University challenge for Carraig athletes
When the East Cork Track and Field competition was last held on a tartan track, MTU was CIT and many of us weren’t part of Carraig na Bhfear AC, so this was our first taste of the event proper. As a club we will long have fond memories of going ‘Old School’ on grass tracks in Carrignavar for a few years to ensure as much continuity as restrictions safely allowed but there is something special about returning to the track, seeing the next generation of athletes swaddled in layers of thermal clothing and oversized singlets, giving their best efforts and having fun with their friends. A bitterly cold and windy day was a test of endurance for athletes, parents and officials alike but couldn’t dampen the spirits.
MARTIN HURLEY’S GROUP
Big numbers out and some fabulous photos of the athletes going through their paces beforehand and giving their all in competition. Lots of potential and names to look out for in the future. Too many to mention by name but the future of the club is in good hands. Credit to the East Cork division for running novelty races for the U7 and U8 age groups as well as mums and dads, a perfect introduction to the sport without any pressure. The cost of entering large numbers of young athletes in multiple track and field events at county or provincial level has risen significantly in recent years so we are very thankful as a club that we have a divisional organization which offers well-organized, competitive but fun events at a reasonable cost that ensures we have an ideal platform for all levels of ability to compete.
U13/U15
Again, too many to mention by name but lots of positives from this group. Some familiar names elevating their performances to medal positions as well as some newer faces adding to the depth of talent in the sprint and field events. We had strength in evidence across all disciplines with some of our middle-distance athletes testing the waters of sprint events and doing very well and our walking specialists showing diversity and great potential in other events which is very important for developing athletes.
JUNIORS
Not a major surprise to see so many athletes figuring prominently on the results sheet given the recent success in the indoor season, what is always heart-warming is to see athletes who have put in the work over many years finding the self-belief to win a race or achieve a PB that they wouldn’t have thought possible. A major feature of this group currently is consistent training over the last few years benefiting the group as a whole and medals and personal bests now being shared across a wider pool with personal potential being realized. Nice to see some more of our sprinters also returning for the outdoor season to bolster our sprint and relay squads!
In summary, an excellent start to the outdoor track and field season. We certainly have our work cut out for us to challenge for the Willie Harte trophy for best T&F club on day 2, but we wouldn’t have it any other way, tough competition at divisional level is our bread and butter and the springboard for future success. Check out our social media platforms for more detail and super action shots from Michelle Whooley who was on duty on Sunday braving the elements!
The IUAA Inter-Varsity competition was held in Carlow IT on 8th and 9th April. Friday saw the running of track qualifiers and the start of the field events. In the women’s long jump Blessing Alamu (WIT) had a fine jump of 5.31m to take 4th place, just outside the medal positions in a field of 13 competitors. Katie Walsh (MTU) was in unfamiliar territory, stepping up to the 800M and running a solid 2:32 season opener in the faster second heat. Katie was back in action in the 4 x 400M final on Saturday with MTU taking 5th position
in 4:16. In Friday’s mens’ track qualifiers Ciaran Nugent (TUD) and Daire O’Sullivan (UL) showed their experience in doing just enough to qualify for Saturday’s finals in their respective preferred 400m hurdles and 1,500m events.
Saturday saw Blessing Alamu produce an excellent throw of 35.66m in the women’s discus to go one better than the long jump and take the bronze medal, just rewards for some excellent performances. In the men’s 400m hurdles final it was all about the top three with Ciaran Nugent running a super time of 54:99 to take the bronze medal, Ciaran’s time almost 3 seconds faster than his last years national U23 bronze medal performance. Fantastic to see Ciaran running so well. In the 1,500m Daire O’Sullivan has been running very consistently over the last 2 years, regularly pushing the 4:06 mark and challenging for podium positions. It can be very difficult to make a breakthrough to the next level and doesn’t always happen in the tactical world of middle distance running but if you are going to do it you might as well do it in style. That’s exactly what Daire did by smashing through the 4-minute barrier to finish in 3:59:25, agonizingly close to the bronze medal in 4th place but I would expect that Daire is more than happy with an epic PB! Well done to all our athletes acquitting themselves with distinction at college level.
PARK RUN
Rian O Luasa was flying the flag for the club again at as the Glen River Park Run celebrated its 100th running! Rian crossing the line in 4th place getting the nod over his nearest rival who had an identical time, way to finish Rian!
LOOK FORWARD
Our long-awaited Easter training camp is almost here! A trip to Kilmacow open sports on Monday will be followed by 2 days of club training and much socialising in Kilkenny. We look forward to seeing as many athletes in Kilmacow as possible for what promises to be a great day of competition for juveniles and adults alike.