The Clonliffe men successfully retained the National Track & Field Premier League title in pretty poor conditions indeed in Tullamore today. (Officially confirmed)
It was a win built firmly on the performances of the club`s field eventers where maximum points were taken in 6 of 9 field events: Dave Donegan winning the pole vault (4.20m), Simon Galligan the hammer (54.43m), Luke Mangan shot (13.34), Keith Marks high jump (1.75m), Andri Mahin triple jump (13.50m) and Stephen Rice javelin (58.41). To complete the almost total dominance in the field Luke Mangan was 2nd in the Weight for Distance, Keith Marks was 3rd in the long jump and Roulus Olusa 3rd in the discus.
On the track there was a win for the 4 X 100 team in 43.00 and then valuable top three scores in most events:
1500 Eoin Pierce 2nd (4.15.24), 100 Leo Morgan 2nd (10.88), 110H Rolus Olusa 3rd (15.45), 400H Timmy Crowe 3rd (56.35), 3000 race walk Greg Hosseny 3rd (15.59.48), Jayme Rossister 3rd in the 3000 sc in 9.43.50, Brian MacMahon 3rd in the 5000 (15.27.11), Richie Owens 3rd in the 800 1.57.03.
Other scores chipped in towards the win came from Mark McDonald who was 4th in the 400 (51.38) and then two 6th places Keith Marks 200 (23.52) and the 4 x 400 team.
At the end of a long day the Clonliffe men placed 1st with Crusaders AC, the margin, was significant, with Tipperary Country 3rd.
Final points:
1st Clonliffe 142
2nd Crusaders AC 130 points
3rd Tipperary County 109.5
4th Raheny 96 points
5th DSD 94.5
6th GCH 82 points
7th Menapians 73 points
With each team`s 4 worst scoring points to be dropped, the end result was Clonliffe 1st 125 points and Crusaders AC a single point behind on 124!
Many congratulations to Joe and the team and as always a huge thank you to the coaches. Nil desperandum!
Above: Keith Marks goes clear to win High Jump
National League Champions 2017