‘I came to run it for Martin’: Shaun Kerrs

Shaun Kerrs dedicated his Donegal Novice Cross Country victory to the family of Eamon McNern.

Mr McNern, the father-in-law of Tir Chonaill AC athlete Martin Cunningham, tragically drowned on Thursday evening in the water off Bruckless.

As Kerrs was crossing the line for a hard-fought win in Carndonagh, Mr McNern’s funeral was taking place in Bruckless.

“I came into the race to run it for Martin,” Kerrs told Donegal Live.

“We had the work done. Martin does a lot of coaching at underage and he’s a massive part of the club. It means a lot to hopefully do Martin proud.

In pictures and results: Kerrs, Greene win Donegal Novice Cross Country

Shaun Kerrs (Tir Chonaill) and Amy Greene (Finn Valley) topped the charts and Finn Valley won the teams honours while the even ages championships also took place

“The first thing I need to mention is Martin. His father-in-law passed away this week. Without Martin, we wouldn’t have the group we have training together. Martin is a vital member of our team and he probably deserve it more than me from all the work he puts in.”

The race might’ve gone any way until Kerrs took a hold on the final lap, edging the Finn Valley AC pair Mark McGinley and Gavin McCullagh for gold.

Kerrs previously drifted out of the sport, but the Frosses man returned in the Tir Chonaill AC colours.

Around the Foden ground on Sunday morning, he claimed a landmark personal win.

He said: “We’ve had some good battles with the boys on the road this year. I just happened to get the better of them today.

“It means a lot. I went away from running when I went to college, but I came back into it a couple of years ago. I’m  delighted to be involved in athletics in Donegal.

“This makes the hard work worthwhile when you get a wee moment like that.”