Narrow win for James Nolan A downpour during the steeplechase events ensured that the runners really got wet all over, but the rain soon ceased and the glorious weather returned to ensure another fantastic KtKat All Ireland Schools track and field championships. It would be hard to single out anyone, but surely the Irish Milers Club events were a treat. The men’s mile, in particular, was a brilliant race, with David McCarthy, just returned from Providence College really throwing the cat amongst the pigeons when he came within a whisker of winning the mile. In a massive last lap James Nolan just held out from last year’s schools senior 1,500m winner. McCarthy redshirted the outdoor season in Providence and is sure to have a top class season. Mark Christie was just a fraction behind in third. Brian Gregan continued his winning ways in the senior 400m and his time of 47.66 was a new record. Billy Ryan in second had another new PB with 48.79. However, Gregan was almost upstaged by intermediate winner Curtis Woods who also set a new record with a time of 48.29. Woods added the 200m in 21.87. The way the junior 400m runners are shaping up it is a possibility that 4X400m relay team could be a possibility for the World Junior championships. Waterford sprinting was again to the fore with Niamh Whelan completing a 100m/200m double, while Chris Russell moved up from his intermediate double of last year to complete the senior double. Ciara Everard put in a classy performance to win the senior 400m and 800m. Anton Leighio won a keenly contested senior 800m ahead of a blanket finish of runners – four on the 1:54 mark. Tomas Cotter put in an excellent front running performance to win the senior steeplechase, while Ian Ward simply ran away from the field on the last lap to win the senior 1,500m. Well done to Tullamore Harriers for the big improvements to their stadium, and especially for the provision of broadband facilities. Boys ResultsGirls Results