Down’s Graham Clarke was King of the Mountain for the first time after claiming the overall title in the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada competition in dry but windy conditions at the Annaverna Mountain in Cooley, Co. Louth yesterday.

In the best weather conditions witnessed at the venue in many years, Clarke took honours ahead of Clare’s Brendan McNamara, finishing the five kilometre course in 51 pocs.

Just half a puck separated the pair entering the final straight, but the Down Senior goalkeeper drove some spectacular shots towards the end to see him with four pucks to spare at the finish.

Clarke, a regular competitor in this event; had double cause for celebration, on a day which saw Down footballers upset the odds against Kerry at Croke Park.

However, the ‘Comortais Beirte’ title failed to go the Down custodian’s way, as Clarke and Tipperary’s Eoin Kelly had to be content with second spot in the pairs event.

Last year’s overall winner Gerry Fallon claimed a stake in the pairs title for the second year-in-a-row, as the Roscommon Senior hurling captain teamed up with Galway’s James Skehill to claim the title with 113 pucks, with only 65 metres to spare over second placed Clarke and Kelly.

Meanwhile, Waterford’s Patricia Jackman won the Senior Camogie title in 28 pucks.

Jackman, in her fifth year in the competition again proved impressive; finishing inside the top two for the fifth time; as she claimed back-to-back honours.

Down’s Fionnuala Carr, daughter of former Senior football manager Ross; claimed second spot with 29 pucks.

Galway’s Owen Treacy was the Under 16 boys winner, after he claimed the title in 26 pucks; two ahead of Munster Champion, and Lismore, Waterford clubman Sean Barry.

(Message from the Secretary of An Poc Fada National Committee Pat Hamilton)

Many thanks to the Club members in Louth & Armagh who assisted as scorekeepers & flag-bearers at Annaverna and a sincere thank you to the all Committee members who also helped to make the 2010 M.Donnelly Poc Fada Finals such a great day. Your hard work is deeply appreciated.

Congratulations also to all the Contestants who competed especially our Winners Patricia Jackman (Waterford) 2010 Camogie Poc Fada Champion & 2009 Winner.

Owen Tracy (Galway) Boys U16 Champion.

Pairs Winners Gerry Fallon (Roscommon) + James Skehill (Galway).

2010 M.Donnelly Poc Fada Champion Graham Clarke (Down).