Limerick's Darragh Whelan claims big international cross-country win in London

Home Countries and Celtic Cross Country International:

Limerick AC’s Darragh Whelan stormed to individual victory in the U17 Men’s event at the Home Countries & Celtic Cross Country Championships. Darragh who has just turned 15 was supported by outstanding runs from Ruby Devereaux and David Frazer to seal team glory for Ireland!.

National League

The Dooneen girls team had a hugely successful Day 2 at the Athletics Ireland Indoor League in Athlone, delivering strong performances across events. Emer Purtill led the way with maximum points in the shot put and later impressed in the high jump.

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Destiny Lawal made a welcome return from injury in the 60m sprint, while Leagh Moloney shone in the long jump. Strong runs came from Ella Grace Osborne in the 1500m and Niamh Hynes in the 400m. The 4x200m relay team finished the day in thrilling fashion, and a stand-out performance from debut walker Sinead McDermott helped secure second place on the day and third overall.

Finals day was due to take place on Saturday, February 14.

Schools

The North Munsters Schools Cross-Country, a forum for young talent for generations, took place in a the new venue of Lee’s Road in Ennis. There was plenty of Limerick medals.

Martin Frugler, of the recenty-formed Limerick Educate Together took senior gold, while in the Girls event Aimee McMahon took
fifth place for Villiers.

Ella Grace Osborne, of Laurel Hill Colaiste, won the Intermediate Girls race with John Farrell of Castletroy third in the Boys race. There was also a gold medal for the hosts with Eva McMahon, of Salesians, first placed Junior Girl. Well done all.

North Munster Cross-Country Intermediate Boys; third John Farrell Castletroy College, Senior Boys first Marin Frugler,
Limerick Educate Together, seventh Jack Crowley

Munster Senior, U20 and Masters Indoor Championships

As usual taking place in Nenagh, for Limerick AC Alana Frattaroli was secind in Senior Women’s Shot Put with a throw of 10.45 At Masters Susan Murnane took Gold in the O50 Women’s 1500m (5.29.22) and Silver in 800m (2.46.11). Derek Kiely O45 took Gold in 1500m (4.40.70).

For Dooneen, Leagh Moloney won both the Senior Hurdles and Long Jump. Olga Nedvede took gold in Masters Shot Put and Weight for distance. Club Vice-Chair John Sheehan took Bronze in the M60 Shot Put.

Paul Phelan topped the podium in the Masters Long Jump. The standout performance of the day came from the U20 girls’ 4x200m relay team.

Grace Mainoo, Eanna Ní Huigín, Emer Purtill and Destiny Lawal combined brilliantly to win gold in a rapid time of 1:46.84, just outside the Munster record.

Emer Purtill prepared for the Indoor National League, taking victory in the U20 shot put before backing it up with a second-place finish in the high jump.

Well done to West Limerick’s Kieran O’Connor who claimed a silver medal in the U20 60m, winning his heat in 7.41 and finishing second in the final with 7.35.

Around the Country

Dooneen’s Tanya Cox set a pb of 19:30 for seventh place in the latest series of the Business House Athletics Association 5K in Cobh, Co Cork.

West Limerick’s Niall O’Callaghan followed up last week’s victory with third place in the Runner the Banner Series 6K in Kilnaboy in a time of 19:36. Dooneen’s Anthony Harty was 10 th in a time of 22:24.

Carolyn Hayes was seventh female in the fast Trim 10 Miler in a time of 59:50.

Fixtures

The Michal Rejmer 10 Mile Road Race, hosted by Dooneen AC takes place on Sunday, March 29 from Limerick Racecourse in Patrickswell.

The Limerick County 4 Mile Road Championship takes place on Sunday, March 15 in Castleconnell.

The 31st edition of the Adare 10K takes place on Sunday, February 22 at 1pm and is sold out.