Jul 23, 2007 [Stephen Byrne] In weather more accustomed to the National Cross Country Championship a most enjoyable National Senior Track & Field Championships took place over the course of the weekend.
Sunday the 22nd of July seen another epic battle in the Pole Vault competition between Clonliffe club mates David Donnegan last years National Champion and Anthony McCreery, with Anthony McCreery ultimately prevailing to take the national title with a vault of 4.90M from David Donnegan with a vault of 4.80M.
One of the most competitive races of the day saw David Campbell completing the second part of his double in the Men’s 1500M final finishing ahead of Clonliffe’s Colm Rooney. Colm in 4th place adrift of David Campbell, Liam Reale and Mark Christie with one lap to go, he bridged the gap and overtook Mark Christie and on the final bend on the outside he attempted and seceded in overtaking Liam Reale with a final burst was piped on the line by David Campbell. 1st David Campbell 3.45.21, 2nd Colm Rooney 3.45.55, 3rd Liam Reale 3.45.74.
One of the highlights of Sundays programme was the Men’s 5000M, which became a two man race from early on with Gary Murray (St Malachy’s) 13.58.10 pushing Martin Fagan (Sligo) 13.56.13 all the way to the line. Last year the roles where reversed when Gary Murray 14.21 led Martin Fagan home.
There was also a terrific Men’s 800M final, which again seeing one and two being reversed from last year. David Campbell 1.49.45 out sprinting Thomas Chamney (Crusaders) 1.49.81 with Clonliffe’s Conor Healy coming in 6th with 1.52.18.
David Gillick of DSD retained his 400M National Title 46.34, with Clonliffe’s John Laffey coming in 4th with a time 47.84.
As expected Deirbhle O’Rourke won the Women’s 100M hurdles but was dramatically piped on the line for the 100M sprint by Emily Maher (Kilkenny CH).
Mary Cullen (North Sligo) retained her National Title impressively in the 1500M winning in 4.17.20 with Hazel Murphy (DSD) second and Fionnualla Britton (Sli Cualann) third. Clonliffe’s Emma Copper finished in 10th place.
In the sprints Paul Hession (Athenry AC), won his first National Championship 100M title with Clonliffe’s Danny Kavanagh in 6th place.
Joanne Cuddihy (UCD) completing an impressive double double by retaining both the 200M title and the 400M title on Sunday.
The highlight of Saturdays track performance was undoubtedly Gary Thornton of (Galway CH) in taking the 10,000M championship in a time of 29:57.06 from Joe McAlister of St. Malachy’s (30:25.32) and Michael O’Connor also (Galway CH) 3rd in a time of 30:35.23. Clonliffe’s Sergiu Turea finished in 8th place.
In the Junior Men’s 3000M race was won impressively by Conor Dooney (Ferrybank) 8.36.38, with Neil Jordon (North Down) second and Niall Tuohy (Ferrybank) Third. Clonliffe’s Eoin Pearce and David Flynn finished 4th and 5th respectively.
In the trowing events Clonliffe’s pair Luke Mangan came second in the Junior Men’s 35lb event and Eamonn Byrne also finished second in the U.23 35lb event.
Denise Byrne Clonliffe finished second in the javelin behind Anita White (Dublin Striders).
See www.athleticsireland.ie for full results.