MENAPIANS A.C.

Well done to everyone who ran the Menapians 5k on Friday evening.

It’s a challenging course but notwithstanding this the race is growing in popularity year on year. The rain was unusually a welcome relief for everyone as it helped dispel the thick energy-sapping humidity.

The men’s race was won by Freddy Keron from Raheny Shamrocks in a time of 16:04, while the women’s race was won by Laura McDonnell from Tallaght A.C. in a time of 18:31.

Dermot Foley was the first Menapian home in a time of 19:30, followed by Micheál Kinsella, Tadhg Henderson, John Dier, Gerard Mulhall, Paula Gondard, Terry Walsh, Nora Boggan and Sharron Dier.

Thanks to everyone who supported the race or helped out in any way.

Róisín O’Reilly finished fourth in the steeplechase at the S.I.A.B. track and field championships in Glasgow on Saturday.

She was placed second with a lap to go but clipped her heel on a barrier and fell before getting back up again to finish fourth.

On Sunday, David McDonald was a member of the Irish Senior 4 x 100m relay team at the prestigious Diamond League in the London Olympic Stadium.

Well done to our three athletes who competed at day three of the national Juvenile track and field championships in Tullamore on Sunday. It is an achievement to qualify from the Leinsters to the nationals, and this was really a celebration of their dedication and commitment to our sport.

Nathan Murphy has had a taste of national competition in the throws but this year decided to test his middle distance running ability.

A gutsy run in the Leinsters saw him qualify for the nationals. Nathan started conservatively, running at the back of the field.

He got into his rhythm and found space at the back of the leading pack where he kept in contact throughout the first three laps.

On the last lap Nathan worked the back straight to get himself into fourth position around the bend. He was gaining all the time on the third-placed runner on the home straight, but it was not to be this time and Nathan finished fourth with a new P.B., dipping below 4.20 for the first time. Initially disappointed not to medal, Nathan can be justly proud of his achievement.

Róisín O’Reilly ran a smart race in her 1,500m. With one lap to go, any one of the ten girls looked capable of winning.

Róisín kept in contact but tired legs from her race at the S.I.A.B. track and field championships one day earlier left her short on the final burn-up.

A good, solid performance in an exciting race saw Roisin finish in fourth with a P.B. of 4.47.

Eimear Halpin was also trying out a new event, the 250m hurdles. Racing with a swollen foot, she looked good over the hurdles with a smooth stride pattern.