Kate goes from strength to strength

THE All Ireland indoor championships took place in AIT International Arena in Athlone on Saturday and Sunday last and representing Dundalk St Gerard’s AC were the vastly experienced Kate O’Connor alongside Ellen McBride and Joe Lennon - both of whom were having their first experience of All-Ireland competition.

First into action was the prof logic Kate in the U-18 girls high jump and in a brilliant contest Kate produced an excellent series of jumps and produced another PB with a clearance of 1.75m which equalled the championship record.

With the gold medalist clearing 1.75m also, the first and second placings were decided on countback.

This was a tremendous performance by Kate who continues to improve year on year.

Next up, in the shot putt she continued where she left off in the Leinster championships with another excellent series of throws to win the title impressively with another PB of 14.21m. Such was her dominance on the day that all of her six throws were ahead of her nearest competitor.

Ellen McBride had her first outing at this level in the U-15 girls 60m.

While Ellen possesses all the required talent, having only started competing in the last year she is short on experience at this level. Despite this she performed brilliantly in her heat, just missing out on the final by a few hundredths of a second, finishing a very close third place tp the eventual second and fourth placers in the final.

This was a fantastic showing from Ellen who will gain great benefit and confidence from the experience.

Last up was Joe Lennon who was celebrating his 14th birthday on the day in the U-15 boys 60m.

Like Ellen, it was all about gaining experience of competition at this level.

An interrupted preparation meant he came into the race a little short on fitness but determined to do himself justice.

Once again he didn’t disappoint and despite a less than perfect start he sped home in the closing 20m to take another PB of 8.16 seconds in fifth place.

He can now look forward with great promise to the outdoor season in the knowledge that with a bit more training and experience at this level he can really make an impact a bothe provincial and national level.

This was a very good showing from the club’s athletes and gives them great confidence for the upcoming track and field season.

For Kate it was evidence that she is ready to take on the best both nationally and internationally, while for Ellen and Joe it was valuable experience gained competing on the national stage and clear evidence that they are right at home at this level.