CALLINAN KEENAN TAKES GOLD IN POLE VAULT THRILLER

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Fans in attendance at the 150th edition of the Irish Life Health National Track and Field Champiosnhips were treated to a thrilling competiton in the men’s pole vault this afternoon, with Matthew Callinan Keenan (St. L. O'Toole AC) eventually coming out on top to win his first national senior title with 4.50m clearance in tough conditions.

The pole vaulters had arguable the worst weather conditions of the day, but the heavy rain and wind did not dampen the brilliant competition on show. Matthew Callinan Keenan (St. L. O'Toole AC) and Michael Bowler (Enniscorthy AC) had the crowd on their feet with both athletes clearing 4.50m, Callinan Keenan taking home the gold medal on countback. The duo were pushed all the way by 2021 championship Conor Callinan of Leevale who bowed out with a best of 4.30m for bronze.

On the track, double Olympian Michelle Finn (Emerald AC) secured her 8th national 3000m steeplechase title in the tough conditions. Finn went out hard from the gun, using a strong wind down the back straight to open up a sizable advantage, crossing the finish in 9.57.73. It was the 5th title in a row for the Leevale star who had already secured an automatic qualifying time for the European Championships which take place in Munich from August 15th. Following Finn home for silver was Aine Burke (St. Coca's AC) in 12:19.81.

The walks started the track action on day 2 with those in attendance treated to a World class performance from Perseus Kalstrom (Togher AC) in the 10k walk, clocking an astonishing 37.57.10 in the brutal windy conditions.  Callum Lewis Wilkinson (Togher AC) crossed the finish line in second in 39:55.69, while David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) crossed in third in 42:22.01. Kenny already boasts a qualification time for the World and European championships in what is sure to be a busy summer for the Farranfore star.

Kate Veale (West Waterford AC) claimed her 7th senior outdoor title in the women’s 5000m, crossing in 23:31:13 from Siobhan Doherty (Tír Chonaill AC) and Ruth Monaghan (Sligo AC) in second and third respectively.

Back in the field events Eoin Sheridan (Clonliffe Harriers AC) posted a brilliant Irish season leading throw of 53.80m to take the national discus title, while Anna Gavigan (LSA) took the title in a brilliant women’s competition, her penultimate attempt of 46.22m proving her best of the day.

Ruby Millet (St Abbans AC) regained her long jump title from 2019, leaping a massive 6.58m (+6.2m/s). Sarah McCarthy of Mid Sutton AC claimed silver with a best jump of 6.11m, while Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards AC) also cleared the six meters with a best of 6.02m.

The action continues in Morton Stadium throughout this evening with a host of finals down for decision. Irish athletics stars including Thomas Barr (Ferrbank AC 400mH Final 6.50pm), Sarah Healy (UCD AC 800m Final 7.00pm), Mark English (Finn Valley 800m Final 7.15pm), Rhasidat Adeleke (Tallaght AC 100m Final 7.45pm), and many more will take to the track later today having all safely made it through their respective heats.

All the action is streamed live on Athletics Ireland’s YouTube channel, with live coverage on RTE2 from 18:35 -20:30 pm today.

Ends

  • A further media release will follow this afternoon.
  • Full Results HERE
  • Day 2 Live on RTE at 18:35 on Sunday June 26th
  • Day 2 Spectator Tickets HERE

SELECT DAY 2 RESULTS (AFTERNOON SESSION)

MEN’S 10,000M WALK

Perseus KARLSTROM Togher A.C. 37:57.02

Callum Lewis WILKINSON Togher A.C. 39:55.69

David KENNY Farranfore Maine Valley A.C. 42:22.01

Oisin LANE Mullingar Harriers A.C. 43:50.55

WOMEN’S 5000M WALK

Kate VEALE West Waterford A.C. 23:31:13

Siobhan DOHERTY Tír Chonaill A.C. 27:51.32       

Ruth MONAGHAN Sligo A.C. 28:10.97

WOMEN’S 3000M STEEPLECHASE

Michelle FINN Leevale A.C. 9:57.72

Aine BURKE St. Coca's A.C.   12:19.81

MEN’S DISCUS

Eoin SHERIDAN Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 53.80

Michael HEALY Leevale A.C. 48.66

Padraig HORE D.M.P. A.C. 45.22

WOMEN’S LONG JUMP

Ruby Millet St Abbans A.C. 6.58m

Sarah McCarthy Mid Sutton A.C. 6.11m

Kate O’Connor Dundalk St. Gerards A.C. 6.02m

MEN’S POLE VAULT

Matthew CALLINAN KEENAN St. L. O'Toole A.C. 4.50

Michael BOWLER Enniscorthy A.C. 4.50

Conor CALLINAN Leevale A.C. 4.30

WOMEN’S DISCUS

Anna GAVIGAN LSA 46.22

Ciara SHEEHY Emerald A.C. 41.20

Claire KENNEDY Birr A.C. 37.09

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