The Athlone International Arena provided great shelter from storm Kathleen for the 2,000 or so young athletes, including five outstanding athletes from Boyne AC, competing in the finals of the All Ireland Indoor Championships at the state of the art track over the weekend.
Young Cillian Hickey was first to compete in the under 12 60-meter sprint, when he set a new personal best of 8.95 while finishing just outside the medals. This young man has a fantastic future in athletics ahead of him, with plenty more to come. He previously returned home from the Leinsters with a well-deserved bronze that earned him a place in the All Irelands Championships.
Next up for Boyne was Ryan McMahon competing on the U16 60-metre race. Ryan took to the starting blocks with poise and composure, even though it was his first-ever All Ireland race. He took the lead quickly after a strong start, and the race was intense to the finish. Although Ryan was disappointed to lose out by a split second, his coach Ken Meier and Keith Byrne were really impressed and are looking forward to the outdoor season with this young man.
Jack Garvey was next in the U17 1500 meter race. Swapping his love of the cross country course for the warm and windless arena. Jack did what Jack does best and took a daring move and set the pace. The high speed race over the 1500 metres was thrilling to all in the stands and the battle to the finish saw the audience on their feet. It was anybody’s race. Jack took on the best of the best and despite not winning a medal on the day, He set a new PB and cannot wait for the pre Louths.
Next in line for the Boys 60-meter sprint was Romeo Fomenky who won his heat with ease and advanced to the final with a superb demonstration of pure athleticism. Romeo showed steely nerves in his first-ever All Ireland race, which must be recognised. He maintained his composure despite everything going on around him, and when the pistol went off, he surged forward with enormous power and elegance. According to the photo finish, he finished in fourth in an impressive time of 7.18, a new PB. What a promising athletic future this young man has.
In the Girls U19 60-metre sprint, Nina King Abor was competing against some of the greatest athletes in Ireland. Although unsuccessful this time, which really is rare, Nina will undoubtedly be stronger for the outdoors this summer.
Ryan Mc Mahon made a comeback on day two of the National Indoor Championships, and despite gaining a new personal best time of 24.02 in the 200-metres race, he was unlucky not to medal despite easily qualifying for the final. It is important to highlight that this is his first All-Ireland Championship, and there is no doubt that this young athlete continues to get more and more talented.
Meanwhile, up in Belfast at the Irish Universities Athletics Track and Field Championships last Friday, Euan Canniffe took home the silver medal in the men’s javelin following an incredible 52.59-meter throw, a new personal best. This young man is an inspiration to the club’s younger athletes and a credit to himself for all the years of hard work and dedication.
Finally to wrap up a busy week in the Boyne Ac camp, five athletes, Sam Doyle, Evan Gamble, Emmet McShane, Aimee Rice and Shauna Rice embarked on a Level one award programme in sports leadership in the Drogheda Institute of Further Education.
These amazing athletes are always ready to help the younger athletes and it must be said they do so with a willingness every time. This programme armed them with information and facts so they can continue to assist with all sports and physical activities in the future.
