Monthly Archives: August 2021

"Where have all the flowers gone?" Where have all the athletes gone! We have had low turnouts in the past but today ranks among the lowest. Just three athletes representing the club in a County Championship- one female, two males. But there was good talent on view. From the Fit4life came Siobhan McArdle showing good running to be the first lady home in 42.51. A somewhat rejuvenated Eamon O'Connor was sixth in 36.29 and an ever competitive Paul Moran finished 10th in 37.52, well ahead of many much younger athletes. Well done ye three.

The third weekend of national juvenile track and field finals was held in Tullamore today. The weather was wet and miseable for the last two weekends and it is probably true to say that in addition to thunder and lightning more rain fell in Tullamore today as the heavens opened and for a time competition had to be suspended. Fair dues then to our athletes for their performances. Ellen Daly was first in action in 60m sprint. Finishing second in her heat she qualified for the final where she placed fifth in 8.90 seconds. With little time to recover she [...]

It was another wet day in Tullamore for the second weekend of the national juveniles. Once again it proved successful for our athletes. With just five athletes involved this time three of them came home with medals. For one, Cathal O'Reilly U19, it was his third of the championships. Having already won gold in the 3000m and silver in the 3000m steeplechase he completed the "hat-trick" with bronze in the shorter 1500m (4.04.90). Alex Cullen U16 won bronze in the 100m hurdles (15.09) and Conor Byrne U17 had a PB in the 400m winning bronze in 52.62.  Ruth Crowley U14 placed [...]

There is no escaping Covid as it casts its shadow over all aspects of life. Athletics is no exception and so we had the first weekend of the nationals spread over three days. Difficult for the young athletes with restrictions on support by coaches and family members and should we mention the winter-like weather making it really difficult to achieve expected standards.  Our athletes gave strong performances across all ages and events returning with one gold and three silver medals. Star of the weekend was Cathal O'Reilly. Giving an excellent run in the 3000m steeplechase on Saturday he returned on Sunday [...]

For the first time in the history of the Olympics a Mixed 4x400m relay was held. Ireland had a team that made the standard and our Cliodhna Manning was on the panel. As it transpired she didn't get a run but was a full part of the action. She is to be congratulated on overcoming injury and persevering in her training to make the standard. Thanks to her coach Peter Lyons and her family for huge support over her years of training. Congratulations to all concerned.

Following his stint at the AAI Games in Carlow last Sunday Jack Manning headed north today to compete in the Ulster Senior Championship. Going in the 400m he took the bronze in 48.23.

The AAI Games came to Carlow IT new athletic track this year. KCH had three athletes competing - Eoin Everard had a fine run in the 1500m to finish in second place behind rising star Cian McPhillips. Eoin's time was 3.43.81. Jack Manning went in the 100m and 200m scoring a PB of 10.94 in the 100 and clocking 22.38 in the 200m. ross Daly also went in the 100 and 200. His respective times were 11.47 and 22.90.