Distance is no object for Ray
DULEEK & District AC opened its adult and juvenile account for 2017 in fine style last weekend.
Firstly it was the north Kildare village and deciduous plantations of Staplewood that bore witness to some great performances and notable achievements.
On a bitterly cold but clear morning, Ray Cassin bowled for 76 not out as he completed his 76th marathon in the annual East of Ireland event in 4hr 9min. This momentous achievement, which included 10 in consecutive days in 2014, was recognised by East of Ireland with a well-deserved presentation to Ray on the day.
The current club athlete of the year Derek Reilly brought his 2016 form and then some to the occasion as he completed a spectactular PB of 1hr 27min for the half-marathon distance.
Eric Devine is shaping up nicely for the National 50k championships in Donadea next month following an impressive marathon performance, while Sean and Sandra Cassin, Deborah O’Sullivan, Mary Murray and Anita Lenehan put in fine performances on the day in the half-marathon event.
On Sunday 20 of the club’s juveniles headed for Cushinstown for their maiden voyage of the season. The calibre in each race was exceptionally high and the indoor arena in Cushinstown had the dual benefit of keeping the cold out and amplifying the atmosphere within for the large crowd that attended.
A number of Duleek athletes were making their debuts in the green vests and all performed excellently on the day. First up was the tots race, with Rian Power and Cian Rohan placing and Leigh Doyle narrowly outside the places. Myles Killeen sprinted strongly in his 60m heat, qualifying for the final in the process where he was narrowly pipped for a medal.
The Under-9 group excelled, with Saoirse Power winning her 60m sprint and Nessa Rohan finishing in an excellent third place. Abbie Seery and Ella Cullen also ran excellent races. In the Boys Under-9 60m Rhys Doyle ran a great race. There was a podium double for the club in the long jump, with Saoirse Power and Nessa Rohan taking first and second place respectively and Rhys Doyle finishing fifth in the boys event.
Jules Tankersley competed strongly in a very competitive girls Under-10 60m, with Evan Hoey, Jack Maxwell and Kenny Killeen flying the flag for the boys. Jack qualified through the heats and finished the final with a late surge to take a fantastic silver medal.
The battle was no less fierce in the Under-11s, with Ruby Hartford, Nicole Hoey and Doireann Power finishing strongly in the Girls 60m. Doireann qualified for the final and narrowly missed out on a medal. Jack Fields was another to make his debut, running strongly in the Boys Under-12 60m, with Aoife Rohan taking a super third place in the Girls 60m sprint.
Tadgh Dixon qualified through the heats in the Under-13 events, with a podium placing in the final just evading him. Sarah Maxwell showed great consistency by sprinting strongly in the 60m and finishing agonisingly outside the medals in the long jump.
However, the performance of the day was saved for one of the last and most technical events, with Aoife Rohan smashing her previous best and taking gold with a mighty clearance of 1.25m in the high jump.