Posted Date: 23-Sep-2009 Wednes

Inishowen Athletics Club were out in force at the Donegal 5k road championships in Stranorlar on Sunday last, with the Club winning medals in all the team categories. Helena Crossan crowned a brilliant year on the road circuit by winning the women’s 5k in 18.13 and taking the overall Grand Prix title with the biggest total of points in the event’s history. In the process, she led the women’s team to gold medals with her daughter Karen taking second place in 19.19. The in-form Theresa Doherty was the third scorer in 20.00 minutes with the ever improving Evelyn Mc Ginley completing the scoring team with a late run to the line in 20 minutes and 38 seconds. The team was ably supported by Brigid Moohan who finished in 20.47, Laura Gourley 23.08 and Jenny Craig 26.23. Elizabeth Mc Daid was the leading Inishowen finisher in the masters’ women’s race and helped the team to bronze medals with 21.56. She was closely followed by Breege Collins on 23.36, with Patricia Lynch completing the scoring team on 26.41. Ronnie Sweeney made a very successful debut over 5k, finishing in 28.39. St.Johnston based runner James Browne ran 16.55 and led the Club’s senior men’s team to third place overall. Martin Mooney was the second scorer, crossing the line in 18.20, with Declan Caldwell running 18.46. The team was completed by Gerry Doyle in 19 minutes and 52 seconds. In the masters’ men team competition, Buncrana runner Paddy Doherty led the team to bronze medals with a time of 17.40. Finbarr Gallagher was second scorer in 17.52, with the ever resilient Mickey Donaghy the third in 19.13. They were well supported by Peter Mc Kinney 20.49, Michael Collins 20.55, Brendan Duffy 22.11 and Willie John Mc Laughlin 25.46. In the overall Donegal Grand Prix standings, Joe Mc Kinney from Malin was first in the masters’ men category, with former winner Paddy Doherty taking third. James Browne was rewarded for his prolific racing over the summer months with third place overall in the senior men’s section.

RESULTS - DONEGAL 5K CHAMPIONSHIPS

Further to the results from the Waterside half marathon on Saturday week last, Mickey Donaghy raced to a personal best of 1 hour 29 minutes and 46 seconds, with Vinnie Hegarty also in personal best form running 1.30.05. Seamus Mc Kinney raced to a best of 1.38.38, while Shane Doherty completed the Gransha based 13.1 mile race in 1.43. Dessie Doherty finished in 2.15.20.

Up Coming Events

The Donegal even-ages and masters cross-country will take place on Sunday 4th October at the Finn Valley Centre in Stranorlar. Sunday 14th October will see the staging of the County uneven ages and novice cross-country in Killybegs. Both championships start at 12.00 noon.