National Combined Events Preview

Multi-eventers bid for national glory

Ireland’s best multi-event athletes will take centre stage at the Irish Life Health National Indoor Combined Events in Athlone on Saturday (January 21).

Elizabeth Morland (Cushinstown) starred last year with national junior, U23 and senior records. Unfortunately the Meath teenage starlet isn’t entered this year but this could set the stage for Daniel Ryan (Moycarkey Coolcroo). All told there should be plenty to look forward to from the Juveniles right through to the Masters.

Amy McTeggart (Boyne) will do battle once more with Lagan Valley’s Laura Frey to retain the senior women’s title. Shane Aston (Trim) and Eamonn Fahey (Donore Harriers), who has excelled in the sprints and long jump, are among the leading entrants in the senior men. Aston will be a force to be reckoned with if he can come through each event unscathed.

Reece Ademola (Leevale) won the U14 boys last year and will be looking to build on that in the U15 age category. Susan Nestor (Nenagh Olympic) and Jennifer Hanrahan (Bros Pearse) are among a big entry in the girls U15 age group with ambitions of podium positions.

Daniel Ryan (Moycarkey Coolcroo) has been making waves in the multis and should add to his haul in the junior men’s. Ryan impressed throughout 2016 including an 11th place finish in the decathlon at the European Youth Athletics Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Cliodhna Blake (St John’s) was second last year behind Elizabeth Morland in the junior women’s and will be looking to go one step further up the rostrum in her absence.

John O’Connor (Slaney Olympic) will be back to defend his O50 title from Peadar McGing (DSD). Niamh McGuire (Rathkenny) returns to defend her O35-49 title but should face competition from Clonliffe Harriers’ Snezana Bechtina. Ger Cremin (An Riocht) should be the strong favourite for the men’s O35-49 title based on last year’s results and current form.

Entry list HERE