Aug 14, 2011 [Noel Guiden] It was a proud day yesterday at the Antrim Formun for Clonliffe athletes Keith Pike, Ian Guiden and Ryan Whelan, and their families as the lads donned the Irish vest for the Celtic Games. Selection for this competition has been the career highlight todate for these athletes who earned their places as a result of their performances through out the track season and in particular as a result of their showings in the National U/18 track and field. The Celtic Games features some of the best athletes in this age group from Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Ulster. In addition to the competition itself the lads will benefit greatly from the expierence of being part of an international squad for the weekend.
All three of the Clonliffe lads gave it their best on the day, although clearly the lads were suffering the effects of a long long hard season, it must be remembered that the track season for these lads started with school`s competition in early April, four months ago. Ian Guiden in particular looked “dog tired” from half way through his 3,000m and although he tried to hang onto the lead two he was cut adrift and finish tired and disappointed in 3rd place in 9.22, over half a minute off his season`s best. Ryan Whelan, who will be eligible for selection in these games again next year, put his tiredness to the back of his mind and threw well in the javelin recording a PB of 50.69m as he took 3rd place. Post event a spell on the treatment table was the order of the day for Ryan for a back rub. Keith Pike, clearly enjoyed his outing with the 4 X 100m relay squad as he ran an exellent glory leg to take the Irish home in 2nd place.
Well done Ryan, Keith and Ian you have done yourselves and your club proud. Nil desperandum.