Latest news with #Drogheda&District
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Tadhg Donnelly leads the charge as Drogheda & District AC take Dunshaughlin by storm
Against this high-calibre field, Drogheda & District AC rose to the occasion in stunning fashion, clinching the coveted first-place team prize in what many consider one of the most competitive road races on the provincial calendar. Tadhg Donnelly started well and got into the lead group, holding off tough competition to put in a challenge for the win at the half-way point. In the end he was beaten by just seven seconds as he scorching around the course with a time of 29:37. He was backed by strong performances from teammates Paul Smith, Colin Dyas and the determined Colin Leonard. The atmosphere in Dunshaughlin was electric, with enthusiastic local support lining the course and good - although warm - summer running conditions contributing to fast times across the board. The event has a good, flat route, although there is a tough hill just past the half-way point which caught out those that did not pay enough respect to it. Paul Smith, Paddy Murphy and Nuala Reilly all won best-for-age category prizes, and Paul Kierans had a stunning personal best (36:42), almost a minute and a half quicker than his last 10k in Drogheda seven weeks ago. For Drogheda & District AC, taking the overall title adds to a growing list of achievements this season and underlines their strength and depth in team competition. They can now look forward with confidence to entering teams at upcoming road and track racing events, including the annual Louth Track Championships which will be held at Lourdes Stadium on Thursday July 17. Elsewhere, two of Drogheda & District's standout local athletes delivered stellar performances at the UCD Track & Field Meet 2025, each recording a season's best in the Men's 400 metres. Gerry O'Connor clocked a time of 1:01.51, while Jimmy English surged to a strong finish in 56.45, both demonstrating form and determination as they competed among a talented field. Their efforts marked a significant step forward in their seasons, reflecting hard work and consistent improvement on the track. For English, the performance was a return to form after a challenging early season, while O'Connor's run marked his most competitive time yet, showing he's hitting peak condition as summer races approach. ADVERTISEMENT Both men ran smart, focused races and it's a testament to the training they've put in. Meanwhile, veteran sprinter Tony Corcoran delivered a masterclass in speed and determination at the Northern Ireland Masters Track & Field Championships held on Saturday at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast. Competing in the over-60 age category, Corcoran clinched double gold with commanding performances in both the 100m and 200m sprints. He stormed to victory in the 100m, crossing the line in a blistering 13.74 seconds, before following up with another dominant run in the 200m, clocking an impressive 28.5sec. His times not only secured first-place finishes in both events but also highlighted his exceptional athleticism and dedication to the sport.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Category wins all the rage for Drogheda & District athletes at Enfield 5k
Conditions on the night were favourable, with little or no wind, and the quality field of runners were chomping at the bit as the Starter called the athletes to the line. This race always attracts the middle ground of Irish distance running, the quality club athletes, and this year was no exception, with the race being won in an impressive 14:25 by Kevin Kelly from St. Coca's AC. First home in the red vest for Drogheda & District was the flying firefighter Paul Smith who finished well up the field when taking the runner-up spot in his M45 category in an eye opening 15:37. Next in and close behind was Colin Leonard in a lively 15:53, followed by Colin Dyas who perhaps had the run of the night with his 32-second PB time of 15:58. Dyas is one to watch out for over the coming season and his upper body strength from his previous sporting career as a boxer showed in spades on the run-in to the finish. Close behind were Brian Martin in 16:00, followed by Stephen Kelly in 16:34, while Rodney Thornton ran well to cross the line in 17:09. Also running well were Colm Reilly 17:22), John Reilly (17:48) and Derek Hackett (18:41). The M70 category saw Giancarlo Orlandi take the win in 23:30, while arch rival Conor Cooney finished runner-up in 25:20. Amongst the Drogheda & District ladies, first home was Mary Leech (inset) who's coming into good form and her run of 18:55 saw her win her W50 category. Leech's training partner Yasmin Canning finished fourth in the same category in a solid 20:10. Meanwhile, one of the club's newest members - Kathryn Meade - gave a glimpse of her emerging talent when running the course in 19:32 and she's a real find for Drogheda & District AC. Orange Group coach Andrea McArdle is reaping the rewards for her dedication in training after she recorded a new PB time of 21:11, and the sub-21 time is on the cards by the end of the season. The ever present Nuala Reilly, Ireland's answer to the Duracell Bunny, showed her opponents a clean pair of heels when winning her M65 category in 24:07, while daughter Olivia ran the course in 24:14. Others who ran included Fiona Murphy (24:04) and Carmel Keenan. Just 24 hours later it turned out to be a fantastic evening for Drogheda & District AC at the Louth Relays, held in beautiful sunshine and perfect conditions for racing at the Lourdes Stadium. The club entered a remarkable 14 teams across various age groups and delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home an even more remarkable six gold medals! The club's U11 and U12 girls teams are heading to the Leinster Relays this coming weekend.
