By Simon Gregory
It has been another busy and successful week for Drogheda & District AC athletes, with championship victories, impressive performances on the track and more strong displays on the road continuing the club’s excellent summer season.
Following on from our coverage of the All Ireland Track & Field Championships last week, we’d also like to recognise another excellent performance from Emily Garvey, who competed in the U15 1500m. Emily produced a determined run to finish 11th overall in the U15 1500m, adding to what was an excellent championship for Drogheda & District AC’s juvenile athletes in Tullamore. With national competition always bringing together the country’s strongest young athletes, it was another encouraging performance and one that reflects Emily’s continued progress this season.
Emily Garvey
There was further success for the club at the Connaught Outdoor Championships in Claremorris, where Gerry O’Connor added another championship title to the club’s growing list of achievements. Gerry was in outstanding form as he claimed victory in the M50 category, stopping the clock in an impressive 1:01:54.
Wednesday evening saw DDAC athletes return to the track for Dublin Athletics Graded Meet 7, where the club once again featured prominently against strong opposition. Mary Leech led the way with an excellent victory in the Women’s Grade B 3000m, producing a composed run to win in 10:51.73.
The men’s Grade A 3000m also featured two DDAC athletes. Christopher Keenan continued his consistent season with another excellent performance, finishing second in 8:42.08, while Robbie Keane also impressed with a strong run of 9:20.97. The graded meetings continue to provide high-quality competition, and both athletes showed they are in excellent form as the track season progresses.
Away from the track, there were more strong performances on the roads. John Perkins took on the Irish Runner 10 Mile Challenge, producing another solid run to complete the course in 1:05:21. It was another consistent performance over the longer distance and further reward for his recent training.
On Friday evening, Dean Smith lined up at the Parkwest Dublin Night Run 5K, where he continued his impressive run of form by recording another sub-20-minute performance. Dean crossed the finish line in 19:55, adding yet another strong result to his season.
Whether competing at national championships, graded meetings or road races, DDAC athletes continued to perform to a high standard throughout the week. Championship victories, podium finishes and another series of strong performances underline the depth of talent within the club, with athletes of all ages continuing to represent Drogheda & District AC with distinction wherever they compete.
