey Vocational School, Killybegs Vocational School and Carrick Vocational all having podium finishing places. more
07 June 2010 - Local Athletes compete in Special Olympic Finals in Limerick
A number of Special Olympians from the local area will compete in the 'National Finals' next week at the University of Limerick. All have trained under the guidance of Tír Chonaill coaches and were given a special send off at final training sessions.
Tír Chonaill athletics club wish the athletes every success in the finals in Limerick this weekend. more
07 June 2010 - Fit4Life
It’s most encouraging to see the large numbers participating in the clubs very popular fit4life programme. New members are most welcome. Just come to the AVS gym on a Tues evening at 7pm and you will receive a warm welcome.
04 June 2010 - Donegal Town 5k Road Race 2010
On Friday evening last the Donegal Town 5k attracted athletes from all over the North West. International Half Marathon expert Joe McAllister, St Malachy’s Belfast, was the winner from Ciaran Doherty, Letterkenny. Local athletes Leo Murray and Paul Ward placed in the top ten with Sean Kerr's winning the Junior men’s section. The race had 137 finishers and a sincere thank you to Tír Chonaill personal and the Gardai for the efficient running of the event.
01 June 2010 - Super Performances from Tír Chonaill AC Women at European Clubs in Bern
Ireland’s representatives, Tír Chonaill AC competing in Group B of the' European Club Championships on Sunday last in Bern, Switzerland, put together a number of outstanding performances to end up joint 5th overall following a day long competition which was constantly interrupted by strong winds and squally showers. more
01 June 2010 - Lough Allen Triathlon
There was a superb turn out of South Donegal athletes at the inaugural Lough Allen Triathlon, held along the shores of beautiful Lough Allen on Sunday last. The two events, the long, (1000m swim/1500 kayak – 47k bike - 8.5k run) and the short, (400m swim/800 kayak – 20k bike – 5k run) had the unusual but welcome option of a swim or kayak with several opting for the kayak. Despite the near perfect summer conditions, a choppy lake, tough biking routes and undulating runs made for a very challenging event, marking the performances all the more satisfying.
Several of the South Donegal athletes competing are active members of the local athletic club, Tír Chonaill AC and all train regularly with the club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. In the long event Paul McDevitt was the sole representative and with a battling performance took an excellent 32nd place on a very tough route.
The short event saw some excellent performances from all the athletes with Michael Gallagher, opting for the kayak, first across the finish line in a superb 7th place, followed closely by the ever improving Noel Hoey in an excellent 8th. Niall Clancy with a super 12th place finish is returning to the form that he displayed last year. Sinead Donagher, with perhaps the performance of the day, was first female to hit the road, battling courageously over a tough 5k, to eventually finish in a superb third place and 14th overall. Next up was Barry Duffy, followed by Donagh Keon, Barry Gallagher, Ciaran Ferguson, Jane McDevitt, Eleanor Rooney, Diarmuid Keon, who punctured along the way, and Pat McManus, who all recorded superb performances, giving that many of the group are only training and competing for a year or less in some cases. Congratulations and well done all.
Pic: Michael Gallagher approaches the finish line.
28 May 2010 - Annagry 5k
Results from this evenings Annagry 5k. Results.pdf
26 May 2010 - Records All Round at Buncrana 5K
Report below from Gerry Lynch.
Records tumbled at Wednesday nights Buncrana 5K,the third in the 2010 Furey Insurances 5K Series as a massive 320 strong field were led home by new course record holders, St Malachys Joe McAllister and Letterkenny's Maria McCambridge, who posted spanking new figures of 14m42s and 16m9s respectively.
McAllister only decided to make the trip to the popular Donegal venue late on Tuesday evening,after successfully returning to competitive action at last Saturday's Ballymena Eco's 5m and he was very surprised to run so fast, shaving two seconds off club mate Kevin Seaward's 2007 course record of 14m44s. Runner up Ciaran Doherty of Letterkenny AC was acknowledged afterwards for his aggressive front running to around the 2K mark, before McAllister took control and went on relentlessly to win by 19secs. Doherty clocked 15m1sec with another Letterkenny man, a former triple race winner Pauric McKinney celebrating his 45th birthday, third on 1518secs.
Maria McCambridge absolutely smashed the 17m13s course record, set last year by Finn Valley's Teresa McGloin, storming to a magnificent 16m9s clocking and like the male winner, pocketed a £100 record bonus. McGloin herself finished second, with an eye catching 16m35s, delighted to run some 41secs quicker than last year, yet never seriously challenging the winner. North Belfast's Cathy McCourt was third in an impressive 17m18secs, confirming her recent good form.
The runners were favoured by the wind on their backs for the long straight to halfway and were able to avail of the relatively sheltered second half on the back road to the downhill finish, with the race's reputation for fast times right down the field confirmed again.
Foyle Valleys Scott Rankin continued his recent good form with fourth spot ,just edging City of Derry's Emmet McGinty on the line, both men given the same time,15m36s. Letterkenny duo Ivan Toner on 15m44s and M35 winner, Brian Thursby Pelham on 15m46s were hot on their heels; City of Derrys M35 Paddy Moore on 15m49s was a close up eight, as the top ten was completed by M40 winner, Joe McKinney and fellow Innishowen man, James Brown on 15m55s and 16m1s respectively.
Abbey's Gemma Turley continued her good form at North West road races with a 17m 57s clocking for fourth female, keeping her in the hunt for the overall series award with Cathy McCourt. Margaret Kelly of Letterkenny was top F35 on 19m, Innishowen's Helena Crossan was top F40 with 18m8s, leading F45 on 20m18s was City of Derry's Bridgeen Byrne and the first F50 on 21m47s was Gloria Donaghy of Finn Valley. At opposite ends of the age group winners were City of Derry's U20 Grainne Neary and F60 Roisin Lynch with respective times of 18m11s and 25m35s.
