Aoife Martin represented Munster Schools in the Tailteann Games over the weekend in the Intermediate Girls 3k Race Walk. Aoife’s outstanding season has just got even better as she finished in 2nd place with a 20 second PB in a time of 14.:56. Even though this was not a race about getting a great time but a placing, Aoife was calm and relaxed and walked a brilliant race. After the first kilometre Aoife was in third place following the second competitor. Their splits were consistently 1:57s, 1:58s. Inside the final kilometre Aoife was still in third but not giving an inch, then with 800m remaining Aoife made her move and went into another gear, with 400m to go Aoife was now 10m clear in second place and the gap was growing every 100m. Aoife finished in style and a massive PB and has been selected to represent Ireland in July in the SIAB Games in Wales. Aoife has put in a lot of hard work in over the last six months and has now seen the rewards and has her well-deserved Irish singlet. Congratulations to Aoife who will line out in the National Senior Track and Field Championships over 5km next weekend.
Faye O’Riordan was part of the U18 girl team representing Ireland in the 17 th International U18 Mountain Running Cup held in Montaña Palentina, España Another strong field of young athletes from Europe along with athletes from as far away as Mexico and the USA with strong runners from Boulder Colorado. The course was a good test, 6.3k with 240m elevation with a river crossing to add to the mix. Starting in the football stadium, the first kilometre was a slight rise single track with space to overtake t if needed, followed by a steep 600m climb to let you know you were in the mountain. Then, some downhill breath catchers with small undulations allowing runners to add a bit of pace to proceedings, straight through the river and into a good solid 1.2k climb up through the woods, this led you to the top and 3.6k into the race with all the major climbing behind you, you were at the top. The initial descent was gentle with one or two small inclines leading to a full-on downhill trail run all the way into the stadium to the finish. Faye ran well with a time of 33:23, she felt she didn’t run as well as she has previously but couldn’t run any harder and gave it everything along with the rest of her teammates. The experience of running with other strong global athletes was great for them and it’s a big thanks to the IMRA and Elizabeth Wheeler for managing the group. The After-party in the Square hosted by the town, Aguilar de Campoo was a great event, all the Athletes from every country dancing and enjoying the music was brilliant to see and a fitting close to a wonderful competitive event.
Thanks to Dave O’Riordan and Martin Hurley who were our roving reporters this week providing great insight to these events!
A quick recap also on the recent Munster U14-U19 Championships in Templemore with some good performances on the day from our U13 to U15 group and topped off with medals from Robyn Maher (2nd ) and Anna Mullins (3rd ) in the U16 Girls Racewalk, Aoife Martin (1st ) U17 Girls Racewalk, Caoimhe Gray-Walsh (3rd ) Girls U17 400m and Ruaidhri Boyle (3rd ) Boys U19 400m.
Other News: Rian O’Luasa continued his recent run of good form with an 18:43 2nd place finish in Saturdays Tramore Valley Parkrun.
Featured Image: Carraig AC's Anna Mullins, Aoife Martin, and Robyn Maher at the Munster T&F Championships, by Jo Martin.