Cross Country
The grounds of Westport House hosted the National Juvenile B and Masters Cross Country Championships on Sunday last. First up was the Under-11 girls 1000m and right among the action from the start was Emily Weafer, running one year up, who had an excellent race to place tenth. Moments later it was the U11 boys’ turn with a brilliant run by Oran O’Neill saw him fifth across the line. Superb performances from both Emily and Oran to each claim a top 12 finisher medal. Giving it their all as ever were Julie Taitt and Daniel Higgins who both placed in the top twenty in their respective races following strong runs.
For the first time ever, Longford AC had both women’s and men’s teams entered in the Masters Championships. An outstanding performance by Ashley Ryan saw her place fourth in the women’s 4000m race while also achieving a silver medal in the F35 category. A very impressive showing by Ashley at such a competitive event. There were good runs too by Sinead Nolan, Tara Gately and Jacqueline Mahon.
Barry Sheil earned a top ten placing in the men’s 7000m for ninth overall. John Scott, Ross Gannon, Adrian Wrobel, Gary Brady, Barry Hall and Michael O’Hara all ran strongly with the team placing eighth in the standings.
Well done to all and great to see the increased interest in cross country running among our senior athletes.
Millrose Games
The Armory in New York was the venue on Saturday for the Millrose Games and saw an excellent run by young Hannah Deely. Eight-year-old Hannah took part in the Fastest Kid In The World 55m girls race placing ninth.
A fantastic experience for Tarmonbarry girl Hannah who, along with her family, enjoyed a great six-day visit to the ‘Big Apple’. Thanks to Dermot McDermott of Believe and Achieve, Richard Donovan of Space Athletics Federation and Millrose Games Event Director Ray Flynn for making it all possible.
The event saw Dubliner Andrew Coscoran set a new Irish record for the mile outright clocking 3:49.26. This time surpassed Ray’s record which had stood for 42 years with Ray trackside on Saturday to be among the first to congratulate Andrew.
Athlone Indoor Open
Closer to home, there was indoors action at TUS Athlone on Saturday last. Emma Brennan ran a good 800m race to get her indoor season underway. Aibhe Foley got in track time racing well at 60m and 200m. Sean Grealy clocked a new 60m personal best but unfortunately injury ruled him out of the 200m later that afternoon.
Connacht Indoors
Good luck to the 42 Longford athletes competing in Athlone this weekend.
Club Membership
The main session of the week for the senior section is on Tuesdays at 7pm meeting at the Athletics Centre. New members welcome. Any senior membership queries to longfordac.senior@gmail.com. Juvenile membership is now closed.
