AAI Juvenile Indoor Finals Nenagh

Gold and Record for LAC Relay Team

April 2010

Abbey Striders, Leevale ac, DSD, Athenry, Kilkenny Harriers, Clonliffe AC Crusaders AC, all renowned athletic clubs who generally dominate national relays, had to all play second fiddle to a quartet of Letterkenny ac U13 boys in Nenagh on Sunday last when the national relays took place. The old arena which over the years seen the best that Ireland has produced at these exciting finals paid its homage to the LAC athletes who stormed to victory in the four by one hundred relay with the coaches, parents and supporting athletes raising the roof following a magic 54.97 seconds of supreme relay running. A totally focused start by Shane Irwin, a dynamic back straight follow up by Darragh Toal, a very propelling and technically correct third leg by Lochlan Purdy leaving Oisin Toal the honour of carrying the black and amber colours over the finish line in gold medal position and all hell broke loose. An Irish record at U13 level, prefect baton changing at each zone and four very proud young boys. Remember these names Irwin, Toal, Purdy and Toal. This victory didn’t just happen and club coaches can take a well deserved bow. This is what athletics is all about, and now those clubs mentioned will no doubt have these boys in their sights at the summer outdoor championships in Tullamore. Roll it on!!

TWO INDIVIDUAL BRONZE
The indoor championships have been quite successful for Letterkenny AC, six medals in the first weekend two weeks ago were followed up on Saturday last by two bronze medals in the 800 metres finals. Natasha McArdle (U/14) confidently came through the morning heats and in the afternoon was rewarded with a bronze medal (2.31.40 in heat followed by 2.24.01 in final)in a very competitive race which saw a blanket finish by the first five runners, Natasha doing very well to battle her way over the line.

Peter Gibbons (U/14) also breezed through his morning heat to take his place in his first indoor final, following a great cross country season peter had to follow two very good athletes from North Sligo in the four lap final and despite a brave effort Peter had to settle for the bronze medal (2.21.67 in heat followed by 2.17.34 in final). The club has no doubt these two fine middle distance runners will emerge successful in the summer track season.

Monica O`Connor (U/18) also took her place in the 800 metre final bravely hanging on to 7th place, while Luke Bonner (U/16) taking in his first ever Nenagh appearance going out in the morning 200 metre heats. This experience will help Luke in the months ahead.

RELAYS
Sundays relays saw U12 girls Laura McCann, Edel Smith, Shauna McFadden and Jennifer Kilcoyne make their debuts at this level while U/12 boys Sean Curran, Jordan Ryan, Mark Irwin and Michael McGrory just missed out on reaching their finals. As did the U/15 boys team of John Russell, Sean Boyle, Peter Gibbons and Eoin Farrell.

A great weekend, thanks to coaches, parents, athletes and supporters who all gave thanks at being there to witness Shane Irwin, Darragh Toal, Lochlan Purdy and Oisin Toal create club history. Take a bow lads.