Longford AC had seven young athletes lined up to participate at the Irish Life Health National Juvenile Track & Field Championships and Children’s Team Games in Tullamore on Saturday Aug 21st. Weather-wise it was a day of two halves with competitors competing in the morning having to endure very wet conditions. Thankfully for athletes and spectators the sun made an appearance in the afternoon.
Jack O’Farrell was first up for the club, competing in the u13 60m hurdles. Jack ran a great heat, finishing second in a time of 10.64 seconds. In the final, Jack improved on his time (10.48) and was just off the medals.
Sophia Carey ran in the u12 600m. The race was hard and fast from the outset, and Sophia did very well to hold her own in a very strong field.
Oisín Dillon competed in the u12 60m & 600m. In his sprint heat, Oisin ran 8.96 ensuring qualification for the final. The final was very competitive and he didn’t manage to medal. Oisín was on the track again for the 600m. He was well in contention with 100m to go, but was unfortunate not to be in the mix in the sprint for the line.
Oisin competed in the 60m and the 600m
John Fitzpatrick & Setanta Smith participated in two events. In the u11 pairs turbo javelin both boys threw well, and were unlucky not to medal. Next up for the boys was the pairs 600m. They gave their all in these very competitive races.
John and Setanta performed well in the pairs turbo javelin and 600m.
Andrew Fitzpatrick & Dáire Grealy were to participate in the u9 pairs turbo javelin. The boys had taken gold in the event at the Connacht qualifiers so expectations were high. Despite being in the stadium for the event, Daire was unfortunately unable to compete, so Andrew competed on his own and proceeded to throw 15.65m – the furthest of all competitors. Well done Andrew.
Andrew and Dáire – paired in the turbo javelin
Well done to all athletes – it was a great achievement to qualify from the Connachts and represent the province and your club so well.
