The past week was a tough one for club officials as they worked very hard to ensure the club had a team for the competition in Tullamore. It was a struggle, but well done to everyone who competed.
the women’s team has qualified, but it’s very close with the men’s team. Going into the competition the club were in sixth position, eight points ahead of Donore and Tullamore who were also competing in Tullamore. To qualify for the finals Leevale needed to stay within sight of these two clubs. And throughout the day there was nothing between the three as totals were announced. At the end of the day Leevale finished seven points behind Donore and Tullamore, which means we stay a single point ahead of them. This, of course, is all subject to re-checks by AAI.
Darren O’Donovan had a great double, winning the 100m and 200m to give maximum points. He’s off to Derby for the international there, and is surely in his best form of the season.
Carmel Parnell won the 3,000m, Jessika Zebo won the 100m hurdles, Aisling Maunsell won the 400m, and the 4x100m team had a good win.
Paul O’Flynn picked up two good seconds in the high jump and long jump; Sharon O’Mahony did likewise in the high jump and triple jump; Alan Sexton was third in the 400m hurdles despite falling at the first!; Ailis McSweeney was third in the 100m and 200m; Paddy O’Gorman took two thirds in the 400m and discus; Mark Hanrahan was second in the 5,000m; Ian Donovan third in the 1,500m; Kevin shine third in the shot; Donna Hosford second in the long jump; while the women’s 4×4 team were second, the men’s 4×1 team were second, and the 4×4 team were third.
An outstanding performance all round. Well done to everyone who competed, whether mentioned in his report or not. Here’s hoping for another great day at the finals on 25th August.