Distance no object for Boyne’s Culhane
BOYNE AC’S senior runners kept it local on Friday last, as 13 of them took to the twists and turns of Drogheda’s streets in the Midsummer 5k, hosted by Drogheda & District AC.
With some juvenile members also taking part, it was certainly an opportunity for all to test themselves on home turf and the challenging yet fast route saw the athletes make their way around a 5k loop, beginning and ending in Fair Street.
There were great results and lots of PBs from those taking part and juvenile distance runner Neil Culhane was the first to cross the line for Boyne in a super time of 18:59, finishing second male Junior.
Joe Carroll was next in for Boyne as he clocked a super time of 21:21, with Paul Kirwan hot on his heels in 21:29.
The first lady home for the club, Catherine Tiernan Bell, was delighted with her 21:52 finish, as was Sarah Jane Ruddy who ran a super time of 22:53.
Michael Byrne made his debut in the Boyne colours, running a solid race to finish in 23:56, while another debutante, Leanne Thornton, also ran a great time of 24:03. Nicole Veale ran a PB time of 24:06 and just pipped Patrick Coyle on the line by four seconds.
Jillian Connor took a break from her usual long-distance running to clock a super 24:56, with clubmate Karen Fairclough celebrating her birthday by crossing the line with a new PB of 25:18.
Cornelia McHugh and Sandra McGuinness kept each other company along the route, with both crossing the line in 28:08, while Ola Raji, in her first race for the club, was thrilled with her 28:48 finish.
Juvenile runner Aimee Rice had a smile from ear to ear as she made her way around the course in a very impressive time of 28:51 and youngsters Eimear Murtagh and Eleanor Bolget also ran their first 5k, crossing the finish line in 32:37 and 32:28 respectively, while James Rock ran a super 32:52 in his first race for Boyne.
In the final results Boyne AC finished fourth overall and fourth male and female team, a super achievement and testament to the ever-growing senior membership.
Also in action on Saturday last, Oliver Carolan and Lorcan Forde Dunne, having qualified through their provincial competition, competed well in the All-Ireland Pairs Championships with a sixth-place finish in the long jump and seventh in the 500m race.
Sally Clarke was the sole representative for Boyne in the Dunshaughlin 10k on Saturday evening and she ran a great race to finish in 43:35.