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The Striders Juveniles were in great form at the national track and field championships in Tullamore, with lots of great performances, medals, P.B’s and even a national champion.

The boys did really well in the middle distance events, starting with Myles Hewlett running an excellent time of 1:40 in his 600m race to finish just outside the medals.

Next up, Darragh Flannelly posted a P.B. of 2:20 in his 800m final to continue his fantastic form this season.

The first medal of the weekend was won by Adam O’Connor, with bronze in his 800m event. With the event streamed live by Athletics Ireland, there were lots of Striders at home in New Ross watching Adam get into a three-man lead group and finish the race in impressive fashion to secure a spot on the podium, with a P.B. time of 2:09.

In the throws we had the Hewlett brothers, Cosmo and Joshua, both competing in the javelin. Cosmo followed up an impressive display in the Leinster championships with another fine performance.

Throwing just under 30m, he was only a few metres short of a medal.

Reigning national champion, Joshua Hewlett, retained his title with a throw in excess of 50m.

It was good to see Joshua in great form as he will make his international debut next week, representing Ireland in the Celtic Nations event.

Nic Walkden was our sole sprinter in action on this first weekend of the championships, posting a great time in his 400m event.

Returning from an injury he picked up at the Leinster championship, Nic did really well considering his interrupted preparation in this, his first season with the Striders.

Last, but not least, our race walkers, Ryan Kielthy, Ciara Murphy and Eve Byrne, were exceptional, finishing third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Our walkers have done really well in a short space of time to get to the point where they are winning national medals.

Well done Ryan for bringing home another national medal and also to Ciara and Eve who were competing in big fields that also included the English national team who were participating as guests. Well done to all.