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 to give an outstanding display in the 3000m. Completing the racein 8.36.30 he not only won gold but also set a new record for the event. The other silver medals went to Patrick Lacey in the high jump and Louie Raggett in the long jump. There were fouth place results for Alex Cullen (Long Jump), Molly Daly (80m) and Pia Langton (800m).
Further rounds of the nationals take place on 14th and 21st August.
Results:- Under 12: Thomas Hayes 4/long jump. Under 14: Molly Daly 4/200, 8/80m; Clodagh O’Callaghan 6/800m. Under 15: Pia Langton 4/800m; Ella Wall 9/high jump; Patrick Lacey 2/high jump; Louie Raggett 2/long jump. Under 16: Liam Thompson 4/100m heat), 8/200m; AlexCullen 4/long jump; Ruairi McEvoy 13/3000m. Under 17: OrlaKenny 6/triple jump. Under 18: Tara McGuire 7/400m hurdles. Under 19: Cathal O’Reilly 1/3000m, 2/3000m steeplechase CBP.