McCarthy secures personal best at Manchester

The Dungarvan native is on a sabbitical from his athletics scholarship at Providence in the USA and is been coached locally by Malcolm McCausland. He is of course also Irelands latest sub 4 minute miler and is targeting a medal at the upcoming European U23 championships, something which is looking more and more doable.

Omagh's Stephen Duncan ran an impressive 30 minutes 54 seconds to easily win last Tuesday nights Maghera 10K road race, North Belfast's Breege Connolly was the top woman on 37 minutes 54 seconds and 218 finishers were recorded as road running continues to attract good turnouts.

The Newry Marathon/Half Marathon yesterday also pulled in big numbers as runners and joggers of all abilities continue to take to the roads everywhere with enthusiasm.

The local Furey Insurances 5K Series which continues next Wednesday night in Culmore and the recent Wilkies Run, have both seen bigger numers so all is well out there in the wonderful world of healthy, enjoyable exercise.

Race action continues locally this Friday evening with the Donegal Town 5K at 7.30pm.

Finally the Irish Schools Track/Field Championships will bring the best teenage talent in the country to Tullamore this Saturday, among them a significant local contingent. Medals will be the target and although a big ask, some honours are expected to come Foyleside from the ambitious locals.

Ryan McParland and Mark McGarvey will be looking to do well in the Intermediate Boys Sprint/Hurdles, while high-jumper Clare Dougherty could also do well; 400 metre hurdler Andrew Bolster and long jumper Rosin Laverty will also be looking for medals.