In a historic outing at the National League held at Tullamore Track, Leevale Women’s Team clinched their first-ever victory in the Premier League competition, amassing a remarkable 140 points. This triumph placed them 6 points ahead of the DSD Athletic Club, solidifying their status as champions.
Central to this success were Tokyo Olympians Louise Shanahan and Michelle Finn, whose exceptional performances were instrumental in securing the title. Michelle Finn delivered outstanding wins in both the 3000m, clocking in at 9:32.32, and the 2000m steeplechase, finishing with a time of 6:36.64. Louise Shanahan dominated the 800m, crossing the finish line at 2:22.69, and played a pivotal role in the victorious 4x400m relay team.
Supporting this Olympic duo were stellar performances from Sula Burger, who triumphed in the weight for distance event with a throw of 6.88m, and Rebecca Walsh, who took first place in the discus with a throw of 34.87m. The collective effort and determination of all the athletes on the day ensured that the prestigious title made its way to Leevale.
The Leevale Men’s Team also delivered a commendable performance, finishing 3rd in the Men’s Premier Division. Despite fierce competition, the team showed resilience and skill, defending their title with notable victories.
Sean Carmody led the charge with a win in the 100m hurdles, clocking 15.05 seconds. Michael Heal showcased his versatility by winning both the discus (50.96m) and the weight for distance (9.02m) events. Andrew Scanlon excelled in the javelin, achieving a top throw of 48.95m, while the 4x100m relay team added to the tally with a decisive victory.
This memorable day for Leevale Athletics was made possible by the dedication and hard work of many individuals. Special thanks go to coaching coordinator Derrick Neff for his meticulous event planning, and to team captains Niamh Moore and Colin Doyle for their leadership. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to all the athletes and supporters who traveled to Tullamore, making this a truly unforgettable event for women’s athletics in Leevale and Cork.
As we celebrate this landmark achievement, we look forward to more successes in the future, inspired by the incredible performances and unwavering team spirit displayed at the national league finals.
