All posts by noelguiden

Clonliffe Harriers defending champions, and 3^rd place in the European Clubs B Group this year, got the defence of the national title off to a tip top start in topping the standings at the end of the first round.

Clonliffe were drawn for the round in the Tallaght stadium along with DSD, Raheny, St. Abbans, Kildare County, Donore Harriers and Finn Valley.

With wins clocked up by Rory Gunning in the javelin (56.25m), Andri Mahin in the triple jump (13.41m), in the Hammer Simon Galligan (55.80m), Pole Vault David Donegan (4.20m) and Leo Morgan in the 100 (10.98) things got off to a very solid start. 2^nd place positions and good points contribution were also chipped in by Eoin McCullough in the Steeplechase (10.14.71), Rouls Olusa, 2^nd in the 110 hurdles in 16.39 and 2^nd also in the Discus (37.41m) and also double 2^nd by Keith Marks – High Jump 1.90m, Long Jump 7.06m, there was also 2^nd place by Luke Mangan in the shot (14.24m).  In the relay the 4 x 100 team also placed 2^nd 43.50 and indeed the 4 x 400 squad were also 2^nd 3.27.47.  Other Clonliffe performances in Tallaght included Mark McDonald running a 400 PB in 3^rd place of 50.58, young Greg Hosenay finishing 3^rd in the 3000 walk, Adam O’Brien 4^th in the 1500 and Dara Kervick 4^th in the 200 (22.33).  In the 800 Shaun Connaghan was 7^th in the 800 in 2.02.20 and Liam Roarty was a fine 3^rd in the 5000 in 15.55.15.

At the end of the day Clonliffe had 125 points and topped the standings between the two venues.

The Women’s team were also in action in Tallaght but not being in a position to cover all of the events found the going fairly tough and ended the day in 6^th place.  There was a win on the day in the javelin from Denise Byrne (35.93) and maximum points also contributed by Caoimhe Morris in the Hammer (42.20).  Some of the club’s younger athletes put in fine performances, notably Hannah Browne 3^rd in the 1500, Rebecca Fitzsimons 5^th in the 100, Raffa Diamond Ebbs 6^th in the Long Jump and then both girls competing on the 4 x 100 relay team that placed 4^th.  Other performances from the ladies on the day:  Emma Kelly 4^th in the 400 hurdles (71.70), Leah Bergin 4^th in the 400, Louise Carragher 5^th in the 3000, Emma Kelly 4^th in the 200, Eimear Treacy 3^rd in the 800 (2.23.52), in the 4 x 400 relay the team placed 3^rd (4.06.86), Denise Byrne also placed 6^th in the Shot Putt (7.51) and 3^rd in the Discus whilst Diana Markina was 5^th in the High Jump.

The second round of the league takes place on July 30^th.