National Masters Cross Country Championships, Westport

The National Masters Cross Country Championships took place in Westport on Sunday last. St Abbans had two athletes in action. Claire Phelan was competing in the W40 category where she finished in 22 position. Dick Mullins competed in the M75 category where he finished in an excellent 2nd place. Well done to both athletes, who will now turn their attention to track and road events after today’s final piece of action in the Cross-Country calendar.

National Indoor Track and Field League

Due to Round 1 of the National League being rescheduled the League took on a new format where the final was replaced with two Rounds and the scores added together to give an overall finishing position. With this in mind St Abbans AC, had both a Men’s and Women’s team in action on Day 2 of the League which was held on Saturday 8th February in TUS Athlone.
There were 4 athletes in action for the Ladies team. Katie Baldwin finished 14th in the Women’s 200m and Bernie Lawless came 13th in the Weight for Distance. Saragh Buggy continued her return to competition when she placed 2nd in the Women’s Triple Jump. The standout out performer on the ladies team was Maisy O Sullivan who took maximum points in the Women’s 800m when she won in a time of 2:10.
On the Men’s team, James Hyland was 8th in the Men’s 60m Hurdles. John Delaney placed 5th in a competitive 800m in a time of 1.56. Cian Kelly ran a strong 3000m to come home in 8:34 which was good enough for 3rd. Ger Kelly’s throw of 5:13m saw him finish in 6th place, while the Men’s 4 by 400m team finished in 11th. Matthew Rossiter claimed maximum points  in the Men’s Pole Vault when his clearance at 4.20m saw him win the competition. After the points were added up from Round 1 and 2 the Ladies team finished in 14th place while the Men were just outside the top 10 in 11th place.
A noteworthy performance in the Guest 400m was that of Eoghan Buggy who was back among the 49 second club running 49.93 for the two laps. It was great to see Eoghan back in action after some injuries in recent months.
Many thanks to all the athletes who took part across both days of the League and to all those who were involved in organising teams for both days.