McGory and Purdy take bronze in Tipperary

AAI Juvenile Relays, Templemore

June 2009

Letterkenny Athletic Club’s decision to take eight young athletes on the long road to Tipperary last weekend proved to be a great success. The pleasant surroundings of a fine track and facilities in Templemore justified the long trip to the Athletics Association of Ireland juvenile relay championships (under-9, 10 and 11 age groups) and athletes, coaches parents and supporters lapped up the sunshine in a great day’s action. The highlight of the day was a team bronze in the under-11 long jump. Both relay teams qualified for the finals, while a top four place was secured in the 600 metres and a great performance in the 300 metres made the journey home much shorter. It set these young lads on a course where they can accomplish much more for the club.

Purdy and McGrory win bronze
With all events being of a team pairing the long jump (u-11) partnership of Oisin Purdy and Michael McGrory proved to be just perfect with McGrory’s (3.66) and Purdy’s (3:54) landing the team bronze medal. The proud pair took their place on the victory rostrum to the great acclaim of family and supporters. Conor O’Donnell and Brendan Horgan (under-10) with 3:37 and 2:61 took seventh place in a very competitive long jump age group and will certainly gain great experience from their first national finals.

Michael McGrory ran a magnificent 600 metres in the under-11 with a time of 1:52.3 and recorded the second fastest time in the event. Despite a gallant effort by Eoghan Bradley in his heat (2:09.3) this pairing was just pipped for the bronze medal. At under-9 level (300 metres) Ronan Frain also took individual honours with his time of 54.7 being the second best effort in the event. He paired up well with Oisin Bradley (59.3). The pair seemed to be in silver medal position until a rechecked placed them fifth.

Sean Curran and Michael McGrory (under-11 60m) also teamed up well in their respective heats. Again the experience of this outing will benefit these young men in the future.

After their individual events, two Letterkenny teams (under-10 and under-11 boys) very proudly took their places in the very competitive 4 x 100 metre relays. Conor O’Donnell, Brendan Horgan, Ronan Frain and Oisin Bradley (under-10) and Michael McGrory, Eoghan Bradley, Oisin Purdy and Sean Curran (under-11) coming through the semi-final heats. Lining up as one of the top eight finalists in both age groups made it a memorable trip for all concerned.

To put it all in perspective, Darren McBrearty and Mark English took part in these same age groups a few years ago. News that the pair took gold and silver respectively in the Irish junior 800 metres in Tullamore for Letterkenny was another huge boost for the club and for the young middle distance stars themselves. Daniel Mooney took silver in the under-23 800 metres and this success sets the standards for all our juveniles. Well done to all.