Claragh an impressive winner at cross-country ‘B’ nationals
CLARAGH KEANE of D.M.P. was a very impressive winner in the Under-13 1,500m at the national ‘B’ cross-country championships in Waterford on Sunday.
Joe Byrne of S.B.R. was delighted to finish among the medals, placing fourth in the Under-15 2,500m. It is great to see him re-discovering his old form.
The girls’ Under-17 Wexford county team, led home by Mairéad Crean in a very respectable sixth place, were delighted with their third place finish.
The team manager was particularly impressed with the commitment of the county’s younger athletes. He had special praise for Aaron Lennon (United Striders), who, in 13th place, was first Wexford boy home in the Under-13 race.
There was success also on the Masters front. The ever-consistent Ann Sullivan (D.M.P.) took the Masters Over-55 title. Kilmore athlete Jackie Carthy placed fourth Over-45. Mountain-runner Ger Maloney was third Over-55.
The United Striders team of Pat O’Callaghan, Ted and Matt Flannelly, and Michael O’Gorman took bronze in the Masters Over-50.
There was some disquiet at management level that the county was unable to field teams in the men’s Over-35 and Over-50 categories.
Adamstown athlete Joe Mooney, competing for D.C.U., picked up a silver medal at last Friday’s one-day I.U.A.A. indoor inter-varsity 2k walk. Emma Owens of St. Paul’s, also at D.C.U., was sixth in the weight-for-distance.
Ryan Carthy-Walsh competes in the high jump at the A.I.T. international grand prix in Athlone this Wednesday, February 15. Go get ‘em Ryan!
The county finals of Wexford Sportshall for children take place at Astro Active in Enniscorthy on Wednesday, March 1 (10.30 a.m.).
Sportshall is like nothing you have come across before. Think indoor mini-track and field with obstacles! While the aim of Sportshall may be to develop fitness and multi-skill development, for those taking part it is all about fun and friendly rivalry.
The three primary skills needed to negotiate the course are running, throwing and jumping. Sounds pretty basic doesn’t it? However, all of those activities require agility, balance and co-ordination skills.
Sportshall is all about putting the spotlight on the need for all children to have a basic level of physical fitness. It provides an introduction to fundamental and core athletic skills as well as showing young people how team-based athletics competition can be fun.
What’s involved? A range of obstacle relay races using tunnels, folding hurdles, safe steppers and speed bounce equipment which participants must go over/under/around as speedily as possible. It would be fair to describe the event as equal parts edge-of-the-seat competitive and fall-down hilarious!
Entries to the event should be made through schools. If your school wants to take part, contact Athletics Wexford. E-mail wexfordathletics@gmail. com or telephone 087-6701081.
The competition starts at 10.30 a.m. but teams will be allowed to practice from 9.45 a.m.