It was an excellent day for Clonliffe athletes at day two of the national senior indoor championships at NIA Abbottstown. Keith Marks captured the national long jump title in a new club record of 7.33m. A first national title for Ariel Lieghio in the women’s pole vault with a best of 3.95m and only narrowly missing 4.05.
The big story of the day was the welcomed sight of seeing Brian Gregan line up once again in the national final. Gregan battled like the true competitor that he is all the way to the line and will be pleased to take bronze in his comeback in a time of 48.21. Bronze also for Eoin Pierce, the defending champion, in a top-class 1500. Eoin recorded a fast 3.45.35, which in most years would have been enough to take the title however the inform Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea) was just unbeatable with Raheny’s Brian Fay second. Rolus Olusa took a fine bronze in the 60 hurdles in a time of 8.43, Rolus also placed fifth in the long jump with a best of 6.78. Shannon Sheehy having taken high jump bronze yesterday qualified well for the 60 hurdles where she had an outstanding run to 5th place in a new PB and new Clonliffe indoor club record of 8.69.
Earlier in the day Keith Pike ran 7.02 in the 60 heats and then 7.01 in the semi-final, but did not progress to the final. Leo Morgan ran 6.93 in his heat but was a DNS in the semi.
Thus an excellent championship for Clonliffe Harriers, over the two days there were two golds and four bronze medals taken back to Santry (plus two new club records). Extremely positive as the indoor season comes to an end and it’s eyes up for the outdoors.