The male age group winners were rounded off by, Ciaran McKeown, St Malachys on 16m 22 s(U20); Declan McCarthy City of Derry,16m34s (M45); Seamus McCallion, Foyle Valley, 17m 19s ,(M50) ,Peter Lilburn, City of Derry, 17m 55s (M55) and Seamus McElhinney M60 and Condy Doherty M65.
Pics by Paddy Murphy of start and at 3.7 km
Pics by Pete Webster at 1km mark and finish and presentation
26 May 2010 - European Masters Mountain running Championships – Barcelona, Spain
Congratulations to club athlete Leo Murray on a magnificent performance at the recent European Masters Mountain Running Championships that took place just outside Barcelona in Spain. Leo, representing Ireland in the MM40 category, was in superb form finishing in tenth place overall and third counter on the Irish masters team that clinched silver medals. Omagh Harrier Stephen Duncan, a familiar name on the Donegal racing circuit, lead the team home with a second place in the MM35 category. Well dine Leo.
25 May 2010 - Tír Chonaill Women compete in European Clubs
Bern in Switzerland is the destination this weekend for the 'Senior Women’s Team' from Tír Chonaill Athletics Club. The occasion is the prestigious 'European Club Track and Field B Championships'. The South Donegal based group made their own piece of athletics history last August when, for the third time in the present decade, they won by the narrowest of margins, the 'Irish Premier Track and Field League', and gained the honour of representing Ireland in Europe.
A spokesperson for the club earlier this week outlined the task facing the group – ‘ the participating clubs include Maccabi Rishon LeZion, Israel, City of Manchester, Great Britain, Sparta AM, Denmark, AK Glasinac, Serbia; Rotterdam Atletiek, Netherlands; Bern SN, Switzerland and Tir Chonaill AC, Ireland. Most of the teams have Olympians and International athletes in their ranks. We have a young team traveling, including a number of guest athletes from outside clubs. We are targeting a number of PB and top three finishes.
Mary McLoone, International Triple and Long Jumper will lead the team that includes Michelle Harvey, former Irish European Junior CC representative, Finn Valley’s Teresa McGloin, and Letterkenny's, Lisa Shields. We look upon this competition as an honour to represent Ireland on an International stage and one where our athletes will gain invaluable experience’.
The Traveling Group - total twenty six - depart from Dublin on Saturday, compete on Sunday and return late on Monday evening. The team, announced last week reads as follows:
100m - Lisa Shields
200m - Mary McLoone
400m - Joanna Mills
800m - Niamh Mary Kearney
1500m - Michelle Harvey
3000m - Teresa McGloin
3000m - Steeplechase Bryony Treston
High Jump - Clare Wilkinson
Long Jump - Joanna Mills
Triple Jump - Mary McLoone
Pole Vault - Clare Wilkinson
Hammer - Rachael Ackers
Discus - Rachael Ackers
Shot - Emer Boyce
Javelin - Emer Boyce
100H - Louise Harvey
400H - Louise Harvey
4x100m Relay - Lisa Shields/Mary McLoone/Joanna Mills/Louise Harvey/Clare Wilkinson
4x400m Relay - Mary McLoone/Joanna Mills/Louise Harvey/Michelle Harvey/ Clare Wilkinson/Niamh Mary Kearney
Management Team - Marie Rooney, Jackie Harvey
24 May 2010 - Ulster Schools Track and Field Finals
Donegal School Athletes recorded a number of outstanding performances when the 'Ulster Schools Track and Field Finals' were held at the Antrim Forum on last Friday evening and Saturday. Over 1,000 youngsters from five provincial qualifying regional finals, an overall crowd [estimated at over five thousand], glorious sunshine and the incentive of qualification for the 'All Ireland Schools Finals' in Tullamore on Sat June 6th added to the supportive mix to make the 2010 event one of the best to date. more
22 May 2010 - New Mooathon Website launched for 2010
18 May 2010 - Hickey Clarke & Langan Inter Firms Road Race 2010
18 May 2010 - Sligo 8k
A group of club athletes traveled to Rosses Point in Sligo on Saturday Evening last to take part in the inaugural Sligo AC 8k. Pic: Paddy Donoghue in red. more
09 May 2010 - Kildare Half Marathon
Congratulations and well done to brother and sister Steven and Maeve Loughlin who both competed at the 'Kildare Half Marathon' on Sunday morning last and with superb runs achieved personnel bests for the distance. Steven crossed the line in 36th place overall with an excellent 1.28.01 on the clock while Maeve clocked an equally impressive 1.57.48 – excellent.
09 May 2010 - Ballyshannon 5k
The Ballyshannon 5k, the second race in the Donegal Athletic Board’s, Brian McCormick / Asics sponsored grand prix of road racing was a huge success with a 33% increase in runners and over 50% increase in walkers. The weather gods were kind, showering glorious sunshine on the 146 athletes as they toed the line at 7.30pm under the watchful eye of race starter Sean Keenaghan. The course, always fast given the right conditions, proved to be a winner again with superb times posted by all, including a new course record in both men’s and women’s sections. Ciaran Doherty of Letterkenny AC, who has been posting some great times in recent weeks literally ran away with the race, crossing the line in an excellent 15.11, while Finn Valley’s Teresa McGloin, looked sharp, continued from where she left off last season with a brilliant 16.51 and a tenth place overall finish.
