In Pictures: John Joe Doherty wins as Storm Dave tests Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge

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John Joe Doherty led the charge as 1,000 brave participants battled through Storm Dave at the Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge on Saturday.

The Finn Valley AC athlete won in 56 minutes and 31 seconds with the event living up to its name in testing style.

Doherty crossed the finish line on Pollan Beach ahead of his Finn Valley AC colleague and Ballyliffin native Diarmait Keogh, who was second in 57:11 while Foyle Valley AC’s Mark Tourish placed third in 58:20.

The Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge, which features seven mile and 10 mile events, was first held back in 2010, has swelled to huge numbers with a cap having to be placed on entries recent years.

Doherty holds the course record for the 10 miler, clocking 54:34 in 2024.

Storm Dave provided an added battle for the large field of entrants on Saturday. The iconic Glashedy Rock drifted in and out of view as the often-angry waves crashed inwards amid heavy rainfall.

Anthony Boyle from Craughwell AC in Galway was the winner of the 7 Mile race - his third in a row - as he finished in 46:43. 

Boyle weathered the storm to win from Matthew Mulgrew (47:32) and Gatis Pavilions (48:10).

The first woman home in the 10 Mile was Claire White in 63:39, who placed ahead of Elaine Coyle and Katherine Murray while Summer Barr of City of Derry AC was the first woman past the finish line over 7 Miles as she clocked 56:40 with Nicola Harkin and Ita McVeigh second and third. 

Well done to all organisers, officials and athletes - a real challenge against the backdrop of the angry waves crashing against Glashedy Island.