It was off to Athlone this morning for round 2 of the national indoor league with the prize of a place for the top 8 clubs in the final on offer. The men’s team qualified comfortably, courtesy of the spade work in round 1, topping the standings. Valiant efforts from the women’s team saw them propelled from 10th position to 6th and onwards to the final.
The men’s team saw fine performances from Leo Morgan to win the 60 in 6.96, Niall Allen to win the shot with 10.81 and the 4 x 200 team of Craig Duffy, Aaron Tierney Smith, Pascal Touche and Chris Sibanda winning in 1.30.31. Pascal was also 2nd in the long jump, 6.05m with Aaron 3rd in the 400 951.11). Greg Hosseny was 3rd in the walk, Ben Coughlan 6th in the 1500, 4.08.30. Unfortunately Eamonn Fahey sustained a cut in the high jump and couldn’t continue.
There was great fighting spirit displayed by the women’s team with Jess Tappin playing a starring role in the fightback. Jess competed in 4 events – winning the 400 in a new club record of 55.12, the shot, also in a club record of 10.72 and was 9th in the 60. Then for good measure ran in the 4 x 200 relay (Lauren Carr, Jess, Leah Bergin and Snezana Bechtina) placing 3rd in 1.45.08.
Sarah Bateson ran a great race in the 1500 to 4th 4.50.87, 4th also for Aisling Killilea in the walk. Edel Maguire was 9th in the high jump and Caoimhe Del Bello 12th in the long jump 3.89.
It was a brilliant Houdine like performance from the women’s team to finish in an unexpected 6th place and qualifying for the final.
For the men it was a most professional performance over both days and both teams now look forward to coming back to Athlone on Saturday, February 3 for the final.
In the guest races that followed in session 2: Chris Sibanda in the 60 ran 6.89 in placing 3rd in series 2 with Leo Morgan 4th in 6.91. Earlier Leo ran 6.92 in series 1. Jarlath Jordan clocked 54.08 over 400. Fintan Kerins was 2nd in his 1500 in 4.05.36. Edel Maguire completed the busy day for her 60s running 9.16 and 9.11 and in the 200 29.75.