Lots of fun for young guns
ALL ROADS led to the Sports Hub in Enniscorthy on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week for 58 juvenile athletes from all over the county for the very popular annual Mr Oil Athletics Wexford summer camp.
Athletes were put through their paces with coaches in high jump, sprints and hurdles, javelin, shot putt, walks, long jump and relay skills.
We were thrilled to have Brian Scanlon from Waterford up to coach throws, while Liam Kelly from St. Abban’s was down to coach high jump and hurdles. Our own Annie and Tony Stafford took long jump and sprints workshops, while Marie Mooney was on hand to show a group of prospective race walkers what it takes.
Nicky Cowman from St. Killian’s, coach of international athlete Ryan Carthy-Walsh, provided his expertise in high jump, and Jimmy O’Neill of Menapians was on hand to pass on his relay-winning tips.
The highlight of the camp for all athletes was on Thursday morning when Irish international 400m hur- dler Paul Byrne, just back from the Europeans in Amsterdam, turned up for the day to pass on his skills and advice in sprints and hurdling.
Following an inspirational talk from Paul, there were queues for him to sign autographs and t-shirts.
It was a great three days of fun and athletics, hopefully inspiring future European and Olympic champions!
A special thank you to Colin Byrne of Athletics Ireland for helping Athletics Wexford co-ordinate this very successful event.