The Woodie’s DIY Combined Events and Relays took centre stage at the Nenagh Stadium today with several athletes showing excellent form in the run-in to the Irish senior championships in the Odyssey in two weeks time.

The men’s 4×400m turned out to be a great race between Tullamore Harriers and Leevale. Ferghus Hannon, Alan Whelan and Ray Lennon did the first three legs for Tullamore, but were joined by Leevale on the last change-over after Cathal Owens, Patrick Maher and Thomas O’Sullivan did a great job of catch-up. Gordon Kennedy proved too strong for Leevale’s 60m hurdles star Edmond O’Halloran to give Tullamore a good win.

Galway City Harriers brought a long time lead to victory in the 3X800m for men. But it could have been a lot different if Limerick had a stronger team. As it was Limerick’s Liam Reale came from well back to overtake Liffey Valley on the run-in for second – all the time closing on Galway.

Reale made a second appearance in the 3,000m later in the afternoon. Here Tom Fitzpatrick from Tallaght made the early running with Reale in close attendance before Reale took over the front running with seven laps remaining. He ran on strongly and won well.

Reale is now studying PE at Limerick and finds that his week is now a lot more constructive than when he was a full time athlete. He raced today after an 80 mile week.

Ferrybank won a good women’s 4X200m with Bandon second, while Leevale won the men’s equivalent in good style.

St. Abban’s won the men’s high jump thanks to a 2.05m clearance byBarry Pender while Eoin Kelly jumped 1.95m.

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