IRISH WALKERS PERFORM WELL IN PODEBRADY
A large contingent of Junior and senior walkers were at the European permit race walking international match held in the town of Podebrady Czech Republic Saturday.Now in its 87th year this event is regarded as one of the best European permit meets on the race walking calendar and this reflected in the quality of the fields participating.The weather was idea for race walking a balmy 15 degrees and no winds.
In the senior men's event over 20k with an eye on the new race walking qualification system in place for upcoming world championships and Olympic Games Ireland had four athletes in action.Best of these on the day was Alex Wright (Leevale AC) with a solid 8th place finish in a time of 1.23.04.Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley AC) in one of the performances of the day walked a new personal best time of 1.24.31 for 12th place.Cian McManamon (Westport AC) was our next man home with a time of 1.26.20 for 16th a seasons best and David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) finished 24th in 1.28.49 another seasons best.
Senior Ladies competed over 20k and Kate Veale (West Waterford AC) finished 26th in a time of 1.44.37 from the field of 45 starters also competing was Veronica Burke (Balliansloe and District AC) who had no option but to call it a day after 10k with an injury
The Junior men race was held over 10k Oisin Lane (Mullingar Harriers AC) finished 11th with a new personal best time of 45.23 excellent walking by Oisin and also walking a personal best was Matthew Glennon (Mullingar Harriers AC) in 17th position from the field of 38 starters. Gearoid McMahon (Shannon AC) unfortunately was unable to complete the race due to a knee injury.Ireland finished 6th team here.
Junior ladies Niamh O Connor (Celbridge AC) was our first finisher in 9th place with a personal best time of 50.10 next home was Sarah Glennon (Mullingar Harriers AC) 56.15 for 31st place,Maria Flynn (Naas AC) had a seasons best time of 58.04 for 33rd place and Jennifer Fidgeon (Mullingar Harriers AC) had to call it a day early on after only 3k with an injury.
It was an early 9.30 am start for the under 18 ladies and here Emily McHugh (Naas AC) walked brilliantly to take 2nd place from the field of 38 finishers in a time of 24.37 which was a new PB.Well done to All Irish walkers in Podabrady.