On a sun-drenched mid-April Saturday the Leevale Open Sports was held at Cork Institute of Technology athletics stadium, which is without doubt the best athletic facility in the country.
Attendances were once again very high with clubs and athletes traveling from near and far to attend the first major outdoor T&F event of the year. Athletes who attended were not disappointed as there was a very high level of competition in all events, with some of the juvenile races having up to eight heats.
Over the last number of years athletes have come to Leevale Open Sports in an attempt to achieve early season qualification standards for international competitions. This year was no exception and proved successful for Ben Kiely of Ferrybank who achieved the 400mH qualifying standard for the European Youth Olympic Festival, recording a time of 53.76s, well inside the qualifying standard of 54.30s, setting a new Irish Youths record. Joan Healy (Bandon) once again achieved the qualifying standard for the European Junior Championships buy recording a time of 11.96s in the women’s 100m.
There was heartbreak for Sean Tobin (Clonmel AC) whose third place finish in the 3,000m in a time of 8:40.04 was four hundredths of a second outside the standard for the European Youth Olympics. The race was won in a canter by Mark Hanrahan (Leevale AC) in 8:17.34. Tobin’s previous best was 9:05.
Athlete of the meet was Kelly Proper of Ferrybank. This is the second time that Kelly has claimed athlete of the meet title. On this occasion she won the women’s 100m, 200m & Long Jump. Kelly was also a member of Ferrybank team which won the 4x100m relay. Chairman Liam Horgan presented the Kevin Barry memorial cup to Kelly.
We would like to thank:
- All the clubs and athletes who attended our sports; this is what makes it a great day’s competition.
- The CIT and the groundsmen for the use of their first-class facility
- All the officials who volunteer their time to running the sports.
- Our Sponsors who make the day possible. We enjoy their continued support.
AAI report
Senior & Junior results
Juvenile results
More juvenile photos
Senior event photos
More photos from Gearóid Ó Laoi
Thanks to our Sponsors: Permanent TSB, Bus Éireann, Kerry Group, Maher’s Sports, ARRIS, O’Sullivan & Co. Solicitors (Ballincollig), Celtic Sea Minerals
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