The Celtic Games took place in Morton Stadium, Santry on Saturday, 9th of August with Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the Athletics Ireland Development Team taking part. Athletes from each team compete in the U16 and U18 age groups over a range of track and field events. On a momentous day for Irish underage athletics the Irish team came out on top with a combined score of 184 points. Wales finished second on 160 points with Scotland third on 136 points.
At U16 level Ireland were buoyed by impressive victories by Kevin McGrath (1500m), Daniel Ryan (100m H), Mixed Relay, Robbie Marrs (High Jump), Molly Scott (80m H), Lauren Gleeson (Long Jump) and Orlaith O’Brien (Javelin).
U18
At U18 level Joseph Ojemumi had a fine victory for the development team as he won the 100m in a time of 11.50 which was run into a -6.8 wind. Scott Gibson stormed to victory for Ireland in the 400m in a fast 48.44 seconds as Mustaffa Nasir brought the crowd to their feet to win an exciting 800m in a time of 1.56.91.
Gary Campbell also of the development team was a classy winner of the 1500m in a time of 3.59.04.
Donogh Mahon was over 2m in the High Jump as Jurjis Kanash in the Pole Vault also secured maximum points for Ireland. Jordan Hoang was the only athlete over 13m in the Triple Jump as he dominated the competition to win with a jump of 13.68.
Hoang, Jordan Amy Hamill battled hard in the 800m to take victory in a time of 2.14.42. There was double success for Ireland in the hurdles with Clodagh O’Mahony (100m H) and Kelly Ann Doyle (400m H) both bagging maximum points in their respective events.
Maria Casey was a class apart in the Triple Jump as she eased to victory with a jump of 11.98m. Annie Stafford was another of those impressing in the jumps as she jumped 5.78m for victory.
As always the 4x400m relays provided a thrilling conclusion to the day’s action with the boy’s U18 team coming from behind to secure victory in a time of 3.18.79