Jack’s champion show

THE IRISH Life Health Athletics Ireland combined events championships took place at Morton Stadium, Santry.

Those who attended the event last year still talk about the cloudburst when, to quote Matthew, ‘the rain fell and the floods came’, and ducks landed in the newly-formed pond on the infield! Weather conditions this time were much more benign.

The stand-out performance from a Wexford point of view was undoubtedly that of the St. Killian’s athlete Jack Forde.

Jack embodied all the qualities of a champion as he repeated his gold medal-winning performance of last year to take the Under-16 title.

He dominated the high jump, achieving a P.B. of 1.83m, and shot putt with a best of 12.42m. He then went on to jump 5.75m in long jump, another P.B.

He closed out the competition with a strong run in the 800m (2.26.23 minutes) and an overall points total of 3,914.

In Under-14 girls, S.B.R’s Orlaith Deegan performed consistently across all five events to finish up in fifth place, one point behind the fourth-placed athlete.

Orlaith was third in high jump behind the eventual overall winner, Ava Rochford, who jumped a new C.B.P. of 1.63m.

Saidhbhe Byrne of Enniscorthy, competing in Under-15 girls, was in third place following strong performances in 80m hurdles 13.04s), high jump (1.47m), long jump (4.57m) and shot putt (9.24m).

In her final event, the 800m, she ran a well-paced race to cross the line in a time of 2.38.03 minutes, good enough to hang onto her third place and to take the bronze with a total of 2,780 points.

At Masters level, Emily Waldron of Enniscorthy won Over-35 gold with a points total of 2,114. Emily was in second place going into the final event, the 800m.

She set a blistering pace in from the gun, going on to run 2.36.17 minutes.

This was good enough to give her the win.

Gavin Kelly of United Striders and John O’Connor of Enniscorthy were involved in a thrilling battle throughout the Over-50 men’s competition.

John was faster in the 100m (13.32 v. 13.23); Gavin was just ahead in the long jump (4.74 v. 4.57), and John’s shot putt was much better (8.70 v. 6.51).

It was all down to the final event, the 1,500m.

Gavin set a very fast pace from the start, putting daylight between himself and the Enniscorthy man.

He went on to win in a time of 5.01.07 minutes. John showed no less determination in taking the runner-up spot.

These great performances were rewarded with silver for Gavin (2,353 points) and bronze for John (2,321 points).