FINN VALLEY AC’S BARRY HERRON was the winner of this morning’s Donegal 5k Road Championships in Letterkenny.
It was a day for the masters around the streets of the Cathedral Town and it was Herron who led home the 221-strong field in a time of 15 minutes and 20 seconds.
In second place was Inishowen AC’s Pauric McKinney, who set a new national record for 5k for a 50+ athlete. McKinney, who turned 50 in May, was going for the record from the off and he came home in 15:31, shaving eight seconds off the record.
“I had an absolute flyer today,” McKinney told Donegal Sport Hub.
“At Ballyraine School, Barry Herron took off and I just decided to commit. It’s great to get the record and to be second in a Donegal senior at 50.”
Race winner Barry Herron (centre), with second-placed Pauric McKinney (right) and third-placed Danny Mooney (left).
Herron takes the Shane Bonner Perpetual Cup for winning, the trophy in honour of the young Convoy native and Finn Valley athlete who tragically died in February 2011.
Members of the Bonner family, included Shane’s parents, PJ and Kay, were in attendance this morning and it was an emotional occasion.
“I want to thank every one for being here,” Kay Bonner said.
“It’s not an easy day for us. People have come from everywhere and it’s great to see.”
Race winner Herron said: “I had an enjoyable race and the conditions were great. The pace was nice. I’ve been going well this last while and have a good spell of training under me.”
Commonwealth Games athlete and Letterkenny AC man Danny Mooney was third while European cross country bronze medalist Ann-Marie McGlynn was the first woman home.
McGlynn, who is just back from an injury, came home in 16:40, which saw her finish in 14th position overall.
Listen to full interviews with Barry Herron and Kay Bonner below – and see the list of finishers …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/barry-herron-after-winning-donegal-5k-road-championships
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/kay-bonner-after-donegal-5k-road-championships
