The first night of the Clonliffe Harriers club Championships took place on a perfect evening in Morton Stadium last night, May 7. There were men and women’s titles up for grabs over 100 and 800. For a club Championships there was an excellent turnout, the 800s required 3 men’s races and 2 women’s races.
The night’s proceedings started off with the 100 Championships, with the women’s race getting things underway. For the sprinters tonight was their season’s opener. Lauren Carr was fastest winning in a time of 12.1 from Ava Usanova 2nd (12.4) with Snezana Bechtina (12.8) in 3rd place. Keith Pike took the men’s 100 title in 10.80. In 2nd place Bilal Xonimoda (11.1) and 3rd Pierce Friel (11.4).
The top 3 in the women’s club 800 championship came from the A race. The pack was tightly bunched at the bell but with 200 to go Sorcha O’Connor bolted from the pack in impressive style and was strongest down the home straight holding off the entire field to take a fine win in a time of 2.30.05, Sarah Hawkshaw was less than half a second behind her (2.30.50) with Jess Gallagher, running in the Clonliffe colours for the 1st time, 3rd (2.31.6). The B race was won in convincing style by Aisling Andrews in a time of 2.35, well clear of Catherine Harvey and Harriet Kenny.
The men’s 800s provided some excellent racing. In the A race Sean Carrigg fresh from his maiden sub 2 was the man to beat and didn’t disappoint. It took the race on from the start leaving the field through the first 400 in sub- 60 and continuing a powerful performance to win in a new PB of 1.58.2, young Matei Ursachi took 2nd place, also sub-2 in a new PB of 1.59.8. Guest Jack Byrne took 3rd place (2.00.9) with Tom Breslin (2.03.1) 3rd in the club championship.
Joshua Chalmers was the winner of the B race in a time of 2.11.6 from Edy Blacque 2.12.7 and the brave Peter Bissett 3rd 2.16.0. Ben Power was a popular winner of the C race winning in a new PB of 2.31.2, well clear of Declan Grant (2.39.7) with Ger Walsh taking 3rd 2.41.4.
Results:
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146364500@N04/albums/72177720316770485/
Post Championships there was a nice get together in the clubhouse for light refreshments and the presentation. Many thanks to the officials who as always give willingly and generously of their time.
Night 2 of the club Championships is next Tuesday, May 14, when we will hold the 200 and 1500 Championships. Entry is now open, closing on Sunday evening, the 12th. Entry through your groups coach, or if not a member of a group you can enter yourself, by email only to events.clonliffeharriersac.com with your name and, for grading, predicted time. In order to save the club captain having a nervous breakdown please only enter if you are committed to competing!