Locals strike gold at Leinster Indoors
DUNDALK St Gerard’s AC had an impressive eight athletes representing the club at the Leinster Indoor Championships in Athlone last weekend.
Donning the red singlet to take on the best in the province were Doireann Conlon, Lucy Mahon, Grainne Moran, Enya Silkena, Tara O’Connor, Rachel Culligan, Patience Jumbo-gula and Conall Quinn.
First to see action was Enya in the U13 girls long jump.
Despite fouling her first attempt she produced a winning leap on her second effort with a leap of 4.33m proving good enough for the gold medal.
On Sunday the shot putt was first up and another fine performance saw her taking the silver with a best of 9.31m.
In the 60m hurdles Enya was joined by Lucy Mahon.
Enya won her heat to make the final with Lucy finishing 4th.
In the final Enya continued her brilliant weekend to take another gold with another accomplished display.
Doireann Conlon ran another good race in the U12 girls 600m finish 3rd in her heat, just missing out on the final.
Grainne Moran showed great speed to win her heat of the U13 girls 60m and continued her good form to make it through the semi final.
In the final once again she showed up well to finish in fifth place.
In the U14 girls 60m Rachel Culligan followed a similar pathway to Grainne winning her heat and qualifying for the final via the semi. In the final she finished joint 7th and finished the day with a new pb showing a big improvement on her previous best.
On Sunday Tara O’Connor was in action early in the U13 girls high jump. Unfortunately things didn’t go according to plan and a fifth place finish was the best she could do.
No doubt she come back stronger later in the year to show just how good a jumper she is.
In the 600m she put the disappointment behind her winning her heat as did Grainne Moran to send the duo into the final. In the final Grainne was to the fore with an excellent run for second and Tara giving her all too.
Conall Quinn ran an excellent PB in the U17 boys 200m to take 3rd in his heat and just missed out on qualifying for the final,
Patience Jumbo-Gula showed why she is considered one of the most promising young athletes in Ireland winning her heat strongly and stepping it up again in the final with an impressive victory and a new championship best and PB to take gold in the U19 girls 60m.
Next week the focus will be back on cross country with the Ras na hEireannn taking place in Olbridge and the clubs athletes will be hoping to continue the recent good run of form.