The Woodies DIY National Indoor Championships were held in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, over the weekend. A pretty good championship from a Clonliffe Harriers perspective with our athletes bringing one gold, two silvers and one bronze back home to Santry. Pride of place must go to Dave Donegan who yesterday took the National indoor Pole Vault title with a best of 4.60m having been pushed all the way by club mate Ian Rogers in 2nd (4.50m). A Clonliffe one two as Donegan won his 14th National senior pole vault title, a magnificent achievement. In addition to Ian Rogers` silver, today on the second day of the championships Ciara McCallion took 400 silver finishing in 57.14 while Leah Moore had another fine run indoors over 60m taking national bronze in a time of 7.70.
Of the other Clonliffe athletes in action in this fantastic arena Louise Reilly finished in that unlucky 4th place in the 3,000m yesterday in 10.13.23. 4th place also for Snezana Bectina in the 400 running 59.47 having earlier recorded a time of 58.80 in her semi final. The club also had athletes in action in the 800 heats where both Andrew Jenkinson (1.58.26) and new signing Kristaps Valters (1.57.95) successfully made it through to today`s final. Kristaps who is not yet back to full fitness decided not to take his place on the starting line for today`s final while Andrew finished out of the points paying positions running 1.59.63. Andrew Heeney went very well in the high jump recording a best of 2.05m. Patrick O`Connor went in the 60m recording a time of 7.14 in his heat and then an identical time in his semi where he failed to progress.
Meanwhile Brian McMahon had a good run in the Irish vest at this afternoon`s Ras na hEireann in Old Bridge, Droghead, County Louth first of the team home in 8th place as he winds up for the Nationals in Santry Demsene in two weeks time.