Our own club athletes were out in force and with several first time racers to the distance, showing superb form and recording some excellent times. Young Eoghan Shanley claimed his second first junior prize in consecutive races with a super 18.52 on the clock, with Marie Rooney also taking first in her category with 20.40, while recent recruit Sinead Donagher took an excellent third place in her category with a good 21.16.
A big thank you to all those who put in such Trojan work, mostly behind the scenes to make this such a successful event. To the sponsors, for without whose support the event would not be possible, to those who helped with the food, the hall, the stewards, marshals, the Branley family and to everybody who in anyway contributed to the success of the event, thank you.
05 May 2010 - Tír Chonaill Athletics Club fit4life Mile Challenge
This evenings first fit4life mile challenge at the track in Donegal Town. The Donegal Town fit4life group meet every Tuesday evening at the AVS Gym/Track at 7:00pm - new members are always welcome. Results.pdf
04 May 2010 - Tír Chonaill AC receive AIB Better Ireland Award
Tír Chonaill Athletics Club, short listed for an' AIB Better Ireland Award' three months ago, were the recent recipients of a €,5,000 cheque at a presentation function in the AIB, Donegal Town.
The AIB, Better Ireland Awards, recognise and support local voluntary clubs that are inclusive and make a difference in the community.
Accepting the award on behalf of Tír Chonaill, Club Chairman, Paul O'Gara, thanked the AIB for recognising the extensive development and coaching work being carried out on an ongoing basis, at club locations in Bundoran, Ballyshannon and Donegal Town. He highlighted the various successful groups within the club i.e. juvenile, senior, masters,fit4life, special and paralymic and praised the clubs coaching and administrative staff.
He concluded by thanking all who voted via texts/email ensuring that Tír Chonaill received this prestigious recognition
Pics: Donegal Town, AIB Manager, Mr Tony Murphy presenting Tír Chonaill AC Chairman, Mr Paul O'Gara with 'AIB Better Ireland Award'. Also included in the photograph are Donegal Town , AIB staff and young athletes from Tír Chonaill AC.
02 May 2010 - North West 10k Letterkenny
The club had a large number of athletes compete at the annual North West 10k Charity run which took place in glorious sunshine today. With over 2000 participants this year making it the biggest single sporting fixture in the North West the 10k raises several thousand euros each year for local charities. Paul Ward, who has returned to good form recently, made a quick dash from another engagement to toe the line with just minutes to spare, produced a good solid run to take 10th place overall with an excellent 35.33 on the clock. Marie Rooney, with yet another gritty run claimed second in her category with a good 43.22 while Paddy Donoghue crossed the line in 43.50 followed by Sean Cassidy who with a strong run clocked 44.52. Sinead Donagher, who was strong throughout and in her first 10k, was pleased with an excellent 45.41 on the clock, edged past Philomena Gallagher who clocked 46.05 for a steady run. Making her first appearance of the road racing season Linda Ward with a good 46.30 was next up, followed by Vera Haughey in 49.02, Ann Donoghue in 50.02 and Jackie Harvey in 55.53. Young Ballyshannon girl Fiona Stack clocked a solid 43.11 in the senior women’s section. Well done all. Results.pdf
26 Apr 2010 - British Sportshall finals in Birmingham
Tír Chonaill athletes, all part of Donegal teams, performed with distinction when the British Sportshall finals were held last weekend in the NEC, Birmingham. more
19 Apr 2010 - Wicklow Adventure Race
Club tri athlete and road runner Niall Clancy, took to the picturesque Wicklow mountains over the weekend for one of the first adventure races to be held in Ireland. Adventure racing is not for the faint hearted… Consisting of, off road running, usually over mountainous terrain, cycling and kayaking, it certainly pushes the body to its limits. Niall completed the grueling 18k mountain run, 58k bike and 2k kayak in an excellent 5hrs 30mins. A delighted Niall commented, “Legs were a bit sore afterwards…”
15 Apr 2010 - British Sportshall Finals in Birmingham
This weekend Donegal Under 13 Boys and Girls, and Under 15 Girls will represent Ulster at the British Sportshall Finals in Birmingham. more
12 Apr 2010 - Club Youngsters impress in Nenagh
‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ or so the song goes. Following a very successful competitive weekend it was a relatively short journey home on Sunday evening last for club athletes and supporters. The occasion was Part 2 of the Irish juvenile indoor c/ships and Tír Chonaill athletes added to their impressive tally of two weeks ago with a number of outstanding performances. more
12 Apr 2010 - Connemara Half Marathon
Well done to Bundoran man Steven Loughlin, who in his first competitive race of the year, ran a superb 1.32.52 at the Connemara Half Marathon over the weekend. “Brutal, heat, wind and hills” was how Steven described the course, making his time all the more remarkable. Steven is hoping to run a good marathon in the autumn.
06 Apr 2010 - Tír Chonaill AC Easter Camp
Over one hundred enthusiastic children enjoyed three fun filled days of physical activity at the annual Tír Chonaill Athletics Club Easter Camp - 6/7/8th April. Ran in the expansive indoor/outdoor facilities at the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town under the expert eyes of club coaches, camp activities included - Trampoleening; Gymnastics; Volleyball; Orienteering; Gaelic Football and Soccer skills; Sportshall Athletics; Art; Dance and for the two older groups athletics specific coaching in Long/High Jump; Pole Vault; Javelin and Shot Putt; Hurdles and Relays. The cub would like to express thanks to all the children/parents for their support, club coaches/administrators and camp director Michelle Harvey for ensuring the success of the camp.
