Only promoted to the Premier League a couple of years ago, the Clonliffe Women’s team made a gallant effort to win the overall title in Tullamore yesterday. Finishing a highly creditable second place with 95pts behind DSD’s winning total of 107pts, proves Pamela Cooper’s team is on the up.
As befits a medal winning performance, the team was strong across many events. Wins on the day came from Leah Moore (12.09)100m and 200m (24.59), Eimear O’Brien (10.00.88) 3000m, Ausra Jerumbauskyte (11.46m) Triple Jump, Caoimhe Morris (42.58m) Hammer.
However, with 20 events to be scored there were many more notable team performances. Denise Byrne – Javelin and Shot; Snezhana Bechtina – 100m Hurdles and Discus, Dana Markina – High Jump, Walk and 400m Hurdles as well as Eimear O’Brien also running the 800m all competed in more than one individual events. Ciara McCallion (400m – just shy of her personal best), Louise Reilly (1500m) and Megan Coomber (Long Jump) also contributed extremely important points to the overall score.
The men’s team were also in the mix for medals throughout the day. Finishing on 107pts, behind Leevale (116pts) and St. Abbans (111pts), Joe’s team fought bravely against the conditions and competitors as well.
Maximum points were achieved by Dara Kervick (48.97) 400m, Simon Galligan (51.40m) Hammer, Ian Rogers (4.20m) Pole Vault and the 4x100m Relay (Pike, Keith Pike, Israel Ibanu, Stuart Roche and Chris Russell) 42.75
Our throwers garnered points through Marcin (Discus and 56lbs), Ryan Whelan (Javelin) and Michael Curley (Shot). The jumping team of Israel Ibanu (Long Jump), Tomas Dorina (Triple Jump) and Andrew Heaney (High Jump) probably had some of the worst conditions to deal with.
In the sprints, Keith Pike was out hard in the 100m, while Dara Kervick double back after the 400m to race the 200m. Kris Valters (800m) and Edgar Sumskis (1500m) took on the middle distance boys which Aussie Brandon Hargreaves raced in his first League.
Finally over 5000m. Jayme Rossiter renewed battle with Raheny man Freddy Keron, which saw the latter win. Ryan Cleary performed well for 2nd place in the Walk. Ross Kearney set a personal best time in the ‘man-killer’ 400m Hurdles.
Well done to all at the athletes and coaches that competed and coached across the two rounds and final.