Limerick athletes impress at Munster U9–U13 Track and Field Championships

Munster U9–U13 Track and Field Championships

THERE were outstanding performances by some of Limerick’s youngest athletes in Waterford last weekend, with medals and pb’s returning to Shannon side.

There were brilliant results for Limerick AC across multiple age groups:

Sadhbh Thornton was victorious in the Girls U11 High Jump, clearing 3.76m. She also helped her team to Silver in the U11 4x100m relay alongside Roisin Moore, Laurie Earls, and Tara Considine, finishing in 1:00.93.

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Charlie McCarthy took Gold in the U11 Long Jump chalking 3.74m.

Anna Murphy won gold in the Girls U12 High Jump with a leap of 1.28m, and also placed fourth in the Shot Put with 12.05m.

Patrick Keogh won the U13 60mh (10.33secs) with clubmate Charlie Smith second on 10.41

Zara Coman and Elaine Considine dominated the Girls U13 60m Hurdles, finishing first and second respectively in 10.43 and 10.47 seconds.

Gabriella O’Neill had a standout weekend, storming to victory in the U13 600m with a time of 1:42.21 – more than two seconds clear of the field – and also finished second in the 80m in 11.15 secs.

In the Girls U13 Relay, the team of Aayla Comyns, Zara Coman, Rose O’Neill, and Gabriella O’Neill claimed provincial gold in 56.11 seconds.

Dooneen AC athletes also made an impression:

Chelsea Malejeva produced a phenomenal effort to win the Girls U13 Shot Put, throwing 10.25m, well ahead of the competition.

Noah Laffan won the U11 Turbo Javelin (26.50m)

Emelia McCarthy impressed in the U9 60m, finishing second fastest overall across nine heats in 9.83 secs.

Lauren Ryan qualified for the final of the Senior 100m at the Leinster Indoor Championships and placed fifth in the final with a time of 11.97 secs.

West Limerick AC also claimed a number podium finishes:

Pippa O’Connell came third in the U9 300m, clocking 57.10 secs.

Maisie Stokes had a superb championship, claiming silver in the U10 500m (1:39.70), before going one better in the Long Jump, where she won gold with a leap of 3.45m.

Peter Szabo came through heats and a semi-final to take 2nd place in the U12 60m, finishing in 8.58 secs. Action continues next weekend with the U14-U19 age categories. Top 3 qualify for the Nationals in Tullamore in 3 weeks’ time. Well done to all.

Portumna Forest 10K/Half/Full/Ultra Marathon

Susan Murnane made the relatively short trip to Galway worthwhile as she was the winner of the Women’s 10K and sixth overall in a time of 43:35. Her husband Mark Whelan was just behind her, sixth male home on 44:11.

There was a large travelling An Bru contingent and best performer was former Chair Gerry Prendergast, 16th overall in1:35:09, clubmate Helen Hennessey was home in in 1:58:53.

Legendary Limerick athlete and pacer stalwart Iosla Breathnach completed the Ultra.

Kerry Duathlon

Tara Carr, of West Limerick AC, was third female in the challenging hilly Ballybunion Duathlon.

Consisting of a 3K run, and 20K cycle and concluding with a 5K run Clubmates Susan Lowe and Nollaig Hogan were fourth and fifth.

Summer Camp

The Dooneen AC Summer Camp for 5-12 year old takes place on July 7-11 at Mungret GAA club from 10am-2pm each day, to register contact the club. Bilboa AC will hold theirs from August 5-8.

Fixtures

The centre piece this weekend is the Ger Mullane Memorial 10K/5K run and walk hosted by Bilboa AC in Cappamore, Entries €25 and €15 on the night. Proceeds from Walk goes to Claires Wish Charity Doon.

Training Tip - Susan Murnane has some advice for the Masters Athlete “ For longevity in running, consistency is key. It is important to prioritise recovery especially after a workout or long run. Listen to your body and don’t push through any niggles. Set realistic age appropriate goals and most importantly keep fit, healthy and enjoy your running” - S.M.

1979

John Battles was the first ever Dooneen recipient of the Munster Star Award for outstanding performances in the Long Jump and Triple Jump.