05 Apr 2010 - European Clubs
The clubs Women will make the journey to Bern in Switzerland on the last weekend of May as Ireland’s representatives in the 'European clubs Track and Field Final'. This honour was accomplished last August when, for the third time in the current decade, Tír Chonaill won the 'Irish Premier League Title'. Club supporters that wish to support the team at this prestigious event should make contact immediately with Eamon Harvey 0872797548 or any club officer.
05 Apr 2010 - Easter Monday, North Sligo Carney 10k
With the road racing season kicking off in true fashion last weekend at the Omagh half marathon, this was a busy Easter weekend for our road runners with the Ballyliffin 10 miler on Saturday and the Carney 10k, the traditional Easter blow out taking place on Monday, and the club had several athletes competing across both weekends. After his great success in winning the Ballyliffin 10 on Saturday it was good to see Paul Ward out supporting the many club runners at Carney on the Monday.
A large group of club athletes and athletes training with the club in Bundoran/Ballyshannon area took to the roads around scenic Carney and Lisadell for the popular Carney 10k. The race, with 237 finishers this year, saw some mighty fine performances from our athletes, with a few outstanding results, in particular from first timers to the road-racing scene.
First club athlete and a recent recruit to the club, to cross the finish line was Leo Murray in a superb 4th place overall and first in his category with 35.41 on the clock. Leo will be a great addition to the club’s cross-country team for next season. Jonathon Kennedy was next in 15th place overall with a 37.57 on the clock and making it all look so easy.
Another new recruit young Eoghan Shanley, with a superb run in his first race over the distance was first junior man with a super 42.12, indicating a young man with huge potential.
Marie Rooney, a club stalwart, took second in her category with a powerful run in 42.40. Another stalwart of the club, Paddy Donoghue was pleased with is 44.37, while new comer and another first timer at the distance Noel Hooey had an excellent run, covering the distance in 44.44. Noel after a cautious start powered through the field and finished perhaps, the strongest of all club athletes, again a man with great potential and a good addition to the cross-country squad.
Brenda Morris with 45.19, Sean Cassidy with 45.41, Vera Haughey with 46.23, Johnny Ward with 46.38 and Canice Nicholas with 46.46 all had great runs and were pleased with their performances.
Young Bundoran man Darragh Fallon, making his debut at the 10k distance was also pleased with his 47.58, while Eileen Ward, with a superb run for third place in her category and a new personal best for 10k of 48.37 was delighted with her run. Olivia Murphy in 49.20, Bernie McNeely in 50.21 and third in her category, Ann Donoghue in 51.02, Jackie Harvey in 52.19, Eleanor Rooney in 56.13 and Michael Shanley in 61.44 all had good runs, with this a first for both Eleanor and Michael.
This was the largest turnout of club athletes for any road race in a long time and it is good to see so many from the training groups actively taking part in such races. Congratulations and well done all.
05 Apr 2010 - Richard McCarthy at Furey Insurance, Sparta 5k
On Easter Saturday morning, across the Foyle, in the grounds of Gransha, Derry, Richard McCarthy ran a superb PB of 17.50. for the 5k. In the first of the Furey Insurance, Sparta North West AC sponsored 5k series the Donegal Town based architect indicated ‘On a nice flat course, I had some good company which pulled me along. I’m very pleased with the time’. Well done Richard - great time for an M4 athlete.
05 Apr 2010 - Paul Ward wins Ballyliffen 10 Mile Road Race
Club athlete Paul Ward was a comfortable winner of the inaugural Ballyliffen 10 mile road race held on Easter Saturday. With over 200 entrants and some tough hills Paul ran a superb race. In the leading group throughout, Paul made his break just after halfway and with only Letterkenny AC stalwart Martin Gormley for company, the pair battled on. Gradually and with some ease Paul began to pull away and with a clear run to the line he took first place in an excellent 58.10. Some fine running from Paul in his first race race of the season.
04 Apr 2010 - Easter Sunday 3k 2010
28 Mar 2010 - Outstanding Performances in Nenagh
Following the official opening of the clubs new state of the art facility on Friday night, seven young club athletes, accompanied by coaches and parents traveled to Nenagh for Part1 of the ' All Ireland Indoor Championships'.
To summarise they posted the following finishing places in a variety of disciplines, two first places, two second places, one third, two fourths, one eight and one ninth. more
28 Mar 2010 - A Good News Story for Donegal Town & South Donegal
An account of the development of the new 'state of the art sports facility' at the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town which was officially opened by An Tanaiste Mary Coughlan on Friday Evening last and which was delivered to the large crowd in attendance at the Abbey Vocational School by Eamon Harvey. Also in attendance was Athletics Ireland President Mr Liam Hennessey.
28 Mar 2010 - Primary Schools and Internal Club Competitions
Last week two exciting and well supported competitions were hosted by the club at the Abbey Vocational School. Four hundred pupils from fifteen primary schools from across the south of the county contested very relays on the new track on Wednesday while 130 club athletes contested a sportshall competition indoors [younger members], and a quadrathlon [older members] outdoors. Thanks to the PE staff of the Abbey Voc School and to the club coaches for ensuring that both events were very well run and as a result enjoyed by all.
28 Mar 2010 - Omagh Half Marathon
Six club athletes traveled to Omagh for the traditional first half marathon of the season for club athletes and once again some excellent results were achieved. Leading the charge was Phil Gallagher who with a return to form produced a great run crossing the line in 1.37.26. Caroline Spratt, who on reduced training continues to produce excellent runs, posted a good 1.49.31 while Eileen Ward with an equally good run, posted 1.50.24. Bernie McNeely, who has been in superb form of late, continued from her fine run in Calry to record a new personal best for the half marathon distance with 1.51.12 clocking. Tony Cummins, off the back of some inconsistent training was pleased with his effort of 1.54.00 while Kevin O’Connor completed the club’s group, crossing the line with 2.20.,44 on the clock. Well done all. Our road runners are spoiled for choice over the Easter period with several exciting races to choose from with the Letterkenny 3k on Easter Sunday along with the Ballyliffin 10 mile challenge at 2.00pm, new to the racing calendar. This is followed on Easter Monday by the Carney 10k, always a popular race for local athletes.
