There were ups and downs on Day 1 of this year’s national juvenile track and field in Tullamore. The ups were for Pia Langton with gold in the 800m (2.13.41) U17 and a greater up for Billy Coogan in the 3000m steeplechase U19. A power-full performance by Billy not only brought him gold but he also set a new national record of 9.28.78 for the event. The “down” came from Kyrell Mtinsi who placed 3rd in the 800m U15 heat to qualify for the final but having acquired and ankle injury during the qualification was unable to take part in the final.
Alex Cullen continued his good jumping with 6.48 to win silver in the long jump. Blaithin Holden had a PB in the 100m hurdles u18 with 16.87 seconds. There was a PB also for Sinead Cormack in her 800 where she placed 10th in 2.28.97. Ellen Daly was 5th in the heat of the 75m hurdles and Amelie Foley was 6th in long jump u19.