Drogheda & District AC runner Tadhg Donnelly showed supreme class to take victory at the Tom Brennan’s memorial 5k race in the Phoenix Park on New Year’s Day.

On a delightfully bright sunny January morning Tadhg showed a clean set of heels on the fast and flat course at the start on the Furze Road, then turning on to Ordnance Survey Road, on to Chesterfield Avenue and back to Furze Road.  

Hosts Liffey Valley AC were delighted that this popular race sold out for the second year running. Tadhg clearly relished the highly competitive race over a fast flat two lap course and he improved his time from the Drogheda Christmas 5k finishing well clear in a quick time of 14:38.

Aaron Hanlon ran a typically excellent race to finish a strong fourth place in 15:28, and will be one to watch in forthcoming races in 2025. Chris Keenan also had a fine result considering that this was his third race in the space of just one month, finishing 14th in 15:48. The trio combined to place 2nd team overall, a truly great result for the Senior Drogheda men.

John Perkins showed good form and the consistent training is clearly working for him, this time not far off the sub 20 5k (20:22), and Mike Staunton celebrated New Year’s Day in style completing the course in 24:31.

And while many were getting a well-earned break at the end of the year, there was some brilliant running to delight our athletes at the Rita & Robbie Christmas 5K 2024 on Friday 27th December at the Claremont Stadium and, with another incredible turnout this year, it was bound to be a race filled with energy, personal bests, and plenty of camaraderie.

It's a nice course starting and finishing at the track and the D&DAC athletes certainly found it to their liking, particularly Roisin McGeough, who's been going from strength to strength this year, having conquered the Ratoath half marathon, and had another outstanding run, shattering her PB to complete the distance in 23:20, over a minute and a half quicker than in Bettystown during the summer.

Paddy Murphy showed terrific consistency in completing the race in 19:14 and clearly the winter training is working out nicely for him, and hot on his heels was Brian Carraig who completed the race in 19:37. Martin Duffy had a smart run 22:34, although he has much more to give and we can expect big things from him in 2025. Nuala Reilly claimed a wonderful category prize and is every bit worth the hype as she completed this one in 25:22. There was also nice running by Martina O'connor/Dyas, Olivia Reilly, Katyja O Shea, Liam Farrell and Aisling Reilly.

If you've been inspired by these wonderful Drogheda athletes please consider taking part in the Couch to 5k starting on January 14th at our Track in Newtownstalaban - it's a fabulous way for people of all ages and abilities to find fulfilment and beat the winter blues by setting new challenges and meeting new friends and getting back into shape, many people only discover their talent late in life, and it's truly never too late to change your life! More details are available from the Louth County Council and the Eventbrite website.