Main pic: The Darren Mills 6k u16 winners were Aileen Logue and Evan Ward.
A number of Rosses AC athletes made the long trip to Athlone after Christmas to take part in the North West Indoor Games event.
Leah McGarvey took in the long jump in the senior women’s and Una Richardson in the U18 securing 2nd place finishes. Rosie Breslin performed well in her first ever hurdles race placing 2nd in her heat and also secured the first juvenile medal of the day in the U12 high jump, clearing 1.25m for 2nd place. Some fine performance on the oval track in the U12 600m, Tamara Parker just falling short on the day as she still recovers from recent illness. However, Caitlin Sweeney had a superb run, taking her heat by the scruff of the neck and only getting pipped at the line and ensuring a fine 5th place finish overall. Shortly after and determined to secure herself a medal, Caitlin jumped over 4 metres for the first time for 3rd place. Rosie Breslin, 5th place, Jenny Gallagher and Eveney Green also made it into the top 3rd of a busy field. Next up was the U10 boys sprints, with Xavier Gallagher showing great potential even though running out of age, and Deacon Parker going well too. No placing for the U12 girls in the sprints in an extremely busy field of almost 60 athletes, but some fine performances non the less from Tamara, Jenny and Eveney, with Eveney getting a fine PB going under 10 seconds for the first time. More to come from this committed group of U12 athletes, which showed when they managed to get on the podium for 3rd place in the relay.
In the senior section, Rachel Boner took on the women’s 400m and secured first place in a great time of 1.08. The last event for the U10 boys was the race walk, a fun one to watch. Deacon Parker led from gun to tape, but with a few penalties for these first timers, he fell to 3rd place, but was still delighted with his effort. Great performance too from Xavier Gallagher and Warren Greene, both out of age group. A great day all round and lots of fun had.
The Darren Mills 6k men winners were Kieran Doherty and Charlie O’Donnell.
The 10th (Official) Annual Darren Mills Memorial Run saw first home shared by Kieran Doherty (LAC) and Charlie O’Donnell (RAC) followed closely by Declan Gallagher (RAC). Helen McCready (RAC) took the honours in the female section and was joined on the podium by RAC’s adopted daughter, Claire Reid. In the u16 section Aileen Logue led home the girls with Evan Ward leading the boys home.
The Darren Mills 6k women winner was Helen McCready.
A number of updates for other races include a 5k in Falcarragh where it was great to see Shane O Donnell back racing and taking the win and a man who has had a great year Norman McClean second. Patrick Trimble and David McKelvey were racing in Mountcharles where David was second and Patrick winning his category.
Bernie Boyle was back in Scotland and decided to get a race in whilst there having a flyer over 10k with a time of 40:06 putting her second in her age category at the Tillicoultry race. The team west winter league took to the Donegal mountain peaks, a tough race over 22.5k saw Shaun Stewart take the win and Declan Gallagher 2nd with Charlie Postie and Paul McKelvey put in the hard graft as well for strong results. The Mullaghduff 5k on New Years Day saw a number of athletes get the year off to a good start taking in the scenic route. First home was Declan Ferry with Charlie O’Donnell and David McKelvey close behind. Declan Gallagher, Paul McKelvey, Paddy Solon, Eoin Boyle and Eugene McCafferty in the next group.
Sportshall will recommence again on Wednesday 15th January in the Gym at the RCS from 7pm to 8pm for children 7-10 years old. A reminder that membership is also due for the 2025 season. If you have registered through Sportshall in the last month or two, you’re already covered. Please feel free to check with me via PM. All other memberships will either need to be newly registered or renewed depending. Payments can be made via PayPal, or cash with Roseleen or Caitriona. 2025 membership is €25 for Child, €35 for Adult, €80 for Family
