Leitrim Olympian Eddie Leddy honoured at Morton Games

Morton Games Director Noel Guiden, 1976 Olympians Eamonn Coghlan, Danny McDaid & Eddie Leddy and Michael Kearney (President Clonliffe Harriers) pictured when they were honoured at last Friday’s Morton Games International meeting in Dublin | f

placeholder image — Morton Games Director Noel Guiden, 1976 Olympians Eamonn Coghlan, Danny McDaid & Eddie Leddy and Michael Kearney (President Clonliffe Harriers) pictured when they were honoured at last Friday’s Morton Games International meeting in Dublin | f

Leitrim Olympian honoured on 50th anniversary of Montreal Games last Friday in Dublin

Leitrim double Olympian Eddie Leddy was honoured at last Friday’s Morton Games International Athletics meeting in Dublin as event organisers paid a special tribute to the members of Ireland’s 1976 Olympic Games athletics team at their event.

Ballinamore AC’s Eddie Leddy, who competed in 5,000m and 10,000m events at the Montreal Games, was joined by fellow 1976 Olympians Eamonn Coghlan and Danny McDaid as the Morton Games marked the 50th anniversary of their participation in the Olympic Games.

Eddie travelled from the USA to attend last Friday’s event and was joined by his brother and fellow international athlete PJ as well as double Olympian Colin Grffin.

A total of 41 men and three women represented Ireland in ten disciplines at the Games in Canada and although no medals were won, Eamonn Coghlan (1,500m) and rower Sean Drea (Single Sculls) both finished fourth in their events in Montreal.

Seven were track and field athletes including Leitrim's Eddie Leddy who ran his 10,000m heat in 28.55.29 and his 5000m in 13.40.54, an Irish record. Mary Purcell also ran an Irish record of 4.08.63 in the 1500m.

LEITRIM GAA FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Niall O’Shaughnessy ran the 800m and 1500m and Eamonn Coghlan the 1500m. Only Coghlan emerged from the heats and took fourth place in the Final. Jim McNamara was 39th in the marathon, Danny McDaid 42nd and Niall Cusack 55th.

UPMC Sports Surgery for whom Colin Griffin works sponsored the centrepiece of the competition which is the renowned Morton Mile won by American Sam Prakel in a meet record of 3.50.97. All 16 runners finished under four minutes.

Leitrim internationals Eddie Leddy, Colin Griffin and PJ Leddy pictured at the Morton Games last Friday | f

BALLINAMORE FESTIVAL ROADRACES

Preparations continue for the Ballinamore Festival Open 10K and 5K Roadraces to be held on the Aughnasheelin Road close to the Island Theatre on Sunday August 9, at 1 pm. The Open 10K event also incorporates the Leitrim Championship and includes three Masters sections. The Open 5k includes an U20 and U16 section. Entries are to be made online through Eventmaster.

Entry fees at €15 for the 5K and €20 for the 10K are kept very reasonable to encourage mass participation and to take into account the increased cost of travel. Every competitor who enters in advance will receive a special medal on completion of the Course. Early entry is advisable.

There will also be a 1500m event for U14, U12 and U10 boys and girls with entries taken at the Island Theatre up to 12.30 pm on the day.