  The indoor season ended last weekend on a high note for Leevale athletes. The completion of the All Ireland underage championships again showed Leevale athletes in superb form, form that augurs well for the coming outdoor season.Carl McNamara recorded a comprehensive win in the under 19 200m in a time of 22.75, a time that compares well with his outdoor best of 22.20 set last year. Derek Duff, winner of the All Ireland 60m, chased Carl home in second place with a time of 24.17. Both were also members of the winning Leevale team that won the 4x200m relay in a time of 1:36.82. Incidentally, Ciaran O’Lionaird showed a fine turn of foot running the third leg and is considering moving to the shorter distances as a result! Eric Curran gave a good display of front running to win the under 15 800m, and then showed great commitment to hold on in a very close finish. He had a winning time of 2:13.96, and later joined the sprinters as they won their 4x200m relay. The boys under 12 team were worthy winners of silver medals in their 4x100m relay, beaten by the narrowest of margins by Ferrybank in a thrilling finish. Meanwhile a long cross country season finally came to a halt when the Schools international took place in Wales. John Shine was the only Leevale representative in action. Disaster struck though when he ended up on the ground as the leading group, of which he was a member, negotiated a dangerous bend. His leg was covered in cuts and bruises as a result. He got up and managed to regain contact with the leaders but the effort took it’s toll and he eventually finished 14th. The course was changed for the remaining races – too late for John though. |