by Perri Williams
A team of 40 athletes have been selected to represent Ireland at the u17 Scottish National Championships taking place in Grangemouth, Scotland this weekend. For many this will be their first time donning the Irish vest. For decades Athletics Ireland have been sending teams of juvenile athletes to international based competitions – the Celtic International being the most enduring. With this now defunct, the Juvenile Committee of Athletics Ireland has consistently ensured that the juvenile athletes have had an annual opportunity. Of late the Scottish Nationals have provided that opportunity.
Cork is the county with the highest representation, with ten athletes listed on the team. This is followed by Meath with eight. Both Leevale and Ratoath AC have four athletes each, securing places. In total 14 counties and 27 clubs across all provinces see their athletes make the selection.
Last year, Team Ireland took home 23 medals, including ten gold. This year we have several athletes who top the start lists with superb times, heights and distances. Emer Purtill (Dooneen) heads both Javelin and Shot rankings, with Harry McIlwaine (Letterkenny AC) topping both the 100m and 200m and the only athlete who has dipped under 11 seconds for the 100m. Expect to see some superb javelin throwing from Kevin O’Shea (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) as his 60.61m personal best is over 11m further than anyone else in the field has thrown to date. Other names to look out for in the results are: Aaron Wheelan (Dunboyne AC) – 400m Hurdles, Daniel Di Antolin Rodreguze (Ratoath AC) - Triple Jump, Eddie Raicevic (Finisk Valley AC) – 100m Hurdles and Jack Tierney (Borrisokane AC) – Hammer.
Ireland has done very well on the European stage this summer with some of those competing having launched their international careers at events such as the u17 opportunity. EYOF bronze medallist Eilis McHugh (Ferrybank AC) along with Dubem Amah (Tallaght AC) and Roisin Murray (Bray Runners) were on the 2024 Irish u17 Development Team that competed in Scotland. We will look forward to seeing some of the names listed below in future Irish teams competing at European and World majors.
For up to date results click here
