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Superb performances from our athletes at the Connacht U14-19 Track and Field Championships in Sligo on Saturday last. There was a brilliant double middle-distance gold success for Emma Brennan. A strong run by Emma in the morning under-15 1500m secured the win before returning to the track later in the day for the 800m. Moving to the front with 300m to go, Emma pushed on and took the win ahead of a fast-finishing Rachel Keenan for a fantastic Longford ‘one-two’. Rachel showed good strength and pacing to move into second in the last 50m. Both girls can look forward to lining up in the All-Irelands in two weeks’ time.

Rachel and Emma

Silver medalist Rachel Keenan and gold medal winner Emma Brennan following Saturday’s under-15 girls 800m

Daria Lavorko only took up the high jump in her native Ukraine late last year and on Saturday won gold at the Connacht under-16 girls event. A first-time clearance at the 1.50m height ensured victory with her proud family watching on. Living in Dromod the past few months, this was Daria’s debut competition in the Longford singlet and what a superb achievement to win provincial honours. We were delighted to welcome Daria to the club and she has been a part of our high jump group travelling to Athlone recently for training. That preparation paid off on the day with gold and qualification for the All-Irelands.

Ukraine’s Daria Lavorko with her gold medal in the under-16 girls high jump

Well done also to medalists Mia Kiernan who won bronze in the U15 250m hurdles and Kevin Óg Murphy who claimed bronze in the U14 shot put. Mia also competed in the high jump and shot put whilst Kevin Óg took part in the javelin as well. Kevin Óg’s sister Robin Óg had a busy day taking in the 1500m, long jump and 2000m walk and showed good strength in placing fifth in a high-quality U15 walk. Kelly Davis also took on three events in the U14 80m, 75m hurdles and shot put and performed well in all. Kelly later teamed up with Rachel, Emma and Mia for fifth place in the 4 x 100m relay. The sprints events had further Longford representation with Abbie Mulligan (U14, 200m) and Bea Casey (U16, 100m) running well.