Duleek athletes perform well in Boherneen

DULEEK & District AC athletes were among the contenders on Sunday as the roads around Bohermeen bustled with hundreds of runners competing in the Meath Spring Half-Marathon and 10k road race.

In the 10k Derek Sheridan was the first male home for the club in a speedy time of 48:26, while Niamh Connolly was the first lady home with 50:31 on the clock.

The winter miles paid off for Eric Devine who broke the 1hr 30min barrier for the half-marathon, setting a PB in a fantastic time of 1:27. Graham Byrne is clearly going from strength to strength as he completed the half-marathon in a speedy time of 1:53.

Elsewhere, it was an active St Patrick’s dDy for the coastal town of Balbriggan as it hosted a 10k and half-marathon road race.

In a fitting tribute to our patriot saint Anne Hamilton and Sandra Cassin painted the town green with their costumes as well as running a steady race.

A couple of weeks ago Duleek & District hosted their annual 5km road race and the standard of runners was outstanding.

Stephen Kelly from Drogheda & District finished first in 15:48, followed by Drogheda native Simon Ryan from Raheny AC in 15:50 and Sean Doran from Clonliffe Harriers in 16:03.

Linda Byrne from Dundrum South AC was the first lady home in 17:48, followed by Ciara Rooney from Navan AC in 19:29 and Rachel McCormack from Drogheda and District in 20:00.

Drogheda & District won the male team prize and Navan AC the ladies team event.

Duleek & District fielded a strong representation on their home turf, with Alan McKeown breaking the sub-20 in 19:46. Thomas Conroy was second home for the club in 20:57 and Gary Tierney ran a strong race in 22:17.

Niamh Connolly was the first lady home, followed by Melissa O’Connell and Olive Reilly, while it was a proud and memorable day for the club’s Couch to 5K group who ran their first 5k, reaping the benefits of a seven-week training plan.