Pictures-Amazing weekend for Kilkenny athletes in Athlone

Athlone was the destination as days one and two of the All-Ireland juvenile indoor championships were held at the weekend in Athlone.

Such is the national standard of athletics right now, to qualify for these nationals from provincial competition is an outstanding achievement in itself. The All-Irelands are held over three days, with over 60 athletes from eight athletic clubs in Kilkenny competing in individual events, while eight relay teams will be in action on the last day.

Day one saw gold for Chloe Lynch (Gowran) in the under-19 pole vault and Conor Knox (Kilkenny City Harriers - KCH) jumping to a first place in boys’ under-14 long jump.

Victor Lamph (Thomastown) secured a stunning silver in the boys’ under-17 60m hurdles. Aisling Phelan (KCH) ran a strong race in the girls’ under-16 200m to finish with a well-earned silver. Kate Maher, following on from her Leinster gold in the girls’ under-17 200m, ran in third for a bronze medal.

After much success on day one the athletes were back on the track on Sunday for the 60m sprints, 400m sprints, 1,500m middle distance and walks. First up on the podium in the 60m sprint was Elvis Urbstas (St Joseph’s), taking silver in the boys’ under-13 60m.

Jasmine Timmons McEneaney (KCH) ran a superb heat for first and followed that with a strong finish in the final to secure gold in the girls’ under-15 60m. Her clubmate Aisling Phelan (KCH) had another fantastic day on the track to add another silver to her weekend tally, finishing second in the girls’ under-16 60m.

The fast walking was once again a strong medal event for Kilkenny athletes with Tadgh O’Callaghan (St Senan’s) claiming bronze in the boys’ under-14 1,000m walk. Amy Walsh (St Joseph’s) walked an incredible time of 7:22.42 to earn gold in the girls’ under-16 1,500m walk and a new personal best (PB).

Evan Walsh once again showed his strong walking abilities when he won silver in the boys’ under-18 1,500m walk with a new PB.

Cross Country

Having succumbed to three separate weather warnings over the last four months, the 2024 over-35 county cross-country races finally had their evening in Grennan, Thomastown recently.

Running on yet another wet evening, fortunately the course held up well for both the women and men in the final event to tally points for the overall county senior cross-country results. Kilkenny City Harriers (KCH) came out on top with St Joseph’s in second and Gowran in third. Well done to all those who competed on the night and throughout the championships.

Dunboyne 10km

The Dunboyne 10km road race was held in March, incorporating the national 10km championship road race. There is always a large number of participants for this race, which is in its 54th year of competition, given the circuit is relatively flat and provides a great potential for athletes to target a fast time personal best (PB).

Four runners from Kilkenny competed on the day. James Kelly (Castlecomer AC) was the first Kilkenny athlete home in 71st place in a time of 33.03. He was followed by the Kilkenny City Harriers trio of Eamonn O’Connor in 186th place in 35.18, Colm Smyth was 204th in 35.33 and Fergus Horgan was 570th in 42.23.