Race walker Mooney faces crucial decision
JOE MOONEY of Adamstown AC travelled to the famous Podbrady race walking meet in the Czech Republic earlier this month.
He completed the 20km race in 1:24:38. That moved him to 41st in the European rankings list. Why is this of significance?
Once an athlete has achieved the qualification time, they must then get into the top 35 in Europe to qualify for the European championships.
Last Sunday Joe competed in the 20km race at the world race walking team event in Antalya, Turkey, placing 55th in a time of 1:27:09.
He now must decide whether to continue chasing qualification or to re-focus his efforts on a different target later in the summer.
Enniscorthy Athletics Club hosted its inaugural open sports day on Saturday in glorious sunshine at the town’s Sports Hub. C
Clubs travelled from every corner of the county and from further afield – Newbridge, Trim, Portlaoise, Carlow and Wicklow.
A compact timetable included shot put, turbo javelin and 60 metres for para athletes along with a tight sprints/distance/field event programme for athletes from Under-8 to Under-16.
Field events included shot, long jump, high jump and turbo javelin. There were relays for Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16.
The afternoon was given over to Junior, Senior and Master events, with races being graded and timed.
All in all, this was a very well-organised and worthwhile event, especially for those preparing for the outdoor season.
Full credit to Enniscorthy AC for putting it together, and well done to all the club officials and parents who helped out.
The Athletics Wexford Mr Oil athlete of the month award for March goes to Lorraine McMahon of Wexford Marathon Club. Lorraine was a member of the silver medal-winning Irish team at the Anglo Celtic 100km Plate held last month in Perth, Scotland.
Fixtures: April 25, South Leinster Schools track and field, SETU Carlow (day one); April 27, Dublin graded track and field meeting day one, UCD; April 28, 123.ie national road relays championships, Raheny; April 28, Juvenile track and field league meeting day one, Tallaght; April 29, Leinster Novice and Masters road championships, Gowran.