There were some fine performances at the first day of The Woodies DIY National Championships with Eileen O'Keefe setting another new National record in the hammer of 68.14. She began with 66.88 which was fine throwing in the greasy conditions. She followed with 66.91 before her record breaking 3rd round effort of 68.14. She later came back to win the discus with a first round effort of 43.34. The mens 10000 metres saw Joe McAllister retain his title with a fine last lap of 63.84. He lead through the early laps where he had Killian Lonergan, Cian McLoughlin and Paul O'Callaghan for company. Paul McNamara and Michael O'Connor joined the leaders after 2000 metres. The Galway City man Michael O'Connor made a bid for glory around half way but was hauled back. The same tactic was tried by Cian Mcloughlin which also came to nothing. Paul McNamara's sojourn at the front saw Joe McAllister drop back some 40 metres and with two laps to go it looked like Killian Lonergan was going to bring to title to hosts Clonliffe Harriers. the 24 year old Belfast man McAllister was not quite finished yet and he clawed his way back to win down the home straight in 30.18.80. We have come to expect good sprinting over 200 metres at these championships and to-day was no exception. Emily Maher has had some promising runs this season and she won a great home striaght battle with Ciara Sheehy in a CBP of 23.39 with Ciara on 23.44 and Ailis McSweeney third on 24.06. Another down the straight battle ensued in the mens equivalent with Paul Brizzel edging out Gary Ryan in 21.08 to ryan's 21.15. with Shercock's Gerard O'Reilly having a fine run in third spot clocking 21.98. Paul Crowe of Menapians sixth round effort of 16.92 saw him win the shot with Daragh O'Farrell of Borrisokane winning the long jump with 7.12 . Eugene O'Neill retained his steeplechase title with Michael McConkey winning the javelin. The two Helsinki bound walkers Olive Loughnane and Robert Heffernan won their respective events with ease.
