Ruairi sets new national record

June 2010

St. Eunan's, Letterkenny, athlete Ruairi Finnegan smashed a 25-year-old record in the 1500m at the Irish Schools Inter Pro/Tailteann Games in Tullamore. The 1,500m was a race to savour with Shane Fitzsimons from St. Joseph’s Rochfortbridge setting a strong pace from the start, closely tracked by Ruairi Finnegan from St. Eunan’s Letterkenny and Patrick Monaghan from St. Colman’s Newry.

Fitsimmons led at the bell, but 100m later it was Finnegan who charged into the lead, but did not drop his rival, who powered into the lead again with 150m to go. Finnegan dug deep and his effort again brought him into the lead and he held it to the line for a god win. His winning time of 3:54.8 was a new Tailteann record, bettering Davy Wilson’s 1985 time of 3:56.9 in what was widely acclaimed as the race of the day.

There was success also fo in the Irish schools today finished 4th.

English impressive
In the Woodie’s DIY junior and U23 track and field championships at Tulamore Harriers stadium Mark English from Letterkenny AC took the lead with just under 300m remaining after a slow first half, and quickly established himself in control. Clubmate Darren McBrearty chased hard but made no impact on the leader who won in 1:55.16 ahead of the fast finishing Paul Robinson from St. Coca’s, who left himself with too much to do in the closing stages. After the race English said he felt comfortable throughout the race and this win will do no harm to his confidence in the build up to the World Youths championships in Singapore.