National B Championships and Relay Championships

Tullamore Harriers once again played host to last weekend’s championships where it was the turn of the older juveniles to shine and showcase their talents on track. We had a small cohort of athlete’s who qualified through their provincials and they included our 4x100m U16 Team of Ruth Phelan, Emma Delaney, Niamh Cleere, Aisling O’ Reilly, Dearbhla Gleeson and Kate Delaney. U16 middle distance duo of Emma and Kate Delaney in the 800m and our speedy sprinter Faye Murphy who was our youngest athlete competing on the day in the U12 60m.

U12 60m Sprint.

Faye Murphy had an excellent day. She navigated through her heat with ease as she clocked 9.18 to win heat 3 of 4 and qualify to the final later that morning. This was a very competitive final but Faye remained cool, collective and focused on the task at hand. Faye lined up in lane 3 for the final and as the gun sounded she powered down the track and fought every step of the way with athlete’s running either side of her not giving an inch. Faye showed her brilliance and was rewarded for her efforts as she crossed the line just ever so narrowly missing out on victory but an extremely close second in 9.00 just behind the St. Gerard’s Athlete who won in 8.92. Faye ran exceptionally well and was rewarded for her hard work and dedication all season. A huge congratulations to her, bringing home more silverware and yet another National medal to the club! A terrific performance!

U16 800m

Twins Emma and Kate have had a good campaign as they are getting accustomed to the art of 800m running. An event that is tough to master the girls have learned a lot this season and were rewarded with a qualification to run in this year’s National B final. In a good field of athlete’s Emma finished and excellent 4^th place in a time of 2.36.90 just narrowly missing out on the bronze by less than a second in a tight finish! Kate finished 9^th clocking 2.52.70, well done to her. The girls have been progressing well and with personal bests all season the girls can be pleased with their efforts and look forward to a well earned break and start the build towards the indoor season come Autumn. Well done Emma and Kate!

U16 Relay

Finally it was the turn of the Relay’s to conclude the day’s events. This group of young ladies have been training collectively for a number of months under the expertise of coach Martin and her in Tullamore they lined up in heat heat of the 4x100m with Dearbhla Gleeson in the blocks, as the starter set them on their way, the changeovers where good and the girls ran their best on the day to finish 5^th in their heat in a time of 55.99. Not enough on this occasion to make it to the final but a solid effort all the same and again something to build and learn from as they conclude their season and look ahead to indoors and 2024. Well done girls on your efforts all season!

Special thanks again to the coaches and parents for their support and guidance all year. It’s always appreciated. It’s been an excellent track and field campaign and its all down to team effort! We look forward to our next few athlete’s who are competing in their Nationals the end of the month and they are Maria Doyle in the Discus, race walker Michael Doyle and Senior Athlete’s Katie Bergin 100m and 200m along with Sharon Cantwell 3000m S/c. Good luck to all of them!

Dundrum Coilte 10k Road Race

On Wednesday evening Stephen Flanagan and Sharon Cantwell headed to Dundrum AC to support the Annual Coilte 10k. A large attendance of athlete’s were present on an evening where weather conditions were considerably cool and suitable for racing over this distance. Fast times were recorded along with PB’s across the boards! One recipient of a new PB was our very own Stephen who has returned to the road racing scene following his successes over the obstacles at the Red Bull Series. Stephen ran a sub 36min 10k for the first time clocking 35.55 to finish in a respectable 35^th position! Well done Stephen and keep up the good work. Meanwhile, Sharon dusted off her racing shoes and finished 12^th female (108^th overall) in a time of 40.53.

Split the Bucket

Last week’s winner was Aaron Ryan, Glengoole who won €92. Well done Aaron! We ask patrons to continue to support the split the bucket draw throughout the summer by purchasing a €2 ticket in the local shop, pub and on our website. Thanks for all the support.