CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS AND SUNSHINE GALORE IN TULLAMORE

Both the weather and the athlete shone brightly at Day 2 of the Irish Life Heath National Track & Field Championships in Tullamore this weekend. As athletes delivered more gripping athletics action and championship records continued to fall.

Kate O’Connell (Lucan Harriers) fought off strong competition in Lucy McGlynn (Tir Chonaill AC) and Maeve O’Neill (Doheny AC) across the U19 girls 400m to claim the championship title and smash the championship record to 54.83, which was previously held by Olympian Joanne Cuddihy since 2002.

Nkemjika Onwumereh (Metro St Brigid’s AC) put in a stellar performance across the U19 boys 100m, finishing with 11.06 on the clock. David Oghuvbu (Naas AC) and Glory Wenegieme (Riverstick/ Kinsale AC) were close on his heels to take the silver and bronze medals.

The U17 girls 400m sprint hosted a spectacular performance from Hollie Kilroe (Suck Valley AC) and Amy Jo Kieran’s (Oriel AC). Kilroe edged her way forward to claim the championship title in a time 56.61 with Kieran’s taking the silver.

James Bolton (Donore Harriers) produced a spectacular 3,000m championship race in the U19 competition. Bolton finished fourth in the 2021 edition of the Championships, but this year he has not only won the title, but set a new championship record of 8:40.84, previously held by Jamie McCarthy since 2003.

It was a thrilling week for the Westmeath woman Aisling Lane (Mullingar Harriers) securing a season’s best performance and championship title in the girls U18 3,000m walk (14:41.61) just days after representing Ireland at the European U18 Championships.

Also, home from international competition was Andrew Glennon (Mullingar Harriers), who won the U18 5,000m Walk in 23:45.92. Glennon competed at the European U18 Championship, coming 14th in the 10,000m.

Matthew Newell (Tuam AC) smashed the U15 boys 2,000m race walk championship record, with a time of 8:36.90. The previous record of 9:30.56 was set in 2009 by Evan Lynch.

Leevale AC’s Una Brice continued her streak of record-breaking performances as she cleared 3.55m in the women’s U19 Pole Vault to set a new championship record smashing the previous 3.40m set in 2010.

Ava Rochford (Nenagh Olympic AC) added an U18 Pole Vault Championship title (3.70m) to her week of success, after coming fourth in the women’s high jump at the European U18 Championships.

Gallen sisters Adrienne and Caoimhe swept up both the U16 and U19 Hammer throw championship titles. The Lifford Strabane duo both reached over 50m in their respective competitions.

The U18 shot put championship title was won by Athenry AC's Liam Shaw after his powerful 16.51m throw.

As we head into the final day of this year’s Irish Life Health National Juvenile Track & Field Championships, the competition is set to go out with a bang, as our talented athletes battle it out for the championship medal.

Link to Day 1 Report: HERE

Link to Day 2 Results: HERE