Derrydonnell Athletic Club, several times All Ireland cross-country champions and the backbone of the great Co. Galway cross-country team of the 1960's, is celebrating its 55th anniversary tomorrow night.

During their period at the very top of Irish middle, long distance and cross-country running, Derrydonnell Athletic Club and its members won every award and accolade available.

Individual success came regularly, too, with All Ireland titles won by athletes such as Willie Morris, Tommy Madden, Mick Molloy and Kevin Ryan.

Good relations existed between the leading AAU club, Donroe Harriers and Derrydonnell AC, which resulted in the staging of an historic relay race between the clubs from Ballinasloe and Galway on May Day 1966.

This was to play an important role in the formation of the BLE, which encompassed both bodies and achieved international recognition for all Irish athletes.

The celebration will take place in the New Park Hotel in Athenry tomorrow (Thursday) night at 8.30pm. Music for the evening is by Rodney's Glory.

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