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘Relay' impressive run by Drogheda & District AC novice Louis O'Shea yields track PB
This was a very impressive result from the young man as he qualified for the final having really only started running competitively in June last year when he ran two 400m races in one day with no training! However, he put the work in during the winter and stepped up to the challenge of the Senior Men's 4x400m relay and the Drogheda & District team went on to clock a very impressive 3:29.53, with Louis at the forefront of the team. Louis is just one of the new crop of emerging young talent coming through the juvenile and junior ranks. Meanwhile, nine of the club's athletes were among more than 2,000 competitors competing at the BioFreeze 5K which incorporated the National 5K Road Championships in Phoenix Park on Saturday. First man home for Drogheda & District was Paul Woods in a nice time of 19:21 and he was followed by club captain Colin Cuffe (21:50) and first lady Eimear Marron (21:53). Andrea McArdle and Helga McDonnell ran well (22:54 and 23:56 respectively) and they were followed home by Jenny Gregory (23:34), Fiona Murphy (23:52),Linda Cruise (24:31) and Amy Gregory (32:24). Four Drogheda & District athletes travelled to the BHAA ESB 5K Beach Sandymount Race on Wednesday last and Olivia Reilly placed first in the Ladies Over-40 category in a nice time of 26:10. Gerry Mullins ran the distance in a tidy 25:52, showing he hasn't lost it, Nuala Reilly completed the race in 25:58 and Conor Cooney came home in 28:07. Locally at the Oldbridge Parkrun, Colm Reilly was the first finisher with a personal best time of 18:07, while Shane Larkin was the third finisher at the Ardgillan Parkrun (20:09). And in ultrarunning, Barry O'Sullivan took part in the Wexford Marathon Club's Festival of Running 50K race.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Drogheda & District AC's Aoife Mundow is ‘ultra' impressive as she sets stunning new course record
Aoife finished in a time of 2:06:17, taking nine minutes off the previous best time and finishing first female and third overall. The race started at Dublin Castle and the runners made their way out to Kippure Estate in Wicklow, a distance of approximately 26km with a 650m elevation. Much further afield, Drogheda & District's Tadhg Donnelly had another incredible run in the 1500m at the Harry Ellis Invitational Meeting in New Jersey as the young man from Clogherhead finished sixth for his Iona college team in a super-fast time of three minutes 43.97 seconds and he is now the third fastest 1500m runner of all time in Louth. Back in Europe, Liam Farrell completed the Geneva 10K on Saturday evening in 51:15 and Fiona Branigan finished in 1hr 16min. Also on Saturday, there was fantastic running from the Drogheda & District juveniles at the Louth Championships up in Bush. The sun was shining and the atmosphere was electric as more than 40 of the club's juveniles took part and there were medals galore. Nancy Clerkin was second in the U12 shot putt, Isabella Ojo of St Paul's school was third in the U13 javelin, Euan Kirwan was third in the U13 shot put and Hannah Cunningham placed second in the U14 1500m race. In the U14 200m heats Eve Russell was second, as was Emily Garvey in her race, with Emily Cooney fourth. Danielle Nolan was second in the U15 80m hurdles and won both the high jump and 200m in her age group, while Beatrice Cunningham came second in the U15 1500m race. The podium finishes continued as Micheal Iloduba won the U16 200m, Lily Fitzharris came third in the U17 200m race, Aine Carroll won the U17 1500m, James Traynor placed third in the U18 200m, Niamh Carroll came third in both the U19 200m and 1500m races and Cormac Russell took first place in the javelin. There was more good news when Drogheda & District clubman Christopher Keenan was selected on the Leinster team for the Men's 1500m in the CSIT Games in Greece, based on his fine run last weekend.
