The outdoor T&F season got underway in earnest this weekend as the IUAA championships were hosted this year by UCC at the Mardyke. The first day of the championships were held in glorious spring-like conditions on Friday while the athletes had to contend with wind and rain on Saturday.
A small number of Leevale athletes were in action at the championships. Jessica and Christine Neville finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 400mH and were also on the UCC relay teams that won gold in the 4x400m and bronze in the 4x100m. It was also a good weekend for David Quilligan, who won the long jump by just 1cm in 7.26 and finished 4th in a strong 100m final.
David Tierney continued his domination of the throwing events at these championships, taking gold in the shot and 16 kg for distance. Ed O’Halloran was another gold medallist, his 15.26 good enough for victory in the 110mH. In the 5K there were great performances from Ben Thistlewood, representing UCC, and James Grufferty (CIT) who took silver and bronze in a hotly-contested race. Cathal Owens also won silver in the 400mH and finished 5th in the final of the 400m.
The focus now turns to the Leevale 2013 T&F Meet next Saturday where many of these varsity athletes will be back in action.