Posted Date: 04-Nov-2009 Wednes

James Browne was a convincing winner of the men’s novice race at the Donegal novice cross-country championships at Fintra on the outskirts of Killybegs on Sunday last. The St. Johnston based runner was always to the fore over the 6k distance and gradually pulled away from the chasing pack after the midway point to come home unchallenged for his first individual County title. In the process, he led Inishowen to silver medals in the team race with Paddy Doherty racing well for 6th place, with Finbarr Gallagher just three places further back in ninth. Owenie Mc Kinney completed the scoring team with a very creditable sixteenth place finish despite having to run an extra lap. Mickey Donaghy displayed reserves of strength in the latter stages, getting 18th place, with the improving Gerry Doyle 20th. Michael Collins came through quickly in the final 2k and finished comfortably in 25th position. Laura Gourley performed well in the women’s 3k race to clinch fifth place overall. Breege Collins was just one place behind in 7th. With both ladies inside the top 10, it was disappointing that Inishowen could not field a full team to get at least silver medals on the day.

Photo: Inishowen AC Juvenile athletes that competed in the Donegal uneven ages cross-country championships in Killybegs.

In the juvenile programme, Una Cox ran well in the girls under 9 500m. It was an Inishowen 1-2 in the under 9 boys 500m, with Pat Loughery winning well. Aaron Mc Daid finished 2nd was strong runs from Lee Mc Laughlin, Luke Clifford and Gareth Mc Keever. Darren Donaghy was 16th in the under 11 boys’ race as Labhoise Harrington race well in the girls’ race. Mary Theresa Doherty was the leading Inishowen A.C. finisher in the under 13 girls race in 8th place with impressive results from Tanya Collins, 22nd , Aine Bradley, 30th , Lauren Mc Keever 34th and Aishling Mc Laughlin, 37th . Ethan O’ Kane, Fergus Cox and Ronan Hegarty raced well in the under 13 boys 1500m. Declan Donaghy showed much promise when stepping up to the under 15 age-group and winning a bronze medal with a strong run over the sandy course. In the under 15 girls’ race, Debbie Collins finished well to get into the top 20.

In the Armagh 10 mile road race on Sunday last also, Helena Crossan finished 2nd woman overall in 63 minutes. Brigid Moohan ran 71.30, with Patrick Mc Laughlin finishing in 71.34. Vinnie Hegarty finished 3rd overall in a 5 mile charity run in Boston on Saturday last.

Up-Coming Events

The cross-country scene now moves to the provincial stage with the Ulster and Northern Ireland juvenile cross-country championships taking place at the University, Coleraine on Saturday 24th October.