Ras delight as Reilly captures category win
AS the mornings grow brighter and the sun casts its warm glow over the early morning training sessions, Drogheda & District AC athletes embrace the changing season with renewed vigour.
But the tradition of conquering muddy, slippery cross-country battlegrounds remains steadfast, and on Sunday last young and senior athletes alike descended upon Dunleer for the 53rd Rás na hEireann, an iconic event hosted by Dunleer AC since 1970.
This legendary race has in the past welcomed some of the finest athletes on the planet, including Olympic medallists.
On this occasion, amidst the spirited atmosphere, Drogheda & District athletes displayed their mettle, leaving their mark on the challenging terrain.
This was a new venue just west of Dunleer town – Lawlesstown – and the course was muddy, with terrain like tar and the odd spike shoe lost to nature. However, the results speak volumes for the athletes’ dedication and perseverance, each pushing themselves to new heights.
In the boys’ U9 category, Padraig King led the charge with a time of 2:42, followed by Harry O’Brien in the same time, Oscar Matthew Mullens in 3:03 and Dominic Mcneill (3:28), with the quartet setting the stage for a great day of results when taking fourth place in the team competition.
The boys’ U11 team showcased their strength, with Seán Óg Monaghan leading the pack with 5:42, followed by Henry McNeill in 6:03, Conall Crosbie in 6:09 and Nicolas Horgan in 6:44, with D&D taking seventh place in the team competition for that age group.
In the boys’ U13 section, Kealan Gaughran displayed his endurance with a time of 8:13, followed by Sé Callaghan in 8:19, Dylan Foley in 8:49 and Cillian Russell with 9:11, with these boys also placing seventh in the team event.
Mark Agrios represented the club admirably in the boys’ U15 category and clocked 13:25, while Ciaran Maree took on the challenge in the boys’ U17 race and recorded a stunning time of 20:24.
The girls’ teams demonstrated exceptional talent and determination also, with Dearbhla Johnston and Eve Cunningham setting the pace in the girls’ U11 category in times of 5:12 and 5:14 respectively.
Hannah Cunningham led the charge in the girls’ U13 race with a time of 7:55, followed by Emily Garvey, Eve Russell and Nessa Foley in 8:04, 8:28 and 8:29 respectively.
Beatrice Cunningham and Clodhagh Johnston shone in the girls’ U15 category with times of 12:18 and 14:03 respectively, while Aine Carroll produced a stellar
U13 Drogheda & District athletes (l to r) Nessa Foley, Hannah Cunnighham, Emily Garvey and Eve Russell at the Ras Na hEireann.
performance in the girls’ U17 race. Despite tough competition she placed seventh overall and was just 10 seconds away from taking the sixth place medal.
In the Women’s 4km race Nuala Reilly showcased her dominance as per usual, securing first in her category with a time of 25:10, while Mary McDonnell delivered a commendable performance in 26:59.
Among the men, Martin Russell and Paddy Murphy tackled the challenging course with determination, completing the 6km race in 29:42 and 30:28 respectively.
Further afield, amidst comfortable yet hot temperatures, Drogheda & District AC’s Liam Mulligan ventured to the Alicante 10K, where he showcased his exceptional talent with a stunning performance.
Despite challenging conditions,
Liam demonstrated his strength and determination, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 33:35. His remarkable achievement earned him second place in the U23 category and an impressive eighth overall, a great start to what could a successful year.
Back home, producing another display of their cross-country prowess, Drogheda & District AC athletes took on another Business Houses cross-country event, the BOI BHAA 4-mile XC at Kiltipper Park, Tallaght.
Among them Nuala Reilly exhibited her exceptional talent and endurance, finishing with a strong time of 39:37.
Conor Cooney and Gerry Mullins also showcased their prowess, with Conor crossing the finish line in 40:25 and Gerry closely following him with a time of 40:33.