22 September – Derry Track Club opened the autumn season impressively finishing second overall and winners of the open category at the inaugural Hill of O’Neill 4 x 1 Mile Road Relay in Dungannon.
Ben Mellon (5:32) led off impressively for the Derry A squad coming home third at the end of the first leg. He handed over to Adrian Boyle who ran DTC’s fastest split (5:19) of the evening to bring the boys right into contention for the victory.
Dylan Doherty (5:34) had his best ever run in the DTC vest to hold on to the lead on leg 3. Mark Quigley (5:38) did all that could be asked of him on the final leg to finish second overall behind Mid Ulster and first in the Open category.
The women’s team were equally impressive finishing fourth in the women’s listings. Catherine Doyle (6:20), Máire Ferguson (6:19), Grace Callaghan (6:48) and Lucy Brien (8:33) all excelled on new territory to them.
Conor McIlveen was the star of the men’s B team that finished 36th of the 88 teams that completed the race. The Ireland Paralympic international opened with a fine opening leg of 7:03 and filled in with 9:07 third leg. In between Robert Bigger showed why he is one of the fastest in the M65 age group anywhere with a 6:24 timing.
Guest Lee Maginnis showed he has lost little of the ability that made him a formidable 800m runner not that long ago with a 5:58 timing.
Thanks to Fergal O’Donnell, Brendan Woods and all at Galbally Runners for an enjoyable and memorable evening.
FULL RESULTS: Full Results