25 Mar 2010 - Exciting Club Competition
Tonight in the Abbey Voc Gymnasium and under the lights of the clubs new facility two ninety minutes competitions were ran off very efficiently.
Indoors over eighty of the younger children in the club participated in a sportshall competition which included a sprint, three field events and a mass relay to finish off. Meanwhile the old age groups participated in an event specific quadrathlon of disciplines. Over forty athletes recorded times for 100m and 600m and posted bests for Long Jump and Shot Putt -see attached template of results.
Concluding the night all received a special Easter treat.
A sincere thank you to the club coaches who organised, officiated and guaranteed the successful evening competition.
25 Mar 2010 - South Donegal Primary Schools Relays
Relays are always exciting. This was the result on Wednesday 24th March, when primary schools from all over south Donegal assembled in the spacious grounds of the Abbey Vocational School Donegal Town. Many close and exciting races, a superbly organised event and lots of sunshine made the event a memorable and enjoyable occasion for pupils and teachers from the following schools – Cashel NS, Glencolmcille; Carrick N.S.; Fintra NS; Niall Mor N.S. Killybegs; The Commons N.S. Killybegs; Frosses N.S; Scoil an Linbh Iosa, Killymard; Aodh Rua agus Nuala, Donegal; Gael Scoil, Baile Dhun na nGall; St Eunans, NS, Laghey; Creevy, N.S. Ballyshannon; Gael Scoil, Beala Seannaigh; St Macartans N.S, Bundoran; St Mary’s N.S Pettigo.
Presenting medals at the conclusion of the event, Abbey Vocational School, Principal, Mr Emmanuel McCormick, welcomed and congratulated all the participants, thanked the various primary school teachers for their support and complimented the schools PE teachers Brian Carty and Michelle Harvey and senior students for organising and ensuring the success of the event.
24 Mar 2010 - All Ireland's Indoors Part 1
Seven club athletes will contest Part 1 of the' All Ireland Juvenile IndoorChampionships' at Nenagh this weekend.
The following, all who qualified at Magherafelt and the Odyssey Belfast at the 'Ulster Championships' during the last four weeks will all put in strong performances at the Tipperary venue- Thomas McGowan, U12 Shot Putt; Mark McGuinness, U16, 1500m; Emma Brady, U15 60m Hurdles; Kelly McGrory, U15 60m; Kate McGowan, U14 60m, 60m Hurdles and Long Jump; Eva Mc Mullan, U14 60m and Louise Harvey, U18 60m Hurdles and 300m. Good luck to all the athletes and the support team.
23 Mar 2010 - Tír Chonaill Allocated €5000 in AIB Better Ireland Scheme
It was announced today that Tír Chonaill Athletics Club have been awarded €5000 in the' AIB Better Ireland 2010 Community Clubs Awards Scheme. This is excellent news for the club as they prepare for the opening of their new state of the track and field facility in Donegal Town.
Two months ago the club the was short listed for an AIB Award with the final decision/amount being decided on texting/email support received.
The club recognises and thanks all who voted and supported over the last month ensuring this extensive recognition.
21 Mar 2010 - Tír Chonaill Athletics Club Open Invitational Meeting
Over two hundred athletes from fifteen clubs across the North West enjoyed the sunshine, the competition and the new facility at Donegal Town on today when Tír Chonaill Athletics Club hosted a very successful open track and field meeting. More Results
18 Mar 2010 - David Wilson in Chicago
David Wilson, a former Junior International and Collegiate Athlete, who ran for South Donegal Harriers (now Tír Chonaill AC) in his youth and who made a brief appearance at the road races in Donegal in the summer, when he was on holiday with his family in the locality, was again in scintillating form during the 2009 racing season in his home town of Chicago. David made his home in the states after completing an athletic scholarship there.
David won the "Runners Choice" Chicago Race Circuit 2009 Edition. He placed first in the overall circuit, Masters, age group and age graded. He was also named the '2009 Chicago Area Runners Association Athlete of the Year' at the awards banquet last month. David said "I didn't think I would win that award a second year in a row...lucky I guess!!".
David finished the road race season with season bests of 15:15 (5k), 32:25 (10k), 25:35 (5miles), 54:04 (10 miles), 20:18 (4miles) and 72:55 (half marathon). He is planning on competing for a third consecutive championship this year.
The 2010 "Race Circuit" begins March 21st with the "Shamrock Shuffle" 8K. The Circuit is comprised of 16 races over a variety of distances throughout the city and suburbs. The circuit runs through to October. www.cararuns.org
Quote from David "Best of luck to the club at every level this year. I hope everyone reaches their individual and team goals moving forward".
18 Mar 2010 - Louise Harvey to receive Athletics Ireland Star Award
The annual Star Awards dinner takes place next Saturday at the Arklow Bay Hotel at 7.45pm with Tipperary Crystal the new sponsors of the awards. Some tickets are still available for this memorable night when the leading young Irish Athletes will be recognised for their achievements. Contact Georgina Drumm @ 087 689 3361 or email georgina.drumm@gmail.com Tickets cost €35. more
17 Mar 2010 - St. Patrick's Day 5k, Letterkenny
Leo Murray, M40, ran an excellent 16mins 44secs to finish 10th overall in today's St Patrick's Day 5k in Letterkenny. Marie Rooney, 20mins.31secs and Philomena Gallagher, 21mins 38secs were also very happy with their performances. The race had 121 finishers.
