Longford athletes show their class as they capture several national medals

It was a busy weekend in Athlone as the first two days of the National Juvenile Indoor Championships took place with several Longford athletes in action. There was a high standard of competition in all events reflecting the strong position the sport is in across the country.

Sunday’s walks saw double Gold for Longford athletics club with Conor Brennan taking victory in the Under-16 boys 1500m. A big personal best performance and another excellent showing by Conor to complete a three-in-a-row of national indoor titles.

Robin Óg Murphy was back on track and was rewarded with top spot on the podium after winning the U19 girls 1500m walk. An assured display by Robin Óg, who led from start to finish, and a first gold medal of 2026 following a frustrating time with injuries.

Sunday’s U14 boys high jump entertained all in attendance with Andrew Fitzpatrick putting in a superb set of jumps. A best ever height of 1.65m earned him the silver medal after a top-quality competition won with a championship record. It was a busy weekend for Andrew who brought home bronze on Saturday, having placed third in the long jump with an impressive 5.11m best effort as well as competing in the 60m hurdles.

His older brother John also claimed a bronze medal in Sunday’s U16 high jump to add to his large collection of national medals. A best clearance of 1.68m earned another podium place, and a new personal best, after a very competitive event and just reward for his dedication in preparation. John also competed well in the shot put and hurdles over the weekend.

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Saturday’s middle distance races saw many fantastic performances by Longford athletes. There was drama at the end of the U17 boys 800m as Oisín Dillon moved from fifth to third in the last 30m to win a brilliant bronze. It was a great example for any athlete to keep going to the end as anything might happen in those final metres. For Oisín, it was a personal best clocking of 2:00 and a return to the podium four years after his previous national indoor medal.

Julie Taitt put in an outstanding run to win a superb bronze in the U15 girls 800m crossing the line in 2:18. It concluded an excellent indoor season for Julie who has gone from fifth in Connacht last year to third in Ireland this year and taking twenty seconds off her personal best in the process. Again, it was just reward for a very committed athlete.

Making their first appearance at national indoors and running strongly were Ailbhe McMullin and Oran O’Neill in the 600m with both achieving top eight finishes, setting personal bests and gaining valuable experience.

The personal bests kept coming with good performances by Cadhla Golden in the hurdles, Orla Miney in the 800m, Sam Davis in the hurdles and long jump while Emily Oge Nnachi did likewise in Sunday’s long jump when placing seventh.

Sunday also saw strong runs by Washington Mahlangu and Dawid Zdybel in the 400m with it being more good track time for both. The afternoon 60m sprints action included Kevin English running an excellent personal best and only narrowly missing out on a U15 final place while Vilte Krasikova and Joe Rooney also ran well in their age group.

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Emmanuel Mensah and Smart Ogoh lined up in the U19 boys 60m heats and clocked quick times. Emmanuel advanced to the evening final and put in a fantastic run to place fourth with a 7.11 seconds personal best which was only 0.02 off the bronze medal spot.

Well done to all that competed with each having done so well to have qualified from the regionals. Thanks to parents for their support and to club coaches for their guidance and encouragement. The final day of the national indoors takes place in two weeks.

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