Eugenia Bateson Reports: at the National Indoor Arena in Abbottstown, the U10 to U14 sprints and shotput took place. Fantastic to see so many of our younger athletes out competing again. The 60m sprints and 60m Hurdles were the track evens for the day.
Braxton O’Shea a Eoghan Thompson competed in the U13 60m hurdles, a new event for both and some fine jumping in their heats, showing nice form and promise for future hurdle events.
The rest of the 60m were flat with between 10 and 13 heats in the various ages. Ava Fagan opened the 60m U11 Girls getting through to the quarter final finishing 6th in that heat. Her twin sister, Lucy was up next and despite running a good race was unlucky not to progress. Millie Ryan was on fire today and made it through quarter and semifinals finishing an impressive 5th in the Final of the U11 Girls 60m.
U11 Boys and another set of twins, Luis and Fernando Silva Sheridan ran very well in their heats. Rhys Daly progressed through to quarter and came a close 5th in the semi-final.
Issaac O’Neill was in Rhys semifinal and progressed to the final where he claimed a well-deserved Bronze. He left so fast, I didn’t even to to take a photo but I am sure there will be other photo and autograph opportunities in the future.
A very special mention and thanks to Ryan Fagan who competed in the U14 shotput finishing 8th. Ryan assisted with warming up the U11 boys and girls putting them through their paces like a pro. Some of us coaches could well be out of a job!! A very big thank you to Ryan for stepping in and helping today.
U12 Girls were represented by Saoirse Lohan who ran very well. Faith Hanlon won her heat. However, as progression was on 16 fastest times out of the 12 heats, neither progressed on this occasion.
U12 boys were represented by Seamus Phelan, Adam Phelan, Elliot Ryan and Andrew Low. While all ran well with 10 heats and fastest 16 to progress, on this occasion, we did not progress but they will be back.
U13 Girls, Paige Farrell and Eleanor Fanning had the same difficulty, 13 heats did not make the top 16 to progress but both ran very well. Paige also took on the shotput today, a girl keen to progress did very well. Ava Cosgrave also did shotput today and the throws coach Kieran was very impressed with the form shown by both girls and looking forward to see what they can do in the outdoor season ahead.
U13 Boys were represented by Ben Grimes. Despite a fine run from Ben today, with 7 heats did not make the top 16 times
A great opener to the season for these athletes. They will be back on the 25th for their Distance race with some also doing Long Jump.
Thanks to the parents for bringing the kids out for what was a long but very enjoyable day. Thanks also to Cecil and his team for a great event giving our younger athletes a chance to compete at Championship level. A fantastic experience for all those who competed today.