15 Mar 2010 - Fit4Life Training Groups
The numbers joining the clubs 'fit4life' training groups is most encouraging. Bundoran, Ballyshannon and now Donegal Town has active groups coming together regularly for appropriate well structured sessions. The group in Donegal Town has now grown to over thirty. Tuesday nights sessions led by Kevin McGlynn includes a 30mins fun circuit in the AVS Gymnasium followed by a 30mins walk/jog/run, depending on fitness levels, on the new outdoor floodlit track. New members are most welcome and will receive expert advice and support. Report to the gym at 7:00pm and you will receive a warm welcome. Pic: Donegal Town Fit4Life Group pictured at end of last Tuesdays session in Donegal Town.
13 Mar 2010 - Ulster Sportshall Finals in Magherafelt
On Thursday last six young Tír Chonaill athletes were members of Donegal winning teams at the 'Ulster Sportshall Finals' in Magherafelt. Congrats to the following who will now travel to Birmingham as part of Under 13 and 15 Teams for the British Finals on April 18th, Eva McMullin, Kate McGowan, Ruth Gillespie, Kelly McGrory, Emma Brady - all U13 and Clare Brady U15. When official results become available they will be posted. Pic1: The Brady sisters Claire left and Emma right - members of Donegal Teams that have qualified for 'British Finals' in Birmingham. Pic2: The Donegal 4 x 2 lap Girls U13Tteam that won in Magherafelt, L-R Emma Brady, Kelly McGrory, Eva McMullin and Kate McGowan.
13 Mar 2010 - Magnificent run from Mark McGuinness at Irish Schools Cross Country Finales
Mark McGuinness, Killybegs Vocational School, ran the race of his life today in the' All Ireland Schools Cross Country Finals' at Cork I.T .Ran over a flat and dry 3500m course, Mark moved into a top fifteen position at half way and in the last 500m worked from 8th to a 3rd finishing place at the finish pen. The competitiveness of the race found only nine seconds separating the top eight athletes. Mark, who is coached and guided by Richard McCarthy at Tír Chonaill AC improves with every outing. Two weeks ago at qualifying Ulster finals in Mullusk, Mark finished 3rd and today was first Ulster man across the line behind Aaron Hanlon, Drogheda and Kyle Larkin, Limerick. Pic: Mark McGuinness, 781, battled for position in Irish Schools Cross Country in Cork. BoysResults.pdf
10 Mar 2010 - Mark McGuinness 3rd in Ulster Schools Cross Country
Last Wednesday, club athlete Mark McGuinness, running in the colours of Killybegs Vocational School, had a superb run in the Ulster schools Junior Boys, 3,500m CC at Mullusk. In a battling performance he finished 3rd and qualified for the All Ireland schools in Cork in two weeks time. Well done Mark.
10 Mar 2010 - European Clubs
The clubs senior women represent Ireland in the European Clubs T/F in Bern on Sunday 30th May. The organizing committees are busy at the moment making arrangements for this prestigious competition. Non competition club members who wish to travel should indicate ASAP and book a place.
08 Mar 2010 - Dominic O’Hara Calry 9 Mile Road Race
Six club athletes traveled to Calry on Saturday last for the 44th annual Dominic O’Hara 9 Mile Road Race. This long established road race, renowned for its scenic but difficult nature, where a series of tough climbs and descents have to be negotiated, making it a very challenging course and not for the faint hearted.
Brenda Morris, fit and healthy and having one of her best early seasons ever, had a powerful run, strong on the hills and steady on the flat, she crossed the finish line in a good 64.18. Following closely was Paddy Donoghue in a respectable 64.25, but finding the going tough. Next up were a trio of club athletes led by a rejuvenated Olivia Murphy with a really strong run, followed by Eileen Ward with a steady solid run across the line in a good 72 min's dead. Next across the finish line was Bernie McNeely, who with a super run ran a really strong race for an excellent placing and 72.28 on the clack. Completing the club’s group was Ann Donoghue, (77.04) who found the going tough on the day. Well done all. Next up for these athletes will be the Omagh Half Marathon at the end of the month. Pic1: Brenda Morris with Paddy Donoghue in background. Pic2: Olivia Murphy & Eileen Ward.
01 Mar 2010 - Once more into Europe
It was announced this week that 'Tír Chonaill Women’s Track and Field Team will travel to Bern in Switzerland at the end of May as Ireland’s representatives in the 'European Clubs Championships'. In gaining this honour our women were National League winners last August. This is the 3rd time in this decade that Tír Chonaill have represented Ireland at this level of competition, 2003 in Ghent when they finished 4th; last year in Bratislava where they gained an 8th place finish. At a recent club meeting various club leaders took responsibility for the organising of this trip.
01 Mar 2010 - Regional Squad in Sligo
The following club athletes attended the North West Regional Squad day in Sligo on Sunday last, Karl Griffin, Mark McGuinness, Sean Kerrs, Louise Harvey, Kelly McGrory, Kate McGowan, Eva McMullin and Emma Brady. Expert coaching was provided in the following disciplines: Sprints/Hurdles, Middle Distance, Race Walking, High/Long and Triple Jump, Shot, Javelin and Discus. All indicated that they enjoyed the day.
