Sun Shines brightly on St Abban’s Open Sports

A large crowd descended upon Monavea on Bank Holiday Monday to take part in the 28th Annual Open Sports. 40 clubs were represented across the day with the bright sunshine helping to make for a great day of athletics. Events catered for athletes from U8 all the way up to Junior with a selection of sprints, long distance, jumps and throws on offer for budding athletes. Athletes took part in relays to round out the day with each club looking to score points towards the overall team competition. The competition was tough throughout the day with plenty of close calls for the finishing judges. It was the local club, Barrow Valley with a total of 61 points who emerged victorious as the overall winners on the day, beating Ferrybank and St Laurence O’ Toole’s into 2nd and 3rd. Many thanks to all of those who attended the Open Sports, we look forward to competing against you in County, Leinster and National competitions throughout the year. A huge thank you also to the club volunteers who ensured the day ran smoothly. A final word of thanks to the event sponsors Newhaven Kitchens and Bedrooms and Councillor Ben Brennan for their ongoing generosity.

St Abbans Fit4Life League begins in Luggacurran

The Fit4Life League began on Wednesday night last, with Luggacurran the traditional starting venue. 187 people took part in the 4km event, one of the largest numbers ever for the first stage of the Summer League. Kristian Redmond was first home in 13:56 while Grace Reilly was the first lady past the finish line. As is always the case there was a great variety of runners, joggers and walkers with all levels and abilities welcomed to the League. A huge thank you to James Kilbride and his team in Luggacurran who ensured everyone received some refreshments afterwards. The next stage of the League will take place in Killeen (R93 E922) on the 21st May starting at 7:30pm. Anybody looking to take part can sign up online at PopUp Races.

Track Season Begins with Irish Milers Club and Graded Leagues

Some of the club’s senior athletes got their Outdoor Track and Field season underway over the weekend with a track meet taking place in Mary Peter’s Stadium Belfast and in Morton Stadium Santry. In Belfast, Maisy O Sullivan was in action in the Women’s 1500 where her time of 4:22 saw her finish in 7th place. Cheryl Nolan finished 6th in the Women’s 3000m in a time of 9:29. Both ladies have just returned from a stint at altitude training and will be hoping to reap the benefits of this over the next few weeks. John Delaney improved his 800m PB in the Men’s C race when he ran 1:54. On Sunday, Cian Kelly placed first in the Dublin Graded series clocking 3:53. Niall Harvey finished in 3rd place with a 4:06 run. In the Women’s 1500m Emily O Shea took victory in 4:33 while Niamh Quinn placed 5=4th running 4:55.