Main pic: Bernie Boyle, Paul McKelvey and Adrian Ward who took part in the Remembrance 10k at Finn Valley.
The weekend Rosses AC athletes successfully compete at a number of events in various parts of the country.
Firstly, in Ballybofey at the Finn Valley Remembrance, there were perfect running conditions for the 5 and 10k runs. In the ladies race, another good performance from Bernie Boyle as she ran a 40 second PB in 39:03. Cathy Breslin took the opportunity to race and as usual worked hard to the line for a great time of 45:14. In the men’s race Gavin Ward worked with a group of Rosses athletes putting in a powerful finish in a brilliant time of 38:59. Paul McKelvey cycled to and from the race, he decided to support his teammates pacing Bernie to a PB and clocking a strong time in the process of 39:05. Keith O’Connell had a goal to come in under 40 which he managed clocking 39:56.
Rosses AC’s Declan Ferry.
Down in Westport, it was the last adventure race of the year in the Westport Sea To Summit. In the Supreme event, with 370 competitors over the 58k course, Declan Ferry had a lot riding on this event with the national adventure race championship in the balance. Going into the weekend, Declan was neck and neck with Sebastian Giraud in the points race. The nerves didn’t stop him finishing fastest in 3 of 5 stages on the course, to claim 2nd place overall. In the process, doing enough to claim the overall series title also. Declan Gallagher had another great race; his mountain training paying off as he went from 12th place to 4th place on the “Holy Rock” stage, which helped secure a 6th place overall and a third place M40+. Danny Ferry, another man fond of the mountain, was the next local home. Despite a recent ankle injury which made him cautious on the mountain descent, he still crossed the line in 21st place. Noel O’Donnell, fresh off the back of a successful Dublin Marathon campaign, showed no signs of fatigue to romp home in 24th place. Aisling Ní Dhuibhir also flew the West Donegal flag in the Supreme race; looked comfortable throughout and was the 5th Female to cross the line. In the Sprint course in a field of 1,900 competitors the lads held their own with Adrian Bonner (94th), Paddy Solan (125th) and Noel Ferry (300th) all showing they were at the top end of the field.
Noel O’Donnel and Adrian Bonner who completed the Sea To Summit event in Westport.
During the week in Kildare Kevea Gallagher was representing ATU in the relay event where they competed with the other third level colleges and ensured they were middle of the pack.
A date for the diary this weekend with Kelly Oglesby hosting a Tea Party at St.Mary’s Hall Kincasslagh on Sunday 17th November after mass. There will Loads of home baked goods and raffle prizes on the day. Support Kelly, one of our club coaches. This weekend sees a number of our juvenile athletes and senior athletes make the journey to the All Ireland Cross Country Championships in Irvinestown in Fermanagh – so good luck to all.