by Richard Hawkins
In recent weeks Irish athletes have been to the fore in international Indoor competition with National Records tumbling, particularly in middle-distance, so last weekends’ Indoor National Championships in Abbotstown was eagerly awaited with tickets for Sunday sold out well in advance. Young fans turned out in force to snag autographs from the likes of Sarah Healy, Sharlene Mawdsley, Cathal Doyle and Sean Tobin.
Carraig Na BhFear were well represented by four athletes who performed well at the highest level. In Saturdays’ action, Ciaran Nugent finished 2nd in heat four of seven in the Men’s 400m to qualify for the semi-final in a time of 51.64s. Ciaran ran a fast 51.72s in a very competitive semi which featured eventual National Champion Conor Kelly but missed out on a place in the final. However, a good series of races in recent weeks will set Ciaran up nicely for the outdoor season and his specialist event, the 400m hurdles. On Sunday, Aoife Martin and Anna Mullins competed in the Women’s 3000M Walk Final. Kate Veale was a convincing winner but Aoife (6th) and Anna (11th) in a field of seventeen competitors stayed focused on their own races finishing in times of 15:39:38 and 16:43:40 respectively. Well done to the girls and coach Martin Hurley as the squad are progressing with each race completed. The men’s 3000m was anticipated to be one of the closest fought events of the afternoon, and so it proved with Sean Tobin narrowly taking the title in a sprint finish. Aidan Maher stepped up to the top level, competing in the ‘C’ race. The race became fragmented in the second half with some bursts of pace injected, Aidan finished in a personal best time of 9.22.86. A great effort from our athletes competing, a brilliant day’s action made all the better by seeing Carraig Na BhFear AC singlets in the mix!
Other news: With the Kinsale 10-mile and BHAA 5k cross-country events falling foul of horrid weather conditions, we had three athletes who were brave enough to take on a muddy Curragh Woods course for the IMRA 8k race with 300m elevation. Congratulations to Faye O’Riordan who was 2nd Female home in a time of 47:41. Orla Coffey had a fine run also finishing in 4th place in a time of 56.11. David O’Riordan placed 3rd in category in 53.01. The next IMRA race i on Sunday 2nd March is a scenic 11.5km route in Ballinaboola, North Cork for anyone looking for a change of scene!
Look Ahead: Best of luck to our athletes who will travel to Nenagh for the Munster U12-U14 indoor Championships to be held on March 1st and 2nd.