Irish Independent
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Drogheda & District trio celebrate ‘relay' impressive National bronze in Raheny race
It's a coming together of likeminded sporting people with the drive to be better and to encourage that in others. Those with the drive to succeed, the courage to make the difference and the wisdom to know what's not possible. Flanked on either side by a very appreciative crowd on Wade Avenue in Raheny on Sunday, Drogheda & District AC's athletes joined the very best in Ireland and again punched well above their weight with particularly excellent performances. Amid much jubilation, the club's Over-50s masters ladies team - comprising Yasmin Canning, Mary Leech and Eimear Marron - were delighted with National bronze medals for their fabulous efforts. The senior team of Helen Dillon, Fiona Kenna and Stephane Mainguard also impressed many with their terrific running. In the men's masters race, Robbie Keane set out the stall very well and Colin Leonard carried the charge before Paul Smith took home a terrific result - sixth overall from 40 teams. Niall Donnelly, who made a welcome return to road relays after 10 years, lit up the road for the B team, and there were solid performances from both Brian Martin and Mark O'Shea - who had a terrific turn as captain - just a minute behind. The crowd also cheered on the C team - Alan Wade, Shane Larkin and Derek Hackett - to a fabulous result, just one minute further back. Meanwhile at home in Drogheda on Easter Monday, Colin Dyas was the clear winner of the Murray & Son Coaches 5K on the new Port Access Northern Cross Route. The event is an annual fundraiser for the New Moneymore Townland Community Hub and was well supported by an enthusiastic crowd. Dyas made light work of the course, which started and finished near DIFE, and brought down his personal best time to 16:49. Paul Kierans also had a cracking race, finishing third with a new personal best time of 17:47. ADVERTISEMENT Rodney Thornton was first in the M40 category with a time of 18:01, Derek Hackett had a very strong run, finishing in 19:28, and Sophie Kinsella ran a nice race in a time of 21:26. Also on Easter Monday, Drogheda & District's terrific Over -50s ladies tam - comprising Nuala Reilly, Eimear McArdle and Annemarie Meehan - claimed bronze Leinster team medals at the Leinster 10-Mile Road Race, held at St Annes Park, Raheny. This was a superb result on a difficult course. Further up the M1, Kathryn Meade ran well at the Dundalk Gaels 5K, also on Easter Monday, when dipping under the 20-minute mark to finish in 19:53. The training is clearly paying off for Liam Farrell who ran the Moynalty 4-Mile Road Race in 31:18 and the Erins Isle 5K in a time of 23.35. Catherine O'Neill, Niamh Matthews and Terri Durnin all took on the London Marathon on a sunny Sunday morning and on Easter Monday Joe Hammel triumphed at the Boston Marathon on his course debut with a time of 3:26:21. The seasoned marathon runner started conservatively and held a strong pace to mile 15, just before the start of Newton Hills. As he powered up the first Newton hill misfortune struck and he suffered cramp without any warning, but he battled on gamely to the finish. Joe said: 'The hills are nothing new, compared to what we are used to in Drogheda, but the constant undulating nature of the course takes its toll on the legs, even though fitness and energy levels are relatively strong at this point. Downhills are steep. 'I learned a lot from tackling such a technical course and I'm eager to return as it was such an unbelievable experience.' Also in the US, young Matthew O'Shea had a sensational run at the Jamine Claggett Invitational meeting, improving his metric mile personal best by two and a half seconds as he finished second in a time of 4:00.52.
