PICTURES | Memorable weekend for young Longford stars on national Community Games Finals stage

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It was a brilliant weekend all round for Longford competitors at the National Community Games Athletics and Outdoor Finals on the weekend of August 26 & 27 in Carlow South East Technological University Sports Campus.

Despite the intermittent showers, Longford’s rising young stars shone bright on what was a memorable weekend for the county. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO

A large number of Longford children secured places in the semi-finals and finals at the Athletics.

Well done to the children who represented their area and County with great pride, it was a remarkable achievement for you all to reach the National Finals.

Longford Community Games PRO Susie Hand said, “We are delighted to report that Longford brought home seven national medals, a truly remarkable achievement for our small county.”

First up was Drumlish / Ballinamuck silver medalist Emma Brennan who ran a really magnificent race in the U-16 1500m.

Emma led the race right up to the very end in what was a thrilling final, she just missed out on the gold but secured a well deserved silver for her fantastic efforts.

Next up was El' Nathan Okoh who sprinted to 2nd place in the U-12 200m semi final and he followed that up with a brilliant pewter in the final, much to the delight of his Longford South supporters on the day.

Third up for glory was the excellent Conor Meadows and a powerful throw saw him win a bronze medal in the U-14 Shot Putt, bringing great pride and joy to his Killoe family and supporters.

News quickly emerged that another bronze medal was on its way to Longford thanks to the talented John Fitzpatrick in the U12 Boys Long Jump. This was another national community games medal for John and El' Nathan, as they both also won silver medals at the Community Games Mixed Distance Relays in Gormanstown in May, along with their teammates Andrew Fitzpatrick, Dylan Reynolds and Adam Mulleady.

As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day, news filtered through, yet again, that another star had won a fantastic bronze. This time it was Clonguish man Sean Grealy who came third in the U-16 100m Final!

The following day, two magnificent teams represented Longford in the Outdoor National Finals and they didn't disappoint.

First up were Leinster champions Clonguish who won a pewter medal in the U14 Girls Football Finals, a remarkable achievement to be among the top four teams in Ireland.

Next up was the U13 Girls Rounders Leinster Champions Clonbroney and they finished as the third best at their age group in the country and brought home bronze medals. What an achievement!

“A massive well done to all the medalists,” commented Susie.

The Community Games calendar is not over yet for Longford Community Games children, as competitors from the county have the Arts & Cultural Finals in Carlow on the weekend of September 9 to look forward to.

Susie concluded, “We have no doubt that all of the Longford children will represent their county with distinction and pride that weekend. We wish all the children the very best of luck. We hope you all enjoy what promises to be a great weekend of entertainment in Carlow.”