"May you live in interesting times
" as a famous Chinese proverb may bestow.
Clearly not intent to rest on their laurels following success at the
National Road Relay's in Raheny just one week ago, a large contingent of
our athletes took to the roads again at the National 10k Road
Championships held in Navan.
A top class field, overcast conditions and an undulating two lap course
promised much to the large assembled group of spectators. They would not
be disappointed.
Raheny Shamrock's Vinney Mulvey was justifiably the pre race media
favourite, though his recent battles with our own Sean Connolly would
ensure a close race. The duals between these pair a akin to those of
'Coe & Ovett' of yesteryear, without the personal animosity, of course.
The two lived up the the billing in setting their intentions with a
fierce pace from the gun. In true Corinthian spirit, the friends and
training partners each pushed and tested their opponent. Sean made his
brave and decisive move from the half way mark when establishing a lead
which he would maintain throughout, despite the gallent efforts of
Mulvey. He crossed the line for a highly impressive victory in an
excellent time of 30.22, to collect his first National Senior Road
Championship title.
Another fine performance of pushing the pace from Tomas Fitzpatrick saw
him home in a commendable fifth place overall. The podium clearly
beckons for Tomas soon in the 'majors'. More consistently excellent runs
and top class finish times from Eoin Dunne and Jeetun Dharamjai ensured
our Senior Men secured National Team Silver for the second time in a
week. Clearly our boys have arrived on the big stage and are intent on
staying there.
Not to be outdone by our young guns, our Master Men also enjoyed a good
day too. James Crowley discarded the bouquets bestowed upon him for his
performance at Raheny the previous week to team up with Davey Byrne and
iall Coppinger and claim Masters Team Gold, needing near PB performances
from each to do so. Niall and Davey also secured individual accolades.
Niall collecting M45 Gold and Davey M35 Silver.
Neutrals observed on the large contingent of Tallaght athletes, ladies
and men, in their distinctive red and yellow vests. It was great to
observe the endeavour and sportsmanship displayed by each of our
participants. No one typified this more so than Jacqui Boyle, who
despite feeling most unwell battled her way to finish. Well beyond the
call of duty. She will soon bounce back to the top form she has
displayed throughout the season.
Just one week ago at Raheny the stadium announcer pronounced it "Tallaght's
greatest day". Little did we know it would be surpassed just one week
on.
Yes, as Confucius might say "we live in interesting times". Indeed we do!
Whilst the seniors were doing battle in Navan our juveniles were in
action in the first Dublin track and field leagues at Santry, were the
likes of Conor Murray, John Daly and Jade Johnston put in sound
performances to finish in the top three in their 1500m events and
secured points in other track and field competitions to put them in
contention for league hounors. At the same meet, Evan Flynn ran away
with the U13 600m contest, as did Nadine Johnston Hickey in the U10 300m
and Eoin Doherty, Jonathan Fleet, Ronan Mc Enaney, amongst others, also
secured sufficient points from their track and field contests to place
them well up in the league table. A few days earlier, Roisin O’ Hanlon
in her first graded league contest took second in the 800m “B” contest,
whilst Anthony Lieghio posted a pleasing 1.54.44 to win the grade “A”
800m race in his first track outing of the year.
Unfortunately, there was no exiciting news from the Inter Varsities
Championships in Limerick, after Brian Gregan, despite qualifying for
the 400m final with ease, was forced to withdraw with hamstring problem.
Sean Bolger who had qualified for the same final with the fastest losing
time was unfortunately excluded from the final after another runner who
was disqualified for an infringement in the qualifiers was reinstated
after a successful objection. Katie Fitzpatrick also put in a good time
in her contests at the same venue.