Athletics Ireland Jumps & Throws Festival Report

POSTED:

Field Athletes put in some great performances in Morton Stadium on Saturday. There was keen interest in this ‘Athletics Ireland Jumps & Throws Festival’ - one of the few competition opportunities many of these athletes have had this summer. Morton Stadium was looking at its very best thanks to the grounds staff’s efforts during the week and the beautiful weather on the day – sunny with a light breeze.

The full results are available HERE.

Probably the highlight of the day was a best ever Youth hammer throw from the fast improving Bandon AC 16 year old Nicola Tuthill. Nicola had a huge 65m plus throw in at the Leevale meet last week, but improved on that with a 66.13m (3kg) which puts her 4th on the European Youth rankings. Adrienne Gallen, the 15yr old from Lifford Strabane AC will keep Tuthill on her toes for the next few years as she is also making fast progress. Gallen threw 57.25m yesterday but reached 59.83m last week at Donegal Co Championships. The senior throwers were led by Adam King (Iveragh AC) 60.55m and Michaela Walsh (Swinford AC) 56.10m

David Cussen (Old Abbey AC) who showed very promising performances as a youth but then had a number of injury issues for a few years. This year has seen an uninterrupted block of training and 

performances to match. Having only set his 2.15m PB last week in Leevale, he didn’t let the dust settle for too long by clearing 2.16m – a fine performance! Sommer Lecky (Finn Valley AC) with 1.79m took the women’s High Jump despite some run up difficulties on the day. 

The Long Jumpers reacted very well to the fine conditions with equal billing for Shane Howard (Bandon AC) with 7.47m taking the men’s event. This was his best ever jumping off his right foot, since he had to change take-off feet due to persistent injuries. Sophie Meredith (St Mary’s AC (Limerick)) had an excellent PB with 6.14m in women’s event and was pushed all the way by a returning to form Sarah McCarthy (Mid Sutton AC) 6.08m. The Triple Jumpers had an early start to the day and maybe this prevented better marks but Saragh Buggy (St Abbans AC) prevailed with a 12.77m win over Grace Furlong (Waterford AC).

Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St Gerard’s AC) threw her 2nd ever Javelin throw over the 50m barrier with 50.61m – her previous effort coming in her Silver medal performance at last years European U20 Heptathlon final. Kate backed that up with a personal best win in Shot Put (13.84m). Stephen Rice (Clonliffe Harriers) picked up the mens javelin title on the day with 68.44m but he has a fast closing rivalry coming up with 18 yr old Conor Cusack (Lake District Athletics) who pulled off a 5m PB with 64.87m.

European U23 finalist Niamh Fogarty (Raheny Shamrocks AC) is making the most of the short season by edging forwards with her Discus best with a very impressive 53.08m – a performance that will motivate her towards the 2021 European U23’s. Eoin Sheridan (Clonliffe Harriers AC) took the men’s discus with  51.71m.

There were great fields in both Pole Vault competitions. The men’s event had a tie for 1st place between Shane Power (St Jospeh’s AC) and decathlete Michael Bowler (Enniscorthy AC)  - both on 4.50m  with Power taking it on count back. Orla Coffey (Carraig Na Bhfear AC) took the women’s event with 3.20m.

Meet Organisers Dave Sweeney & Shane Aston were very happy with the first ever running of this event under very difficult circumstances. They thanked all who helped on the day (Coaches, Officials, Parents, 

Athletics Ireland staff, Morton Stadium staff) who all cooperated to making the event a success. Andrew Lynam led the myriad of technical issues around entries, satisfying all ‘World Athletics’ regulations and 

producing official results. It is hope that this may become a regular feature on the Field-Event calendar.

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