FAST group link up with Boyne Athletic Club
LOCAL athletics club, Boyne AC, were due to celebrate their 40th year in existence this year, but unfortunately, COVID 19 put paid to the many plans they had to mark the occasion. However, all was not lost, as they were delighted to receive sponsorship of new club T-Shirts from a local company, and held the official launch recently, a sign that community spirit and support is still strong in these challenging times.
The FAST Group are an international shipping company with their Irish headquarters based in Drogheda. Established in Ireland in 1994, the company are a complete logistic service provider giving clients “Sofa Style Service”. Managing Director of FAST Shipping Ireland is local man Simon Mulvaney, who, along with a strong team, operate the Irish branch of the company. Simon was delighted to work with Boyne AC to provide sponsorship of new club T- Shirts for all members, with the company colours of orange and black blending well with the traditional Boyne AC crest, featuring the Boyne Viaduct. The company logo ‘FAST in transport’ highlighted in orange on the back of the T -Shirt proudly stands out, and is certainly appropriate for the club, FAST by name, FAST by nature!
Boyne AC boasts over 200 members, both juvenile and adult, with new athletes joining every week. Their juvenile group cater for children who must turn 7 in the year of joining and older, with large numbers across all age groups. Coached by an experienced and dedicated team, the children enjoy a variety of training sessions across two locations, The Lourdes Stadium and the St. Marys Diocesan Sports field.
Targeted training plans ensure that the athletes are ready for each athletics season as it occurs, from Indoors to Cross Country, and everything in between. A fun and inclusive approach to training ensures that all levels of ability are catered for, with every child valued for their contribution to the club. COVID19 has certainly been a challenge for the population at large, and also has had a significant impact on sport across the country, however, Boyne AC have successfully implemented their Covid 19 policies and procedures, which have facilitated a full return to training for all members, with the safety and welfare of both coach and athlete the guiding principal at all times.
Primarily a juvenile club for many years, Boyne AC now have a successful seniors group,
with over 50 adult members, and like the juvenile groups, there are new members joining almost weekly. A supportive and non judgmental approach to their sessions is the key to their continued success.
Boyne AC have also recently hosted a virtual 5k race in lieu of their annual Harry Mallon/ Willie Connor memorial 5k race, which had to be cancelled for this year due to the pandemic. To give thanks to the local frontline workers in Drogheda, Boyne AC took the decision to donate all the income raised from the race to both the Lourdes Hospital ICU and the The Drogheda Womens and Childrens refuge. With over €3000 raised to date, both of these worthwhile causes will benefit greatly thanks to the efforts of Boyne AC and the support of the people of Drogheda and further afield. All uptodate information on both the club and the virtual race can be found on Boyne AC Facebook page