Byrne runs brilliant race
JOE BYRNE of S.B.R., running in the colours of his school Gorey C.S., had a brilliant run to place third in the Minor race at the Irish schools cross-country championships in Mallusk on Saturday. AT the end of the 2,550m race, Joe was just three seconds behind the second-placed athlete and ten seconds behind the winner. It was a fantastic performance.
Menapians Athletics Club held its annual awards night on Saturday, celebrating the achievements of the club over the last year. The occasion was also used to celebrate the club’s 15th birthday.
Chairman Mick McKeon noted that Menapians had achieved the aims it set 15 years ago: win promotion to the Premier division of the National League for men; maintain that hard-won status; develop Wexford athletes from Juvenile through to national Senior standard. He said he looked forward to new goals being achieved in the future.
The main focus of the night was the presentation of the Malachy Sheridan scholarship award. This scholarship is awarded by the club to young developing athletes who show dedication, loyalty to the club, and athletic excellence.
Shaun Donohue was the worthy recipient of this year’s award. Shaun was a key member of the National League team and a member of the 4 x 400 team which won a national medal.
He also excelled individually at 400m, his preferred event, at national level. Paddy Sheridan, special guest on the night, presented the scholarship.
Two athletes were celebrated for their international achievements. Anne Gilshinan become Irish national Masters M4 champion for 1,500m and 800m, won the British Masters M4 championships over the same distances, and was second in the 800m at the European indoor Masters championships.
She received her award from Rich Burns, former Masters world record holder over 1,500m.
The other international recipient was David McDonald. David made the final of the 100m at the European Youth championships. He was also member of the Irish 4 x 100m team at the European Juniors.
In February David won a 200m silver medal at the Senior indoor championships.
Young Nathan Murphy received a special award for his dedication to training and for the huge improvements in form which ultimately led to him making national finals in his throws events.
An athletics leader course will be held in Piercestown on Saturday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The price is €60, and those interested may register online at http://www.athleticsireland.ie/ coaching.
Contact Pat Power (0879586138) for more details.
Diary: March 19, Novice road races, 3k and 6k (11 a.m.), hosted by Slaney Olympic; March 25, Irish Life Health national Juvenile indoor championships day one, Athlone; March 26, Irish Life Health national Juvenile indoor championships day two, Athlone; April 1, Irish Life Health national Juvenile indoor championships day three, Athlone; April 2, Intermediate road races, 4k and 8k (11 a.m.), hosted by Croghan; April 9, A.A.I. national 10k championships, Dublin; April 23, Irish Life Health national road relay championships, Raheny; May 5, Masters road races, 4k and 6K, host club TBC; May 7, Juvenile track and field day one (11 a.m.), Enniscorthy track.