Fiona Gettings wins European Gold
Congratulations to Fiona Gettings who on Tuesday won the gold medal in the cross-country event at the European Masters Athletics Championships in Poland. It was another strong run by Fiona in which she covered the eight-kilometre distance at Rudelka Park in Toruń with a time of 31:49 to cross the finish line in first place.
There was further success as Fiona; along with her Irish teammates of Michelle Cox and Aoife Parrella; combined to win team silver in the F40 category. Newbridge athlete Michelle also claimed an individual silver medal when placing second in 32:28. Very well done to Fiona, Michelle and Aoife on this brilliant achievement.
It is another great accomplishment for Fiona following her silver medal won in the indoor 3000m on Sunday. In a classic tactical championship race, the pace picked up significantly in the last 400m as Fiona and Polish athlete Ewa Jagielska traded positions at the front before Ewa sprinted clear for the win. Michelle Cox also claimed a medal as she finished strongly to take the bronze.
Results Roundup
Longford AC were well represented at the annual St Patrick’s Day Mullingar Half Marathon. Despite the less than ideal conditions, there were good performances from John Scott, Patryk Prusak, Colin Beades, John Farrell, Zoran Salopek, Seamus Murtagh and Charlie Barone. In the 5k, juvenile club member Alexander Graham had a good run finishing inside the top 50.
There was an excellent performance by race walker Robin Óg Murphy on Saturday in Dudince, Slovakia. She finished in tenth place after the 5km distance in a personal best time of 28:41. Well done to Robin Óg and a great experience to compete at a World Athletics gold level race walking tour event.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The rain may have come but fun was still had at the Longford St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Thanks to all the girls and boys, parents, senior club members for marching with us in such good numbers. A particular mention to Robin Óg who joined the group after a 3am flight from Slovakia following her race on Saturday.
Our mascot Foxy was full of energy with lots of press-ups and fast sprinting and our young athletes showed off their hurdling and javelin throwing skills to the crowds. Thanks to the Longford Chamber of Commerce for organising the event.
Juvenile Star Award
Congratulations to Emma Brennan who on Saturday was the Co. Longford recipient of the 2023 Juvenile Star Award at an event in Mullingar. Emma was recognised for her achievements in the past year including winning bronze in the National Indoors 1500m and gold at the National B Cross Country Championships.
National Indoors
Best of luck to our athletes competing at the first day of the National Juvenile Indoors in Athlone on Saturday. Andrew Fitzpatrick and El’Nathan Okoh take part in the High Jump and the two boys will team up with Adam Mulleady and Paul Aigbogun in the 4 x 200m relay.
