24-06-2025
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.
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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.
