Senior teams come up trumps for Boyne club

THE Coca-Cola Boyne 10k 2017 proved to be the most successful race yet in the eight-year history of the event.

With over 1,600 participants taking part, from elites to walkers and everything in between, it was definitely a fantastic day and as joint organisers of the event with Drogheda & District AC, Boyne AC were delighted with the success of the day - true reward for the many months of work that goes into making this race one of the best in Leinster.

Results-wise, it was also a great day for the club, who continue to grow their senior membership and make their mark on the local athletics scene, with both the men’s and women’s teams placing third in the Louth County 10k Championships held as part of the race.

Jamie Bull was first to cross the line for Boyne in a super 40.43 and he was part of the county team along with Eddie Kennedy who was delighted to finish in 42.48.

Sally Clarke ran a superb 43.32 to place third lady overall in the County Championship and was part of the women’s county team. Cathal O’Donnell and Justin Murtagh made up the remainder of the men’s team with a 43.39 and a 45.24 finish respectively. Joe Carroll had a great run to finish in 45.53, with teammate Bryan Curry hot on his heels in 48.26.

Jillian Connor was delighted with her 53.14 finish, ensuring her medal as part of the ladies team, and she was joined by Karen Fairclough who ran a strong race to finish in 54.35 and Ruth McCabe who crossed the line in 56.22.

Jacko O’Donaghue didn’t let the tough course deter him as he finished in 55.38, while AnneMarie Garcia was thrilled with her sub60, clocking 58.58.

Boyne AC also fielded two of the race pacers on the day, a first time offering in the event, with both Derek Boylan and Breda Devine doing sterling work to ensure their group crossed the line in just under the coveted 60-minute mark.

Not to be outdone by the adults, several Boyne AC juvenile athletes took to West Street to showcase their talents in front of the huge crowds of spectators as they took part in the kids’ races, held as the main race made its way through the Boyne Valley.

Boyne AC would like to thank their co-host club Drogheda & District, all Boyne members and their families who helped out in the build-up to the races and on the day itself, all the athletes who participated, the sponsors and the people of Drogheda for making this such a successful event.