Day 1 of the National track and field championships in a windy Morton Stadium today saw some excellent performances from Clonliffe athletes with national titles won by both Stephen Scullion and Stephen Rice.
Scullion was the class of the field in the 10000 which featured no less than seven Clonliffe vests. Scullion took the National title and one would assume a plane ticket to Berlin for the European 10000, in 29.25.31. David Flynn had a fine run to 5th (30.20.80), next in were the marathon men 8th Valdas Dopolskas 30.29.56 and 9th Sergiu Ciobanu 30.34.82, and then 18th Eoin Taggart 32 55.32, 19th Declan Power 33.33.97 and 21st Sean Doran 34.29.40.
In the Javelin Stephen Rice basically had the title sown up from the first throw when he launched the Javelin some 66.95m and thereafter was never threatened. That proved to be his best of the day and in the end he won by some 8m. Alan Gunning placed 7th (47.66m)
In the 3000 sc Jayme Rossister had his best National result to date taking super silver in 9.05.49.
Simon Galligan once again medalled for Clonliffe in the nationals bronze in the hammer 59.67m.
The 4 x 100 relay boys took silver behind Tallaght AC.
Other Clonliffe athletes competing today included Dara Kervick in the 400 qualifying for the final after a 48.54 heat. Likewise Ciara McCallion, despite an injury ravaged season, also qualifying for yet another national final after a 56.72 heat. Snezana Bechtina ran 59.64 in her heat and did not progress.
Cathal Doyle successfully negotiated the 1500 heats (3.59.17) for tomorrow’s final. Greg Hossenny ran 4.02.90 to bring his interest to an end, likewise Mark McDonald (1.57.40) and Shaun Conaghan (2.04.64) in the 800 concluded their championships. Finally Colm Rooney with a 15.23.55 run in the 5000 similarly sees an end to his 2018 nationals.
So in all a pretty fine day for the club’s athletes. Day 2 tomorrow.