The National junior indoor track and field championships produced an exciting shot putt competition with two Leevale athletes battling it out for the first two places.
The competition brought Deirdre Murphy and Kathleen Fitzgerald together in competition for the first time, and it resulted in a great tussle between the two of them. In the first round Kathleen fouled her throw, but bounced back with 10.84 in the 2nd round, leading Deirdre’s 10.72. Kathleen achieved her winning throw in the third round with 11.35, giving her a clear lead. Deirdre battled back but her best of 11.10 left her in second place, well clear of the other competitors. A tremendous competition for both athletes.
A bonus for Kathleen was selection on the junior team for the Cardiff indoor international.
The men’s long jump competition was another that brought keen competition between two Leevale athletes Paul O’Brien and Carl McNamara. Early jumps saw Paul in second place but was gradually overtaken by two other competitors that left him just out of the medals in fourth place, with Carl just behind in fifth. Carl had a best jump of 6.41, while Paul’s best of 6.52 was just 2cm behind the second placed athlete.
On the track Orla Coughlan had a fourth place finish in the 60m; Niamh Cremin was fourth in the 400m; and Carl McNamara was sixth in the 60m.
Well done to all. (Results)