McGann heading for record books in UK

Sixty-nine-year-old Kiltale native Martin McGann competed in the 129th English National Cross-country Championships recently as 7,850 athletes participated.

Some 2,834 athletes were in action in the senior men’s category at Donington Park with the Meath man competing for the 47th successive year.

McGann went to England in the 1960s and first competed in 1970 at Blackpool and was the East Cheshire Harriers club champion, a title he retained for nine years. During that time he had his best National result.

“It was at Leeds that I had my best National result, I was 146th in 1978 and all the big names were there including Steve Ovett and Dave Bedford,” commented McGann.

This year McGann was the first non-counter in his team and he completed the event with a solid performance.
“It was tough, many hills and some sticky mud that tested my calves, but I got round and am pleased that I did it,” he added.

“I hope to keep fit and get to the 50-mark, then I might retire. At the moment I am blessed with good health. Apart from a few niggles, I will try to stay fit,” he concluded.

McGann ran with Ron Hill in 2008, Hill was two-times National Champion in 1966 and 1968 and he commented on the achievement - “I think it’s absolutely amazing and I am certain will never be beaten. I’m sure he has the will and desire to get to 50, then that will put the record out of reach of everyone else.”

McGann is an uncle of Meath senior hurling goalkeeper Shane McGann and a brother of Olympian Dessie McGann.