Congratulations to Michelle McGee, Fiona Gettings and Ashley Ryan who combined to win a superb team title at the National Road Relays in Dublin on Sunday last. Raheny was again the venue for the annual Athletics Ireland championship with Longford AC making its debut appearance as the trio lined up for the master 35+ event.
Running the one mile first leg of the relay was Michelle who was making a very welcome return to championship racing having enjoyed past cross-country successes. She showed her speed to ensure Longford had the lead before handing over to Fiona on the second leg. A multiple time medal winner at recent masters road, track and cross-country championships; Fiona continued her great form and opened up a sizeable advantage at the front during her two-mile leg.
Our final runner was Ashley who has already won medals this year at cross country and indoor championships. She powered her way around her one-mile relay leg to further extend the lead before crossing the finish line in first place with 22:00 on the clock. A fantastic collective display with the ladies’ team time almost one minute quicker than that of runners-up Sportsworld RC which included Longford native Lorna Quinn in their ranks.
Longford’s gold medal success in the F35+ category was notable as it was the first time a senior team from the county has ever won a national title at an athletics championship either on the road, track or cross country. It was the complete all-around performance with Michelle, Fiona and Ashley each recording the fastest time of their respective leg of the relay and the convincing 57-second winning margin was the largest of all the day’s races.
