 Once again the Nestle Munster schools track and field championships, held at the CIT track today, produced another day of superb action by a host of outstanding young athletes. The dry settled weather came to a close during the afternoon, drenching officials and athletes alike. Old records took a hammering during a day of high drama. Eoin Leen from Tralee gave an exhibition of shot putting, winning the intermediate event with a massive throw of 18.36m, bettering the old record by some two metres. And Liam Reale from Limerick couldn’t have been more impressive in winning the senior 800m in 1:50.8 after running the distance on his own, well clear of the rest of the field. The old record of 1:54.0 was set by the late Anthony O’Keeffe of Colaiste Chriost Ri back in 1988, one of Cork’s most promising young runners at the time. His name on the record book will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Reale, however, is a worthy new record holder. Darren O’Donovan of Colaiste an Spiorad Naomh continued his unbeaten run in schools sprinting, winning both sprints by wide margins. His 200m time of 21.8 is a new record. Sharon Kelly from Mount Mercy also had a double in the hurdles and 200m (right), and was second in the 100m where the first three finished practically together. The winner here was Ailis McSweeney of St. Als Carrigtwohill. Susanne O’Donovan of St. Angelas had an interesting treble, winning the junior hurdles and 200m, as well as the minor 100m. Two weeks ago Sean Conroy of North Mon won his first race in three years. Last week he won his second, and on Saturday he was back in the winners enclosure again with a comprehensive win in the senior 1,500m. Nicole O’Regan of Christ King won the inter 300m hurdles from Niamh Walsh of St. Mary’s Midleton after a tough duel. Niamh was compensated with a good win in the 800m. In the field events Fionnuala Lombard (right) of Mount Mercy had a good winning double in the senior shot and discus; Deirdre Ni Mhurchu of Colaiste an Phiarsaigh won the inter shot; Caroline Lane of Colaiste Muire Crosshaven won the inter triple jump; Colm Sheehy of Colaiste an Spiorad Naomh won the inter boys triple; Brian O’Leary of Carrigaline CS won the senior triple; and Susan Nagle of St. Als won the senior high jump. |
