The Mazda League final brought another successful season to a close at a sunswept Tullamore on August 26th. Many of those competing have been on the go since the Inter Varsities in April. Again this year it was a major effort by the Committee to get athletes to fill every event, especially with both men’s and women’s teams involved in the Premier Division. Wins were hard to come by this year with competition at a high level all round. Jessika Zebo got proceedings off to a great start by winning the first event on the programme, the 100m hurdles. She was well in control after a good start, and cleared each hurdle with style. Brian Murphy of Leevale recorded a good win in the 400m at the international in Derby a couple of weeks ago, which made up in some way for a disappointing run at nationals. Lining up in lane five on Sunday he had Eugene Farrell of DCH in the lane inside him. After 100m Farrell had made up the stagger and passed Murphy. At this point Murphy upped a gear and locked onto Farrell, tracking him closely. Entering the home straight Murphy drew level with Farrell and, together with David Gillick of DSD, there was a tremendous battle in the last 100m. Murphy proved the stronger to record an excellent win. Jer O’Donoghue tried hard in the 100m but had to settle for second behind Darren Hough of DCH. Together with Sean Manning, Darren O’Donovan and Greg O’Leary Leevale finished a close second to DCH in the 4x100m relay. Their time of 42.65 is a new club record. The women’s team of Sharon Kelly, aisling Maunsell, Aileen Pomphrett and Jessika Zebo also filled second position. Deirdre Murphy had two third place finishes in the shot and discus, while Paul O’Flynn had two fourth place finishes in the long jump and high jump. Louis Wildenbouer made his first appearance for Leevale in the javelin, finishing second to the evergreen Terry McHugh. Donna hosford was a little down on her previous performances but still had an excellent second in the long jump. Excellent performances all round. (Rumour has it that some members were refused food in Cashel on the way home!!) |