Longford athletes shine at All-Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships
Double gold for John Fitzpatrick Jr and a championship record by Andrew Nolan
It was another All-Ireland Track & Field Championships to remember for County Longford schools with medal successes and notable performances. One of the most prestigious fixtures in the Irish athletics calendar, the two-day event took place in Tullamore with competitors from five post-primary schools in the county involved.
Moyne Community School’s John Fitzpatrick Jr enjoyed superb double gold medal success on Friday evening. His competition began when a best effort of 12.83 metres secured victory in the Junior Boys Triple Jump which was all the more impressive given he only recently took up the event. An hour later, he claimed another win following a personal best clearance of 1.74m in the High Jump. A fantastic display of athleticism, in two very technical events, by the talented second year pupil.
Andrew Nolan, of Lanesboro Community College, also topped the podium on Friday evening when taking the honours in the Minor Boys Shot Put (3kg). An outstanding series of throws by Andrew included a longest mark of 17.98m which was almost 4 metres further than the runner-up. The distance was also a new Championship Record for another notable feat achieved by one of Ireland’s leading emerging young field eventers.
Friday’s race walks saw Conor Brennan, of Moyne CS, claim the silver medal in the Inter Boys 2000m. An assured display of race walking by Conor to add to his collection of national medals and he is also eligible for the age category next year too.
Moyne CS were further represented across a variety of events by Sam Davis, Julie Taitt, Fionn McCormack Crowe, El’nathan Okoh, Brayden Francis, Adam Mulleady and Tiernan O’Reilly.
The north Longford school took the team prize in the Junior Boys category as the best performing school. A hugely impressive honour for Moyne CS who topped the points tally just ahead of Ratoath College and Blackrock College.
Appearing for Mercy Ballymahon at the championship were Robin Og Murphy and Mary Harris while sprinter Willow Parker, of Cnoc Mhuire Granard, placed fourth in the Junior Girls 100m.
Rian McCaffrey of St. Mel’s College set a new personal best of 9:04 when crossing the line seventh in a high quality Inter Boys 3000m. The school was also represented in Tullamore by sprinters Sean Grealy, Kelvin Adeosun, Smart Ogoh, Emmanuel Mensah and Dawid Zydbel.
There were a number of personal bests achieved and good placings recorded by county Longford athletes overall. At such a competitive championship, this was a measure of the excellent preparation by all and the dedicated work being done by coaches at schools and clubs in the region.