Posted Date: 04-Nov-2009 Wednes

Karen Crossan was the leading Inishowen runner at the Donegal senior cross-country championships in Stranorlar on Sunday last when she finished a gallant second in the senior women’s race. The DCU student displayed reserves of strength in the final 1km by moving from fourth to second. Helena Crossan was also in the mix for what proved to be an exciting battle for the medals having held second place for much of the 5k race. In the end, Helena finished a fine fourth, with the title going to long time leader Teresa Mc Gloin from Finn Valley. Cathriona Devine, also from Finn Valley was third. Elizabeth Mc Daid came through the field steadily to take 10th, with the ever improving Laura Gourley completing the scoring team in 16th place. The consistent Breege Collins ran a well paced race to finish 19th in what proved to be a difficult day for cross-country running with all athletes battling against the heavy rain. With these performances, Inishowen’ women’s team finished a very creditable second on 32 points. Finn Valley took gold on 17 points, with Tir Chonaill taking the bronze medals. Evelyn Mc Ginley was prominent for much of the race and was in seventh place as she entered the final lap. Unfortunately, the Buncrana based runner was forced to withdraw due to illness, bit will no doubt be back in action shortly.

RESULTS - Donegal Senior XC Championships (xls)

James Browne was Inishowen’s leading finisher in the men’s 10k race with a very good run in 20th place. James, like Finbarr Gallagher, 27th, Paddy Doherty 28th, Owenie Mc Kinney 30th, and Mickey Donaghy 31st had completed the Dublin City marathon just six days earlier. Culdaff runner Martin Mooney was 26th in what was his first County senior championship. Other championship debutants for Inishowen included Gerard Doherty in 32nd and Gerard Doyle 33rd. The team finished fourth overall. Malin based runner Joe Mc Kinney was competing for a place in the top 12 up until the 6k mark, where he was forced to withdraw due to an Achilles tendon injury. The race was won in impressive style by Letterkenny runner Pauric Mc Kinney, who had a convincing 34 second victory ahead of Ciaran Doherty, also from Letterkenny A.C. Ian Ward from Finn Valley was third.

Inishowen AC Dublin Marathon 2009
Back: Owenie McKinney(3:19:07), Vinney Hegarty(3:29:48), James Browne(2:46:59), Patrick Doherty(3:00:26), Ronan Turley(3:18:16), Patrick McLaughlin(3:18:18), Donal Doherty(5:21:15).
Front: Michael Donaghey(3:32:51), Finbarr Gallagher(2:59:48), Brigid Moohan(3:37:06), Helena Crossan(2:54:58), Shaun McLaughlin(3:16:32), Karol Doherty(1:27:00).

With a complete contrast in the weather, 13 athletes from Inishowen Athletics Club ran in the Dublin City marathon on Monday week last. Karol Doherty from Carndonagh powered his way to victory in the hand cycle section in an excellent winning time of 1 hour and 27 minutes. James Browne took full advantage for the ideal running conditions and was the team’s leading runner to finisher in a new personal best and Club record of 2 hours and 46 minutes and 59 seconds. This was an improvement of over 20 minutes for the former boxer, who ran his first marathon last year in 3 hours and 8 minutes. Helena Crossan was second female finisher in the masters’ women M 40 section in the National marathon which was held in conjunction with the main event. The Carndonagh runner finished a highly respectable 13th overall in the women’s race in 2 hours 54 minutes and 58 seconds. Finbarr Gallagher achieved his long term goal of breaking the three-hour barrier with a fine paced effort of 2 hours 59 minutes and 48 seconds. Paddy Doherty from Buncrana was less than 30 seconds behind in a new lifetime best also of 3 hours and 26 seconds. As an added bonus, Paddy was second in the masters’ men 50 section in the Irish marathon championships. Shaun Mc Laughlin from Carndonagh was just over a minute off his best when finishing in 3.16.32, while his brother Patrick raced to a personal best of 3.18.45, an improvement of almost 3 minutes. Owenie Mc Kinney improved his best by over 9 minutes, finishing in 3.19.07. Marathon debutant Mickey Donaghy finished strongly in 3.32.51, with the experienced Brigid Moohan achieving 3.37.06 for the 26.2 mile distance. Vinnie Hegarty finished in 3.29.48 despite having to endure a quad muscle injury for the last 6 miles. Similarly, Buncrana runners Declan Cadwell and Shane Doherty encountered leg injuries during the race and did extremely well to get to the finish. Declan ran 3.44.58, with Shane reaching the line in 3.55.17. All the marathon runners from the Club would like to thank Seamus Mc Daid, Patrick Mc Laughlin and Christian McGinley for their invaluable help and support on the course throughout the day.

Up-Coming Events

Club members Gerard Doherty and Seamus Mc Kinney are holding a Las Vegas Casino night this coming Friday, 6th November at 8 pm in the Laurentic Bar in Buncrana in aid of the Foyle Hospice. Both Gerard and Seamus are running the London marathon next April for the Foyle Hospice, and this event is their first fund-raiser. Tickets are € 20. The cross-country action moves to Killybegs this Sunday with the Ulster Novice and uneven ages cross-country. The event starts at 12.00 noon.

Inishowen Athletics Club extends its condolences to Foyle Valley Athletics Club on the sudden death of one of their members, Marty Gallagher. Marty was a prominent member of Foyle Valley athletics club in Derry and regularly participated in races throughout Inishowen and beyond. Deepest sympathies are also extended to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.