One of the highlights of the athletics calendar is taking place this weekend in Tullamore – the all Ireland schools track and field championships. Athletes have battled through the regions and then provincial finals to get here. It is a tough ask to make it even to the starting line, balancing athletic ambitions with academic ambitions. Very well done to all who have made it to this stage and indeed those who start the journey but may not have yet made the final destination.
Last night saw two of the Clonliffe junior team running what is one of the toughest track events – the steeplechase. In the inter-boys 1500 SC Matei Ursachi (St Pauls) put in a very fine performance narrowly missing out on a precious All Ireland schools medal by a margin of a single second as he placed 4th in a time of 4.33.93 (A time on the flat that many would be proud of). In the senior boys steeplechase run over 2000m Cillian Keegan looked strong as he likewise put in an excellent performance finishing in 5th position for St Aidan’s in a time of 6.23.51.
Saturday the 3rd, in the intermediate boys 800 Rory Quill (St. Aidans) went sub 2.00 clocking 1.58.39 in 8th place.
Then the big one, the 1500 inter boys with Sean Cronin looking determined. From the gun Sean hit the front and with a sub 60 opening lap was already well clear of the field. Never easing off the pace Sean cruised home winning gold in 3.58.08 all of 6 seconds clear of the chasing pack. An outstanding performance.