by Perri Williams
Wasn’t it another great week of athletics in Europe? Our u20s gave a great account of themselves in Finland. Here at Run Republic, we kept you up to date with what was happening on a daily basis – from that wonderful gold medal from Conor Kelly to our numerous finalist and preliminary round participants.
But there were plenty of Irish in action elsewhere. On Friday Eric Favours (Raheny) produced a seasons best of 20.48m at the Powerfest Throws meet in PA. Its also a World Championship B standard. Oordegem (Belgium) has become a conglomerate for athletes chasing good races and fast times over the summer. In total 50 athletes travelled to the Belgium mecca to compete in distances from 100m to 5000m. The highlights include: Darragh McIlhenny (Bantry) gaining a personal best of 13.02.26 in the 5000m, again inside the World Championships B standard. As fantastic as the time is, it still does not assure him of qualification, thus he will have to keep racing. His superb time does move him to second on the Irish all-time list. It’s been a long haul back to this level, but coach Emmet Dunleavy has been with him all the way. Nick Griggs (CNDR) continues to make a later than anticipated comeback with 13.05.75. A time which is a new u23 national record, a B standard and moves him to 5th on the Irish all-time list. He will also have to keep racing to seek qualification for the World Championships. His CDNR teammates Callum Morgan (13.23.27), Conall McClean (13.41.92), Tony McCambridge (13.48.49) and Luke Kelly (14:10.36) all secured personal bests over the same distances. Coach Mark Kirk is doing fantastic work with this group in Belfast and must surely be beaming after the weekend. Cian McPhillips (UCD) finished first overall in the 800m, with a rapid 1:44.34. Coach Joe Ryan taking him to new territory this year. It was good to see Cillian Green (GCH) take a season’s best of 46.12 in the 400m. A large contingent from Galway City Harriers competed.
