Posted Date: 13-Jan-2009 Tues

Greenmount Co. Antrim was the venue for the annual IAAF International cross-country on Saturday last. Traditionally held in the spacious surroundings of Stormont Castle on the outskirts of Belfast, the new venue proved well suited to an event of such standing. Six Inishowen A.C. athletes participated with Karen Crossan the leading finisher in the women’s 6km event in 33rd overall in 22 minutes and 12 seconds. This was Crossan’s first time competing in a senior international race and handled the step-up in competition with a commendable performance. Finbarr Gallagher was the first Inishowen runner to finish the masters men’s race by securing 50th overall in a remarkably competitive field. Buncrana runner Paddy Doherty was just one place behind with Gerry Doyle and Mickey Donaghy both running strongly to finish 58th and 67th respectively.

On New Year’s Day, James Browne raced to a fine third place finish in the masters’ men V1 category with a very impressive 29.59 in the Bundoran 8km. The Tir Conaill A.C. event also saw Finbarr Gallagher start 2009 impressively with a time of 31.48.

Inishowen A.C. will host the third round of the Donegal sportshall athletics competition on Saturday 17th January in Carndonagh Community School at 12.00 noon. The event is for juveniles born in ’96, ’97, ’98 and ’99.

Training for all juveniles in the Buncrana area will resume this Wednesday at the Leisure Centre from 7.00 – 8.00 pm. The Fit for Life and senior training continues every Tuesday from the Buncrana Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm. Athletics training for 8-12 year old juveniles resumes this Thursday in Carndonagh Community School from 5.00 – 6.00 pm. Training for post-primary school athletes takes place every Thursday also in Carndonagh Community School from 3.20-4.45.

Athletes who competed in Round 2 of the County juvenile sportshall indoor athletics - Aura Leisure Centre - 13th December '08