What a comeback by the men in black and amber. 2014 has been well and truly forgotten. A barren year now in the past. The Clonliffe machine is back!
Having regained the cross country title in the Spring the track and field team did the business in fine style in Tullamore on Sunday. Throughout this campaign the men have lead. Winning both rounds 1 and 2 and coming into Sunday as favourites the team well and truly justified the favourite tag. At the end of Sundays final the score board showed a comprehensive victory by a margin of 20 points. The win was built on a solid foundation of 6 wins: Chris Sibanda in the 200 in 21.65, Timmy Crowe 400 in 49.24, Declan Murray 800 1.51.99, Ian Rogers pv 4.60 m, Justin Jadluai Javelin 47.58 and The 4 X 400 relay. Add into that excellent foundation 2nd places in the 1500 by Mark Mcdonald, 400h Andri Mahin, Hammer by Simon Galligan, High Jump by Andrew Heney, Keith Pike in 100 and the 4 X 100 team and the destination of the title was never in doubt.
Special mention must also be made of two athletes one an experienced international Brian Gregan who raced in Belgium on Saturday running an sb of 45.85 and returned to anchor the 4 X 400 on sunday and the other a young junior only starting out on his career Greg Hossenny who has competed in all 3 rounds of the league and chipped in with a 3rd place race walk on Sunday. So the men are back on top and deservedly so.
The Clonliffe women also had an outstanding day with an excellent 3rd place finish. From a fairly small team this was a superb performance. The result being built on some excellent points gathered in. Ciara Mccallion took top points in the 400 with a fine win over quality opposition in 55.71. Caoimhe Morris was also a star contributor with two 2nd places in the hammer and discus. Likewise great points earned by Snezana Bechtina 2nd in the 200 and 3rd in the 100 and by Eimear O’Brien 2nd 1500 and 3rd in the 3000. Overall a great day for both teams showing true team spirit.
Nil desperandum.