Irish schools team show true grit

The Irish schools' team showed true grit at the SIAB Schools' International Track & Field meeting in Ashford highlighted by Darragh McElhinney's exhillarating victory in the 1500m. 

England took overall team victory with 519.5 points. Ireland were second with 340.5 points, Wales were third with 246 points and Scotland fourth with 230 points. 

In the girls scoring England were on top with 266.5 points followede by Ireland on 180.5, Wales on 127 points and Scotland on 109 points. Miriam Daly was awarded the best Irish performance for the girls winning the 300m hurdles in 42.42, bronze in the 80m hurdles in 11.60 and bronze as part of the 4x300m relay in 2:44.50.  

In the boys scoring, England topped the charts with 253 points, Ireland were second with 160 points, Scotland third with 121 points and Wales fourth with 119 points. James Kelly won best Irish performance for the boys with a victory in the shot put with 17.07m.

It was Darragh McElhinney who sparkled most in the heat of the Julie Rose Stadium. He epitomised the spirit of the schools team in a sensational race. The pace was 2:24 at 800m followed by a 59 second lap to 1200m and then a 43 second last 300m. He went to front with 600m to go with four runners going at it over the last 50m but McElhinney prevailed in 4:07.15.

For full results of the excellent Irish performances and the championships click HERE