Limerick Athletics - Weekly News Update

Munster Schools Cross Country

TRAMORE Valley, Co. Cork, played host to the Munster Schools Cross Country Championships, where Darragh Whelan of Castletroy College delivered a dominant performance in the Junior Boys race.

Clocking 12:47, he secured a commanding victory, finishing an impressive 44 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger. Salesians Pallaskenry placed sixth in the team standings, with Desmond College, Newcastle West, finishing eighth.

In the Intermediate Girls race, Ellen Goggin showcased her talent with a decisive win in 11:16, crossing the line 12 seconds clear. Taking control from the 1000m mark, she never looked back.

Ella Grace Osborne, of Laurel Hill Coláiste, secured a podium spot, finishing eighth and earning qualification for the All-Ireland finals. Aimee McMahon, of Villiers, placed 18th.

The Senior Girls event saw Aisling Kelly finish 32nd for Mungret Community College, contributing alongside teammates Doireann O’Connor, Katie Keogh, and Ella France to secure seventh place in the team standings.

In the Senior Boys category, Alan McCutcheon ran strongly to finish sixth for Crescent Comprehensive, up from 11th in the same last year. Mungret’s Brian Lynn, Dan Lynch, Chris O’Connor, and Paul Carmody combined to claim fifth place in the team rankings

A Limerick World Record!

Carmel MacDomhnaill was part of the W70 team that broke the 4x800m relay world record at the Track and Field Live meet in Abbotstown.

She was joined by Evelyn McNelis (Naas), Phyllis Browne (Star of the Sea), and Eileen O'Brien (Lucan) in this remarkable
achievement. Comhghairdeas, Carmel!

Outstanding Performances:

Darragh Whelan (U15) took gold in the 800m, setting a new Championship Best Performance (CBP) with a time of 2:02.

Gyte Andrijauskatie (U15) claimed gold in the shot put with an impressive throw of 10.96m.

Emer Purtill (U17), an Irish international from Dooneen, dominated the shot put with a winning mark of 14.16m, far ahead of the competition. Clubmate Aisling O’Sullivan finished 5th.

Maeve Purtill (U18) added to her family’s success, securing bronze in the shot put with a throw of 10.70m.

Tadgh Purcell (U18) clinched gold in the 200m and silver in the 400m.

Fay Herbert (U19) earned bronze in the 60m.

Roisin Doyle (U16) sprinted to gold in the 60m.

Aoife Murphy (U18) won gold in the 200m and silver in the 400m.

Notable Boys’ Performances:

Jamie Devlin (U15) secured silver in the shot put with a best of 5.04m and also placed fourth in the same event with a throw of 10.47m.

Ronan Collins (U17, Kilmallock) finished 3rd in the 60m hurdles.

Raymond O’Brien (U16, Dooneen) claimed bronze in the shot put.

Sprint Success:

Sprinters also shone in Nenagh, with Destiny Lawal (U17, Dooneen) storming to victory in the 200m, clocking an impressive 25.72 to top the field across eight heats.

Limerick athletes demonstrated their strength across multiple disciplines, showcasing the depth of talent within the region’s clubs.

Milford Hospice 10K

There was a maiden victory for Bruff resident Maria Maher in the ladies race, as she strode home in 41:33. She took the lead after 1K and led from there on, finishing well clear of Dundrum’s Catherine Fogarty on 42:17. Aileen Ryan was 3 rd woman on 43:25.

The overall winner was Emmet McNamara on 32:24. Dooneen’s John Whitaker was second on 35:56 with Conor Reale, of Limerick AC, completing the podium 36:13. Well done to all who supported this most worthy of causes.

Congratulations to Andrew McMahon who travelled to Catalonia and ran the Barcelona Half Marathon in a time of 1:27:15.

Training Tip

“Prioritise recovery - rest days, stretching, and proper hydration will keep you injury-free and
improve performance”- Joe Chawke

Fixtures

The focal point next weekend is the Londis sponsored Adare 10K

The Michael Rejmer 10 mile 2025 hosted by Dooneen AC is open for entries on Eventmaster. Entry is €20, a new 2x 5 mile relay category has been added and entry is €15 per person. It takes place on Sunday, April 13 at 11am rom Limerick Racecourse

The Inaugural Limerick Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 3 rd August at 9am TUS, Old Cratloe Road. It will be a welcome addition to the August Bank Holiday calendar. Part of the Run Limerick
Series. Enter through Eventmaster.

Run Clare

Anne MacPhail second woman in 33:53 behind the winner Linda O’Sullivan on 32:20 in Barefield.