It was a hot day in Morton Stadium for day 1 of the Nationals both on and off the field of action. It proved to be an excellent day for Clonliffe athletes with three national titles won along with silver and bronze. Jayme Rossiter was magnificent in the 3000 sc with his technically brilliant hurdling proving to be the difference as he battled with Brian Fay (Raheny) over the final 400 Jayme opened a lead which included a Kenyanesq clearance of the water jump to claim his first senior title in 8.59.42.
Stephen Scullion had travelled a long distance from the US to defend his National 10,000 title and simply wasn’t going to relinquish it, breaking for home with all of 2000 plus to go. Coming down the home straight be could afford to celebrate in style as he collect the club`s second title of the day (29.36.33)
In between this Simon Galligan continued his excellent season in the hammer throwing yet another pb, his second in a week of 59.99m, tantalizingly close to the magically 60m, to take silver .
Then came a Clonliffe double medal in the javelin as Stephen Rice won his 2nd National in a row with a best of 69.75 with Rory Gunning 3rd (65.06). 10th place for Alan Gunning (46.33)
In the 1500 heats bizarrely all six Clonliffe men were seeded by the computer in heat 2. A great race saw Eoin Pierce (3.56.43), Cathal Doyle (3.56.91) and young Aaron Cullen (4.00.61) progress to tomorrow’s final. Richie Owens ran 4.01.04, Daniel Stone 4.07.78 and Greg Hossenny (4.08.17).
The 5000 heats saw similar as the four Clonliffe men also all ended up in the same heat! Ian Guiden was 2nd 15.00.47 and Colm Rooney in 10th (15.08.66), progress to the final tomorrow. Sean Doran ran 15.42.95 and Eoin Taggart 15.49.27.
In the womens 1500 both Sarah Bateson (4.54.55) and Alannah Cooley (4.50.00) will have gained vital experience for the future.
Luke Lennon-Ford won his 400 heat in 48.08 and will run in tomorrow’s final. Likewise Leo Morgan (10.83) qualified for tomorrow’s 100 final. Others in the 100 Isreal Ibanu 11.30, Eamonn Fahey 11.18, Pierce Friel 11.64 and Thomas Moran 12.30. Lauren Carr, who recently set a new club junior 200 record ran 25.61 in the 200.
To see photos click: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmFxBR1Q