Talented Boyne AC quintet take Athlone Arena by storm

STORM Kathleen had nothing on the contingent of Boyne AC athletes who themselves took the All-Ireland Indoor Championships by storm at the weekend.

The Athlone International Arena, with its state-of-the-art track, provided shelter from the wind and rain and Boyne AC had five outstanding athletes qualify for the Juvenile finals, which spanned two days and featured more than 2,000 youngsters representing their clubs from all corners of the country.

Cillian Hickey was first to compete in the U12 60m and he set a new personal best of 8.95sec while finishing just outside the medals. This young man has a fantastic future in athletics, having previously returned home from the Leinsters with a well-deserved bronze that earned him a place in the All-Irelands.

Ryan McMahon took to the starting blocks in the U16 60m with composure, even though it was his first-ever All-Ireland race. He gained the lead quickly after a strong start, and the race was intense to the finish.

Although Ryan was disappointed to lose out by a split second, his coach Ken Meier and Keith Byrne were really impressed and are looking forward to the outdoor season with this young man.

Jack Garvey was next in the U17 1500m race. Swapping his love of the cross-country course for the warm and windless arena, Jack did what he does best and took a daring move and set the pace.

The high-speed race was thrilling to all in the stands and the battle to the finish saw the audience on their feet.

Jack took on the best of the best and despite not winning a medal on the day he set a new PB and cannot wait for the pre Louth Championships.

Next in the 60m was Romeo Fomenky. Romeo won his heat with ease and advanced to the final in his age group with a superb demonstration of pure athleticism.

Romeo showed steely nerves in what was his first-ever All-Ireland race. He maintained his composure despite everything going on around him, and when the pistol went off he surged forward with enormous power and elegance.

According to the photo finish, he finished in fourth in an impressive time of 7.18, a new PB.

In the Girls U19 60m Nina King Abor was competing against the greatest athletes in Ireland and she unfortunately was unsuccessful this time, which is rare.

She will, however, undoubtedly be stronger for the outdoors this summer.

Ryan McMahon made a comeback on day two – Sunday – competing in the 200m this time.

Despite easily qualifying for the final and gaining a new personal best of 24.02, Ryan was unlucky not to medal, but this was his first All-Ireland Championship.

Elsewhere, att the Irish Universities Athletics Track & Field Championships in Belfast last Friday, the always-impressive Euan Canniffe took home the silver medal in the Men’s javelin.

With an incredible 52.59m throw,Euan was able to secure his spot on the podium and establish a new personal best.

This young man is an inspiration to the club’s younger athletes and a credit to himself for all the years of hard work and dedication.

Finally, to wrap up a busy week in the Boyne AC camp, five athletes went on a Level one award programme in sports leadership in Drogheda Institute of Further Education – namely Sam Doyle, Evan Gamble, Emmet McShane, Aimee Rice and Shauna Rice.

The amazing quintet are always on hand to help with the younger athletes and this programme armed them with information and facts so that they can continue to assist with all sports and physical activities in the future.