01 Mar 2010 - County Sportshall Teams
Donegal County Board published teams at the end of last week for the upcoming Ulster Finals. Congratulations to Emma Brady, Kelly McGrory, Kate McGowan, Eva McMullin, Ruth Gillespie all U13 and to Clare Brady U15 on their selection.
01 Mar 2010 - Ulster/Athletics Northern Ireland Indoor Juvenile Championships
Magherafelt’s magnificent and very cold Meadowbank Indoor Arena was the venue on Saturday last for the final round of the 'Ulster/Athletics Northern Ireland Indoor Juvenile Championships'. more
23 Feb 2010 - Karl Griffin and Mary McLoone win in Cardiff
Karl Griffin, Abbey Voc School, was a winning member of the Irish Under 16 schools team in Cardiff over the weekend, 20/21st Feb. Competing against the best from Scotland and Wales he dominated the 800m race to record an impressive victory.
Senior club mate Mary McLoone also dominated the women’s triple jump with a best of 11.94m and added to her impressive win at the 'Irish Championships' in the Odyssey Belfast two weeks.
23 Feb 2010 - Club Masters at Irish Cross Country Championships in Boyle
Men and women’s club teams competed in Boyle in the' Irish Masters Cross Country Championships' on Sunday. The largest fields in the history of the event faced the starter in the picturesque forest park. The clubs women team finished 11th with Marie Rooney 41st, Philomena Gallagher 61st, Linda Ward 74th Brenda Morris 76th and Jackie Harvey 82nd. Richard McCarthy, led the men wit a 100th place finish. Martin O’Hallloran, making a welcome return to club colours finished four places behind with newcomer Johnnie Ward placing in the mid 150’s. Over 100 women and 200 men finished the respective races. Well done to all.
16 Feb 2010 - Mary McLoone leads Donegal contingent in Cardiff
Athletics Ireland early this week announced full squads for the upcoming 'Celtic Indoor International' in U.W.I.C. Cardiff next weekend. Tír Chonaill’s Mary McLoone has been chosen in both the Long and Triple jump. The versatile, Glenswilly NS primary teacher recently won the triple jump national title in the Odyssey with a best of 12.50metres. She will be hoping for another good performances on Sunday. Letterkenny pair Mark English, Junior U20 and Daragh McBrearty, Senior, were also impressive in finishing 3rd and 4th in the 800m final in the Odyssey. Both will be hoping for good performances. Karl Griffin, Tír Chonaill, in a solo run in the Odyssey ran under 2mins for 800m, impressive for a 14 year old, will contest the same distance in the schools under 16 International which is being run in conjunction with the senior event.
16 Feb 2010 - Press Release from Athletics Ireland
Athletics Ireland will be sending a full squad of both Junior and Senior Athletes to the Celtic Cup in Cardiff this weekend. Included in the team is Rose Anne Galligan from Newbridge AC. Galligan will be looking to dip inside qualifying standard for the 1500m for the World Indoors in Doha. The Kildare women ran fractionally close to the standard in setting a personal best of 4:15.13 to take silver at UK Championships last weekend. more
15 Feb 2010 - Tír Chonaill Success in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow
Young athletes from the Tír Chonaill and Finn Valley clubs were amongst the huge exodus of Irish athletes who traveled to the Scottish Indoor Under 15, 17 and 20 championships over the weekend. Local officials indicated that 178 entries were received from Irish athletes. more
07 Feb 2010 - Superb Performances from Our Juveniles in the Odyssey, Belfast
Our juvenile athletes enjoyed the experience of competing in a world class arena and responded with many outstanding medal winning performances and PB’s. more
07 Feb 2010 - Relay Success
The day was not without its disappointments. In the 97, 60m Sarah Timoney suffered a slight muscle pull which forced her later on in the afternoon to relinquish her starting place on the 4 x 200m relay team. No doubt Sarah will bounce back form the mishap and will be part of the team for the All Irelands in Nenagh at the end of March. The 97 - 4 x 200m team of Eva McMullin, Kate McGowan, Ruth Gillespie and reserve Katie McCafferty ran 2mins 1.4secs to record a very popular victory ahead of Letterkenny and City of Derry. Thirty minutes later Karen Tracey, Emma Brady, Kate McGowan and Kelly McGrory combined for a 1min 53.20 sec's time and victory from City of Lisburn and City of Derry.
07 Feb 2010 - Major success for Tír Chonaill athletes in the Odyssey, Belfast
On Saturday/Sunday, 6th and 7th February, club athletes had a number of outstanding successes in the Odyssey Arena Belfast at the Irish Senior and Ulster Juvenile [Part 1] Indoor Championships.
Mary McLoone, on Saturday evening with a best of 5.83 finished 2nd to new Irish Long jump sensation Kelly Proper from Ferrybank. On Sunday she was always in control and went onto win the Triple Jump with a best of 12.50metres. Mary now awaits the selection of the Irish team for the upcoming Indoor International in Cardiff.
Two of the clubs top juveniles experienced the ‘buzz’ of senior competition for the first time. Christopher Doherty, with a best of 3metres in the Pole Vault, was part of a marathon competition that lasted five hours and had the largest entry in the history of the event at a national championship. Louise Harvey qualified from the heats of the 400m on Sat evening in a top eight position and ran the B final on Sunday in a PB time of 61.53secs.
