Juvenile athletes from Kilkenny City Harriers athletic club had excellent returns from the Leinster Indoor track and field championships in Nenagh at the weekend.
Among those who had good performances to reach the finals of their respective events were Craig Byrne (4th high jump ), Martin Mulhall (4th shot ), Callan Byrne, Aisling McDonough, Niamh MacMullan, Edward Dunne, Rebecca Keane, Kathy Long, Ruben Pim, John Dillon, Margaret Caldbeck and Sarah Kate Lacey.
A total of thirty-eight medals were won — 13 gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze. Pride of place goes to under 18 athlete, Lorraine O’Shea who hit gold in all of her three events— first in 60m, first in 200m and first in long jump where she cleared 5.53meters. Under 19 athlete, Laura Langton, with two gold’s and one silver came close to equalling Lorraine’s achievement. Laura won gold in the 60m hurdles, where she set a new PB of 9.53 seconds, gold in 200m and silver in the 60m. Four titles were won in the under 17 age group with Cliodhna Manning winning two, the 60m and the 200m and Sinead McDonough also winning two — high jump and 60m hurdles. The other four gold medals went to four athletes each of whom recorded personal bests in their respective events. Victor Costello (Under 14 high jump ), Charmaine O’Donoghue (Under 15 high jump ), Jack Manning (Under 14 shot put ) and David McGeary (Under 19, 60m sprint ). The latter two also won a silver, David in the long jump and Jack in the high jump. Under 17 athlete, Catriona Twomey, made the medal presentation ceremony on three occasions with a second place finish in shot put, high jump and 60m hurdles.
Upcoming fixtures:
Saturday 19: National Seniors, Odyssey, Belfast.
Sunday 20 : National Seniors, Odyssey, Belfast. County Intermediate CC and Juvenile Relays (U11 & U13 -3x250; U15 3x500 ), U17 -1500m. Bramblestown, Gowran at 11am.