Day 3 dawned revealing a much more summer like day although the wind was still going to cause some problems. From a Clonliffe Harriers perspective that elusive 2021 national title remained just out of reach.
Stephen Rice who has delivered in spades in recent years in the javelin unfortunately came up against a better athlete on the day as Conor Cusack (Lake District AC) took a first national title with a best of 72.13 just over a metre ahead of Stephen who took the consolation silver with a best of 71.05.
In the 200 Marcus Lawler came up against Leon Reid (Menapians) in the final, having cruised through his heat that morning in 20.97, and although he has battled into contention as the straight unwound Reid hit back and coming towards the line Marcus was overhauled also by Mark Smyth (Raheny) and had to be content with bronze (20.99).
Rolus Olusa finished just out of the medals placing 4th in the 110H (15.21). In the 10,000 Sean Doran was 12 (33.29.66) with Karl Nolan 2 places later (33.49.37).
And so the curtain comes down on the 2021 national senior track and field championships, the second and hopefully final championships held under the shadow of Covid 19 restrictions. From a club perspective it proved to be a slightly disappointing championship, there are of course positives, none more so than the rise of Cathal Doyle in the ultracompetitive 1500 as he took silver and was tantalisingly close to a national title. Overall the return was three silvers and three bronzes, not too shabby at all but how gold would have put a great gloss on things!
Next up for the track and field team is the national track and field league, rounds one and two are currently scheduled for July 11 and July 25 with the final on August 15. Hopefully clarification will issue this week on whether or not this event will be proceeding or will be slapped with the same fate as the 2020 league.