31 Jan 2010 - Donegal Sports Star Awards
Double World Cross Country Winner and Olympic Marathon Silver Medallist John Tracey was the guest of honour in Letterkenny on Friday night last when the Donegal County Council sponsored Sport Star Awards were held. Tír Chonaill's Mary McLoone's outstanding competitive 2009 was recognised when she stepped up to receive Athlete of the Year. Special Olympians David and Ciaran Gallagher received the largest applause of the night when they stepped forward to receive their awards from Irish Sports Council CEO John Tracey. The Gallagher brothers, members of the Killybegs Special Olympics clubs joined Tír Chonaill last year and in the meantime have made remarkable progress winning Ulster Titles in 200/400m and qualifying for the All Ireland deciders in Limerick later in 2010. Photograph: Mary McLoone, Donegal Athlete of the Year 2009 pictured with Special Olympians 2009 David and Ciarn Gallagher.
31 Jan 2010 - Ulster/Northern Ireland Masters Cross Country Championships Stranorlar
There were some good performances by our Master Athletes at the Ulster/Northern Ireland Masters Cross Country Championships held in Stranorlar on Saturday Afternoon. Well done.
NI & Ulster Cross Country Championships Junior Men.pdf
NI & Ulster Cross Country Championships Vets.pdf
NI & Ulster Cross Country Championships Women.pdf
31 Jan 2010 - County Athletics Board 2009 Presentation Night at the Finn Valley Centre
The County Donegal Athletics Awards night, held in the Finn Valley Centre attracted a large and appreciative audience from all ten clubs in the county. Congratulations to all awardees - all of whom achieved at the very highest levels of National and International athletics during 2009. more
30 Jan 2010 - Internal Juvenile Club Competition at the Abbey Vocational
On Thursday night the club hosted two very enjoyable competitions for all club athletes in the Abbey Vocational Gym and on the newly floodlit outdoor club facility. The Indoor Sportshall jamboree for 8,9 and 10 year olds included a timed sprint - using the reverser boards - speed bounce, standing long jump, ball chest push and relay. The noise levels throughout the ninety minutes of competition indicated that all enjoyed the experience. more
28 Jan 2010 - Tír Chonaill’s Mary McLoone to defend her Triple Jump Title
Kelly Proper of Ferrybank AC will be aiming for her fifth 'National Title at the Woodie’s DIY Irish Indoor Championship's at the Odyssey Arena Belfast on 6th of February. The Waterford woman broke her own Irish Record at the Vienna Indoor Gala on 23rd of January. Proper’s jump of 6.62m was 3cm further than her previous record of 6.59m. This record was set at the European Indoor Championships in Turin in March last year. The jump is also over the qualifying standard of 6.60m for the IAAF World Indoor Championships. The championships which will be held in Doha, Qatar in mid March. The preliminary Irish team for these championships will be selected on the 7th of February with final selection on the 28th February.
Also competing in the Long Jump will be Mary McLoone of Tír Chonaill AC who produced a lifetime best of 6.16m at the championships in 2009 to finish second to Proper. McLoone will also defend her Triple Jump title at the event but she will face tough competition from Irish Junior Record Holder, Caoimhe King of Westport AC.
Deirdre Ryan of Dundrum South Dublin AC will compete in the Women’s High Jump. Ryan will be looking to show form in advance of the World Indoor Championships. The Dublin athlete achieved the World standard when setting an Irish record of 1.93m in Leverkusen, Germany in January last year.
In the Men’s High Jump, Kourosh Foroughi (Star of the Sea) will be favourite after setting an Indoor Personal Best of 2.15m at the AAI Games on the 17th of January. Foroughi had a terrific season in 2009, finishing fifth at the European Junior Championships in Serbia in July. 2009 Medallists, Barry Pender, St. Abbans A.C.and Christopher Crowley, Belgooly AC will also compete.
With Irish Record Holder Zoe Brown not competing, Claire Wilkinson (Ballymena & Antrim AC) will be looking to take the Women’s Pole Vault title. Wilkinson is targeting Erin Kinnears National U23 Indoor record of 3.73m. In 2009, Wilkinson jumped 3.85m outdoors, setting a new U23 Irish Outdoor Record. Wilkinson will face tough opposition from Sarah Semeraro (University of Ulster AC) a former Italian National champion who has a personal best of 3.90m. In the Men’s Pole Vault reigning champion David Donegan of Clonliffe Harriers AC should have it all his own way.
RTÉ 2 will be showing highlights of the Championships on a OB Sports special on Monday 8th of February at 19:00 – 20:00
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25 Jan 2010 - National Masters Indoor Championships, Nenagh
Congratulations to club stalwart Marie Rooney on her fine performances at the National Masters Indoor Championships in Nenagh on Sunday afternoon, where she claimed three gold medals in her category. A regular race walker for the club, Marie duly won the walk, followed this with an admirable win in the 1500m and crowned a fine day with a third gold in the 3000m – really well done Marie. Richard McCarthy also competed but no details are to hand.
03 Jan 2010 - Letterkenny Athletics Club Turkey Trot
03 Jan 2010 - Tír Chonaill AC Attractive 'Fund Raising' Draw
Tír Chonaill Athletics Club recently announced details of a very attractive fund raising draw.
Tír Chonaill AC is proud of its traditions. Established in 1956 it is one of the oldest and largest athletics clubs in Ireland catering for the entire community. Currently the club has over 400 members in the following groups - Juvenile Club; Adult/Senior Club; Fit-4-Life Groups. The club annually promotes, coaches two annual Fun Camps, Community Games, Road Races, Track and Field.
We have members aged 8 to 80, some of whom compete locally in Fun Runs/Walks and Road Races and others who compete nationally and internationally representing Donegal all over the world. Some members train for fitness or just for the social benefit of being a member. Our club has elite athletes and members with special needs, we have mums, dads and even granddads.
The club appeals to all members and friends of the club to support the draw. For as little as the 'price of a cuppa coffee per week' it is possible to win one of 72 prizes.
