ROUND-UP Ryan keeps up his super form
ATHLETICS Leinster Juvenile indoors
SOME OF county Wexford’s top under-age athletes were in action on Saturday at day three of the Leinster Juvenile indoor championships at the National Indoor Arena, Abbotstown, Dublin.
Up for grabs were Leinster titles in relays and field events as well as Under-16 to Under-19 1,500m titles.
Adamstown athlete Ryan Carthy-Walsh continued with his fine run of form. Ryan, who won his first Senior high jump championship the previous weekend, was in a league of his own here as he equalled his 2.10m P.B. to became Under-19 Leinster champion.
He was unfortunate not to clear 2.12m with his final jump. Should he manage to get a couple of jumps over this height he should be on his way to the European Juniors.
Aoife Muldoon of U.S.A.C. had clubmates and supporters on their feet with an impressively consistent series of jumps in the Under-18 triple jump. Her sixth and final round leap of 9.32m extended her lead and assured her of the title.
Another field event gold came courtesy of Pádraig Hore (Taghmon A.C.) in the Under-18 shot putt. Pádraig had plenty to spare over his opponents with a sixth round putt of 13.98m.
No doubt inspired by Ryan’s performance, Adamstown A.C. enjoyed good success in the triple jump over a number of age categories. Kate Jackman placed second Under-16 with a best of 8m. In the Under-17 event Tara Doyle took silver (9.58m) with Sonia Mooney right behind her in third. Hop, step and jumping into the bronze medal spot at Under-19 was Shannon Wall.
Ciara Kelly of U.S.A.C. jumped 1.40m to take silver in the Under-18 high jump.
Adamstown’s Éadaoin Stafford, competing in the Under-17 girls’ shot putt, was thrilled to get a new P.B. of 10.42m with her final effort. She ended the competition in fourth position, happy to have qualified for the nationals.
In the Under-18 shot putt Éadaoin’s clubmate Marguerite Furlong’s first round putt of 12.49m was her best of the competition and was enough to secure the silver medal.
Gorey girl Corrine Kenny, competing in the colours of St. Laurence O’Toole’s A.C., was an impressive winner of the girls’ Under-16 1,500m in a time of 4.52.
The bulk of the track action was taken up with relay events. United Striders had six Juvenile relay teams in action with some great performances.
The Under-16 team of Aaron Browne, Patrick Doyle, Adam O’Connor and Cian Flanagan came away with a well-earned silver medal.
Menapians A.C. had two teams competing - girls Under-13 and girls Under-14. This was all about the experience as it was the first time for most of them to run indoors.
The Under-12 boys of D.M.P. were unfortunate to lose one of their team as a result of a pre-race incident and, so, were unable to field.
D.M.P. A.C. had a good day at last Saturday’s Stormont cross-country. Claragh Keane placed an excellent second Under-13, just five seconds behind the leader. Her brother, Conor, came home fourth Under-15. Liam Turner took bronze in the Junior men’s event.
Adamstown athlete Joe Mooney placed second over 10km at the Isle of Man race walking Grand Prix.
Joe was delighted with the result especially as his time was three minutes quicker than he managed a year ago.
Menapians A.C. holds its Malachy Sheridan awards night in Clayton Whites Hotel on Saturday, March 11 (8 p.m.). Tickets cost €10 with food and a host of spot prizes included.