Letterkenny AC athletes were busy up and down the country and further afield as they competed in various events.
McGlynn Represents Club on European Stage
In international competition, Letterkenny AC’s Ann-Marie McGlynn proudly represented the club at the inaugural European Half Marathon Championships in Leuven, Belgium on Saturday morning. Competing against Europe’s elite, McGlynn delivered a commendable performance, finishing 26th with a time of 75:53 in the women’s race.
Errigal College 5k Sees Strong Club Representation
The Errigal College 3k/5k on Wednesday showcased impressive performances from Letterkenny Athletic Club members. On a demanding course, Ciaran McGonagle displayed his endurance, storming to victory, crossing the finish line in 17:04. Club veteran Kevin McGee proved that age is just a number, finishing second overall with an impressive time of 18:02.
Frank Pinder represented the club well in the M50 division, completing the course in 23:39, while Alicia McNulty was the first female Letterkenny AC athlete to finish, clocking 25:22. The LAC Fit4Life contingent showed their strength with Linda Cronin finishing in 27:56, followed by Noreen Sharkey (30:57) and Martina McBrearty (34:04), both competing strongly in the F50 category.
Hugh Gallagher Memorial 5k Draws Strong Club Turnout
Friday evening’s Hugh Gallagher Memorial 5k saw many Letterkenny AC athletes take to the Milford back roads. With a nippy first kilometre, Michael Harkin led the club’s efforts, finishing 7th overall with a time of 17:19 while taking first place in the M40 category. Clubmate Cian Friel followed next crossed the line in 17:26, placing 11th.
Darren Price (18:53) and Barry Mackey (19:07) fresh from his World Masters success in Florida, maintained the club’s strong presence in the top 30, with Mackey putting in a particularly impressive performance in the M60 division. Mark Nee added to the club’s success with a solid 19:44 in the M50 category.
The depth of Letterkenny AC’s talent was evident as Michael Mooney (20:50), Robert Kavanagh (22:11), and Denis Shields (22:40) all delivered strong performances in their respective age categories. Niamh McDaid was the first female club member to finish, recording a time of 23:08, while Liam Wiseman dipped under the 24minute mark, with a time of 23:41.
The LAC Fit4life contingent continued to show their strength with Claire Price (27:04) and Denise Gallagher (27:08) finishing almost stride for stride, while Noreen Pinder completed the course in 34:04.
Ballyshannon Street 5k Delivers Elite Performances
Saturday morning’s Street of Ballyshannon 5k saw Letterkenny AC athletes dominate the podium positions. Danny Mooney delivered an exceptional performance to claim victory with a blistering time of 14:52. Eoghain McGinley secured third place with an impressive 15:39, while Philip McHugh added to the club’s success with a strong seventh-place finish in 16:07. There was little conversation on the return journey as Danny pilfered McHughs course record and strava segments, set in 2024. It was a double dismay for McHugh, as McGinley’s evens the scores at 2-2 in the 2025 LAC captains’ competition.
Rith na mBan
Letterkenny Athletics Club members featured in the 21k, 13K and 6K races, at Sundays Rith na mBan
13K Race: Strong Showing from LAC Athletes
In the challenging 13K race, Stella McCole led the Letterkenny contingent with an outstanding time of 1:07:27, securing 22nd position overall. Not far behind, Doireann Ni Riain crossed the finish line in 1:10:23, claiming 32nd place and demonstrating the depth of talent within the club.
Molly Shields added to LAC’s success with a commendable 70th place finish, completing the course in 1:16:13. The Letterkenny Fit4Life runners also made their mark with Marina Boyle and Lisa Gallagher finishing together in 87th and 88th positions respectively, both recording a time of 1:18:38.
Mary Martin rounded out the Letterkenny representation in the 13K event, crossing the line in 1:30:44 to secure 173rd position, showing tremendous determination throughout the challenging course.
6K Race: Fit4Life Members Excel
The 6K race saw equally impressive performances from Letterkenny athletes. Noreen Pinder led the way for the LAC Fit4Life team, finishing in 66th position with a time of 39:49. Marie McMullan and Angela McGee followed closely, securing 95th and 96th places with times of 42:46 and 42:50 respectively.
Alice Bustard and Bridget Friel demonstrated excellent teamwork as they crossed the finish line together in 48:36, taking 113th and 114th positions and showcasing the supportive environment that defines the Letterkenny Athletics community.
21k Half Marathon
The Rith half marathon saw Letterkenny athletes demonstrating remarkable endurance and determination. Diane Bustard represented LAC Fit4Life with distinction, completing the 21.1km course in 2:04:29 to secure 77th position. Her strong performance highlighted the growing strength of the Fit4Life program in longer distance events.
Noelle Lynch added to Letterkenny A.C.’s success in the half marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:27:50 to take 164th place. Her perseverance throughout the challenging distance was a testament to the club’s commitment to developing athletes across all race categories.
