Teak-tough performances in Tullamore

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The Irish Life Health National Juvenile Championships got underway on Friday evening in the toughest of conditions for athletes. The weather didn’t dampen spirits however and there were some superb displays across the first two days of championship action.


Day 1 – Friday Aug 6th

The pole vaulters got us underway on Friday evening and were undoubtably most effected by the adverse rain and wind.


Ava Rochford (Nenagh Olympic) dealt with the challenge in great style and walked away with the U17 pole vault title with a best brave clearance of 2.70m, while Joshua Fitzgerald (Leevale AC) claimed the boys title with an impressive 3.30m vault.


Conor Hoare (Galway City Harriers) continued his progress in taking the boys U18 400m hurdle title with a 56.27 performance, while Lucy McGlynn (Tir Conaill AC) took gold in her respective 400m hurdle final with a fine display to cross in 1.05.49.


Ruth Monaghan (Sligo AC) is the 2021 U19 3K walk champion, finishing ahead of Leah Murphy (Celbridge AC) in a time of 15.18.87.


Andrew Glennon (Mullingar Harriers) showed his class in taking the U17 3K walk title in driving rain to cross in 14.20.31, finishing 6 seconds ahead of Sam O`Sullivan (Clonmel AC).


Day 2 – Saturday Aug 7th

Saturday was another busy 3-session day with a host of big performances across the track and field.


James Ezeonu (Leevale) took the U19 200m title, just missing out on breaking 22 seconds to clock a brilliant 22.01 to take the gold medal.


Leevale also claimed gold in the girls U18 200m with Lucy May Sleeman (Leevale) posting a 25.34 from Kate O`Connell (Lucan Harriers) who finished in 25.37 in one of the races of the day.


Adrienne Gallen (Lifford Strabane AC) provided those in attendance with one of the highlights of day 2 in the U18 Hammer competition, posting a brilliant CBP throw of 60.90m to claim gold.


Nicola Tuthill of Bandon AC took the U19 title with a 60.08m and will further whet the appetite for throws fans as we look forward to future competitions containing both the Bandon and Lifford Strabane athletes.


Aisling MacHugh (Naas AC) took the U19 Triple Jump title in a great battle with Ellen McNally (Greystones & District A.C.). MacHugh’s best jump of 10.97 secured the gold medal.


Doheny AC’s Maeve O’Neill was another to thrill on day 2, taking the U18 800m with another ultra-impressive display to cross in 2.07.77 which was just over a second outside her PB.

 

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