Tallaght AC and Leevale AC Win GloHealth National Indoor League

POSTED:

Ireland’s best track and field clubs came together to battle it out at the GloHealth National Indoor League Final held in AIT International Arena, Athlone on the 7th of February. Dublin club Tallaght AC won an extremely close men’s competition while defending champions Leevale AC retained their title in an equally close women’s contest.

Enthralling Men’s Competition

The men’s competition turned into a great battle between Dublin club’s Clonliffe Harriers, Tallaght AC and defending champions Leevale AC. Tallaght were boosted by individual victories by Anthony Lieghio (1,500m), Joshua Essuman (60m H) and the Joseph Ojewumi (200m). Clonliffe Harrier athletes David Donegan and Andrew Heaney secured victories in their respective pole vault and high jump events. David Tierney bagged maximum points for Leevale in the shot putt with the rest of the Cork team producing consistent performances across all the events.

It meant going into the final event of the day (4x200m relay) there was only two points separating the top three teams. Tallaght AC showcased their strength in depth in the sprint events by storming to victory in a time of 1.29.89 seconds ahead of Clonliffe Harriers and Leevale.  The time for the south Dublin club was also a new national club record, erasing the old mark of 1.30.6 held by UCD AC.

After a nervous wait Tallaght AC were deemed the 2015 national indoor champions with a score of 69 points, winning on count back from Clonliffe Harriers (69 points). Defending champions Leevale AC were relegated to third with a score of 66 points.

Leevale AC Defend Title

The Leevale AC women’s team were out to defend the title they won so impressively twelve months ago. Buoyed by strong performances by Andrea Bickerdike (400m), Louise Shanhan (800m) and Carol Finn (1,500m) the Cork club would be hard to topple. Galway club Craughwell AC had other ideas with Sinead Treacy claiming a classy double over 60m and 200m. Club mate Catriona Farrell did likewise securing maximum points in the long jump and high jump events.

Like the men’s competition the women’s event would be decided in the final track event of the day, the 4x200m relay. Craughwell made a strong start to the relay leading after the first two legs; however Leevale powered into the lead over the second half of the race to take victory in a time of 1.45.45.

The victory secured the Cork club overall victory with a points total of 76, only one point ahead of Craughwell AC on 75 points. Clonliffe Harriers finished in third place with a score of 62 points.

Results

Newsletter sign up

Sign-up for the Athletics Ireland E-Zine with exclusive interviews, coaching news and offers!

Which of the following best describes you?