What a weekend this was. With Covid taking a bitof a back seat athletes were enjoyingthe freedom of competition at home and abroad. 

BELFAST

Three athletes took part in the Irish MilersClub events in Belfast. Jach Manning had 49.01 in the 400m. Cathal O’Reilly and Tom Lodge ran the 1500m with Cathal clocking 4.01.00 and Tom close in time at  4.02.00.

SCANLON PARK

Championship time on the track with Day 1 of the counties. We had a great turnout from the juveniles any many many quality performances. Over forty individual first places and seven firsts in the relays — and oodles of silver and bronze. Top female performance goes to under 17 Louisa Gilmore – 1st in 200m, 800m, long jump, 3rd in 300m hurdles and Javelin and also on winning relay team. Alex Cullen takes the top male achievement with five gold medals – 100m, 400m, 300m hurdles, high Jump and relay. The under 15 boys had a clean sweep in the 250m hurdles with Cormac Holden, David Long and Rory Hanrahan. The under 17 boys did likewise in the 100m with Alex Cullen, Liam Thompson and William Nugent. The under 12 girls cleaned up in the 200m – 1st Emma Kelly,2nd Amelia O’Brien, 3rd Jasmine Timmons McEneaney. Amelee Foley, Abbie O’Brien and Orla  Kenny took 1st, 2nd  and 3rd respectiely in the long jump. In th relays it was major success for under 11 and under 13 girls with both having teams in 1st, 2nd and 3d places. In the adult 1500m Maebhdh Richardson won the Junior event, Eamonn O’Connor won the senior men and Graham Bourne won the over 35 race. Full results are on Kilkenny Athletics County Board.

STONEYFORD

A number of athletes competed in the Stoneyford Challenges – in 5k and 10k. Top kudos goes to Brian Maher who not only won but set a new course record of 30.50 thereby breaking his own record  of 31.06 set in 2010.What a champion!!. James Jedingham was first home in the 5k in 16.17 while Ciara Deely won the senior ladies 5k with 20.42. 

WICHITA

Peter Lynch was in action at the American Colleges meet in Wichita, Kansas. Running in the 10k on Friday night for Tulsa University he finished in first place in 30.54.92. Then on Sunday he ran the 5k to place third in 14.26.00. He now moves forward to compete in the MidWest Regionals in two weeks time. Best wishes for continued success.