The Boyne AC athletes had an incredible finish to their outdoor track and field season at the Ardee and District Sports Day on Sunday, the 18th. Despite being a small team, they made their presence felt with outstanding performances across various age groups, bringing home an impressive haul of medals.
Hila Raji set the tone by securing a bronze medal in the highly competitive under-13s 80m sprint, igniting the team’s momentum. Riley Byrne followed this up with a gold medal in the under-14 boys’ 80m sprint, capping off his remarkable season in style.
Hannele Raji continued the success with a dominant performance in the under-16 girls’ 100m sprint, claiming victory in spectacular fashion. In the boys’ under-16 100m, Evan showed great determination, earning a well-deserved silver medal after a fierce battle to the finish line.
The under-17 athletes also shined, with Aimee Rice easily taking home a gold medal in her 100m event. Jack Garvey, known for his prowess in long-distance running, captured silver in the under-17 boys’ 100m sprint.
As the focus shifted to middle-distance events, the Boyne AC athletes continued to excel. Conor Hughes put in a tremendous effort in the boys’ under-10s 200m, narrowly missing out on a medal but marking the end of a promising season. His sister, Caitlin Hughes, secured silver in the girls’ under-11 600m, continuing her strong family tradition of podium finishes.
In the girls’ under-13 600m, Isabelle Winters made a strong comeback by claiming bronze in a fiercely competitive race, despite missing most of the season. The boys’ under-14 800m event was a highlight, with Eoin McEntee and Riley Byrne leading the race. Eoin took gold, with Riley close behind for silver, showcasing the team’s strength in middle-distance events.
Shauna Rice earned a well-deserved silver in the girls’ under-16 800m, and Jack Garvey dominated the boys’ under-17 400m, taking gold with ease.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the field events, where the Boyne AC athletes continued their winning streak. Hila Raji added another gold to her collection by dominating the girls’ under-14 long jump with a leap of 4.44 meters. Riley Byrne secured silver in the boys’ under-14 long jump, adding to his impressive haul for the day.
Hannele Raji claimed her second gold of the day in the under-16 long jump with a stunning 5.28-meter leap, a full meter ahead of her nearest rival. Aimee Rice rounded off the long jump events by claiming gold in the girls’ under-17 category, adding yet another medal to her collection.
The success continued in the field events, with Una McEntee delivering an impressive performance in the girls’ under-9 turbo javelin, securing a silver medal with a strong throw of 8.74 meters. Hila Raji added a silver in the girls’ under-13 shot put with a fabulous throw of 9.02 meters, demonstrating her versatility across different field events.
Hannele Raji capped off her incredible day by claiming her third gold medal in the girls’ under-17 shot put, with an impressive throw of 10.64 meters, placing her 3 meters ahead of her nearest competitor.
The day concluded on a high note for Boyne AC, as their teams continued to shine in the relay events. Demonstrating not only their athletic prowess but also their sportsmanship, the Boyne athletes welcomed participants from other clubs into their teams, ensuring that no athlete was left without a chance to compete. This gesture of inclusivity and teamwork exemplified the spirit of the Club.
With the enthusiastic support of the spectators, who cheered on every runner, the relays became a superb finish to an already outstanding day. The Boyne AC athletes not only added more medals to their tally but also created lasting memories of camaraderie and unity, making it a truly memorable end to the season.
On the senior athletes side, Boyne AC’s athletes took to Phoenix Park on Saturday for the Frank Duffy 10-Miler, a key event in their marathon training regimen. Despite the warm and balmy conditions, the athletes put on an impressive display of endurance and preparation.
Mark Dowling led the way for the team, crossing the finish line in 1:13:55, showcasing his strong running form. Close behind him was Keith Smyth, who finished in 1:14:21, maintaining a solid pace throughout the race.
Paul Brennan had a mighty run, finishing comfortably in 1:26:41. Meanwhile, Rosaleen Byrne and Lisa Lambe dug deep to finish just over the 1:30 mark, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
Deirdre Cadden, Jean Marie Nawn, Joan Cadden, and Julie Gibson also tackled the 16k distance with strength, finishing the race strong and gaining valuable experience as they prepare for the upcoming Dublin Marathon.
The Frank Duffy 10-Miler served as an excellent preparation race, keeping all the athletes focused and committed to their training schedules. With the Dublin Marathon on the horizon, the team is poised for another great performance in October. Excitement is building as the marathon date approaches, promising another memorable event for Boyne AC’s senior athletes.
