SUN-DRENCHED TULLAMORE SEES MASTERS SHINE

POSTED:

Tullamore Harriers played host to the 2022 edition of the Irish Life Health Masters Track & Field Championships in blisteringly hot conditions today (Aug 13th).

The near 30-degree heat did little to deter the superb competition on show with a host of sizzling performances over the action-packed schedule.

The fast-twitch muscle fibres of the sprinters welcomed the August sunshine, none more so than Gemma Thompson (W35) of City of Derry A.C. Spartans who claimed both the 100m (13.21) and 200m (27.64) titles in an impressive display.

Ronnie Warde claimed the M40 100m title for Craughwell AC in 12.00 flat, before having to settle for silver behind Anthony Browne M40 (An Ríocht AC) in the 200m which was won in 24.38.

Karen O’Donnell stormed to the 400m W40 title for Olympian Youth AC in 1:04.99, while Jim Phelan was the fast of today’s one-lap-wonders, taking his respective title (M45) in 53.15 for Galway City Harriers.

Catriona Dowling (Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. AC) won the W35 800m title with an ultra-composed run, crossing the finish in 2:17.83 on her way to gold.

Garry Milligan proved one of the performances of the day to take M40 (800m) title home to North East Runners AC. Mulligan stretched clear in the final meters to cross in 2:05.34 ahead of a bunched pack.

Catriona Devine (Finn Valley) secured the W45 1500m title in 5:10.59, while James Ledingham (M35) secured 1500m gold for Kilkenny City Harriers in 4:15.00.

Lifford Strabane claimed yet another gold medal in the field events with Damian Crawford (M50) taking the shot put title in a runaway win thanks to his 11.70m throw.

Erika Juozapaite (Blackrock (Louth)) was jumping for joy during and after her comepetitions today, claiming double gold in the long jump (4.90m) and high jump (1.46m).

St Finbarrs’ Martina Kelly (W40) impressed in the walks, taking the 3000m walk title in 10.03.11 in the energy sapping conditions.  Brian O`Domhnaill earned the celebration of the day on his way to taking the (M40) 5000m walk title in 26.12.90 for Finn Valley AC.

Staying with the endurance events, Darragh Crossan (M35) City of Derry A.C. Spartans was another to revel in the midday heat, crossing first in the 5,000m in an superb 15:51.50.

Full Results HERE

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