Regional Sports Hub in Tipperary hosted top class athletics meeting
European qualification standards achieved at Clonmel event
The inaugural IMC (Irish Milers Club) Meet at the Regional Sports Hub in Clonmel was a clear indication of the quality of Irish Athletics, especially at Under 20 and Under 23 level.
The meet produced a plethora of European qualification standards in what was regarded as an excellent meeting in the sunny southeast.
Eimear Maher in the 3k, Emily Bolton in the 1,500 metres, Thomas Williams in the Hammer, Theo Hanlon in the Shot Putt, Gemma Galvin and Saoirse Fitzgerald in the 800 metres all finished within their respective standards, with Pia Langton and Daisy Walker just 0.1 of a second off theirs.
On the home front Cathal de Faoite, Clonmel AC, who is coached by Patrick Davoren, Sports Facility Coordinator at the Sports Hub, finished a competitive second in the D 800 metres in a personal best of 2.00.5 in his first track race of the year, which bodes well for the rest of the season. Conor O’Flaherty ran 4.08 in the 1,500 metres.
There were eight competitors in the Paralympic Mile and 170 in the Primary school mile. 30 athletes competed in the Hammer and seven in the Shot Putt.
There was also music and everyone was kept up to date with the events by informative MC Jack Hickey from UL.
Sponsors Camida were excellent in providing prizes for A race winners and the Hammer.
Medals were presented in all events and there were medallions for competitors and officials in the throwing events.