Liam Hennessy reports from Tullamore.
A great day was had at the National Masters Track and Field Championships held in Tullamore yesterday. The day was showery; however it didn’t affect the performances of the Clonliffe athletes competing.
The standout performance was by Geraldine Keogh – M4 – 400metres where she broke Jean O’ Neills 17 year old Irish record running 66.2 and won Gold. Bernie Byrne had a great run also finishing 2nd to Geraldine in 67.2. Geraldine had earlier run the 800metres where she again took Gold. Elsewhere the Golds were flying; George Maybury – M6 – won double Gold in both the 800 / 1500metres, Matt Slattery – M6 – won Gold in the 200metres and Silver in the 100metres, Pat Bonass – M8 – won Gold in the 5000 Metres, Frances Mansfield – M8 – won double Gold in the Discus and Hammer, Joe Gibbons – M5 – won Gold in the High Jump, Philip O’ Doherty – M4 – won Silver in the 1500metres and placed 4th in the 800metres, Ronan Gately – M3 – won Silver in the 110metres Hurdles and placed 7th in the 200metres, Thomas Moran – M3 – placed 4th in the 100metres and 6th in the 200metres and finally John Hartnett – M3 – placed 8th in the 100metres and 7th in the 200metres.
The perfomances by all today were fantastic. Clonliffe Harriers masters athletics is alive and kicking !!. I hope these perfomances will act as a catalyst to encourage others from over 35 years to compete in these championships next year.