Following a two year hiatus due to covid, the Irish Schools Athletics Track and field championships got underway last week, with the North Leinster competition taking place on Wednesday and Friday last.
Representing their individual secondary schools, athletes from across the north of the province descended upon Morton Stadium in Santry for two action packed days of competition, and for most, their first time to take part in a schools competition.
Whilst many competitors would also be members of their local athletics club, the competition also gives non-members the opportunity to experience a high level athletics event, and compete alongside their school peers.
In action on day 1, Boyne AC saw 12 athletes competing across a variety of events, with plenty of medal winning performances, and places secured for the Leinster Schools in three weeks’ time.
On the track, Leon King Abor took his usual top spot on the podium in the boys 100m sprint representing St. Oliver’s school, followed closely by Sean Stratton in 2nd, and Adam Byrne, just pipped on the line into 4th place, both running in the yellow vest of St Marys Diocesan.
In the girls 100m, Nina King Abor took the second gold of the day for this talented family, while younger brother Ledley took 2nd place in his 100m sprint, both also representing St Oliver’s.
Aimee Rice was part of the gold medal winning relay team representing Greenhills School, a great result for this young lady who works tirelessly at every training session, and is starting to reap the rewards. Also running well in their events were Stella Higgins, Harry Bell and Calum Reilly.
Aimee Rice and Stella Higgins at the Schools competition.
On the field, Oliver Carolan, no stranger to the medal winner’s podium, took gold in the boys Javelin, and silver in the Shot Put representing St Marys Diocesan, while Euan Canniffe, representing Drogheda Grammar School, added yet another gold to his ever growing collection, with a fine win in the Javelin.
Hannelle Raji jumped a new PB of 4.40m to take a comfortable win in the long jump, another exciting prospect for the upcoming track and field season.
Day two saw yet some more amazing performances from Boyne AC athletes, with Hannah Newman the big winner on the day, taking gold in both the girls u16 Shot Put and Long Jump, representing Drogheda Youthreach, this young lady is continuing to go from strength to strength and is set for a very successful season this year. Hannele Raji took yet another medal as she secured bronze in the shot put.
Hannah Newman and Euan Canniffe were both medal winners at the North Leinster Schools competition.
Nina King Abor was back on the podium as she took a comfortable win in her 200m final and it was a 1,2,3 in the senior boys 200m with Leon King Abor 1st, Sean Stratton 2nd and Adam Byrne 3rd – super results from these hard working team mates.
Out on the field, it was yet another Gold for Euan Canniffe in the senior boys Discus. Finishing off a great day, Adam and Sean, along with Cathal Monaghan, took home gold in the senior 4X100 relay finals representing St Marys Diocesan School.
All medal winners now qualify for the Leinster Schools, where more exciting performances are guaranteed.
