The KitKat schools were held in ideal conditions in Tullamore on Saturday 31st May. A number of Leevale athletes competed, representing their respective schools.
Eric Stam competed in the junior boys javelin and high jump competitions. Unfortunately both events were held at the same time and Eric had to move from one to the other repeatedly during the competitions, not an ideal situation. However in spite of this Eric threw a PB of 41.82m in the javelin to secure gold. Unfortunately the disruption affected his concentration for the high jump, but he still finished second with a jump of 1.68m.
Kate Humphries was unlucky to finish fourth in the intermediate girls 300m hurdles. A lane eight draw for Kate gave the other girls a target to chase. Patrick Maher was next on the track for the intermediate boys 400m hurdles. He attacked the race from the gun and entered the home straight in the lead, which he successfully defended to win the race. Chris Murnane competed in the senior boys 400m hurdles finishing second in a PB of 56.52 seconds.
In the intermediate boys 3000m Ryan Creech ran a brave race, he took the race on, leading from the start, and stringing out the field. However as in the schools cross county he was unable to shake Byrne, who took the lead from Ryan at the bell. Ryan finished second in a very credible time of 8:55.44.
Also in the intermediate boys Patrick Maher and Edmond O’Halloran competed in the 100m hurdles. A slip at the start affected Edmond’s chances, however he recovered well to finish in third place.
David Quilligan comfortably won the senior boys long jump with 6.78m. Louise McArdle is still developing as a 400m athlete and she secured her first schools medal over the distance with third place in the senior girls.