Conor McMahon & Jonathan Commins – Ardee & District A.C.
Day 3 and 4 of the Leinster indoors championships took place this weekend and finally it was the turn of Ardee and District athletes. Conor McMahon, Niamh Tenanty and Jonathan Commins travelled to the world standard indoor stadium at Athlone institute of technology to compete for the provisional titles.
On Saturday Niamh Tenanty was first out for the club in the girls u16 200m. Due to the large number taking part in this event all heats were run on times with the fasted six making it through to the final. Niamh took off like a bullet from a gun in lane 6. She pushed hard around the bend to finish with a time just outside qualification for the final.
Just before lunch Conor McMahon headed to pit 2 for the boys u16 long jump. Conor’s first attempt was deemed a foul jump, however his second jump of 5.36m put him back into contention and up among the leaders. A winning leap of 5.52m was enough for Conor to secure the title of Leinster indoor long jump champion for the second year running.
Conor McMahon – u16 Leinster Indoor Long Jump Champion
Meanwhile over at the shot Jonathan Commins proved he was back on form after being out injured due to a broken collar bone. With three throws done Jonathan was up among to top of the group. A mighty throw of 12.21m earned Jonathan the silver medal for second place.
Jonathan Commins 2nd u15 shot putt
After a break on the track it was time for the hurdles. Again Jonathan showed a return to form in the u15 final where he took on a strong field to finish in third place and again take his place on the podium.
Jonathan Commins – 3rd u15 hurdles
High drama surrounded the boys u16 hurdles final as the crowd cheered on the athletes and Conor McMahon finished in second place. But there the drama began when track referees called the race null and void. It was then a decision had to made as to when to rerun the race and immediately was decided. Lady Luck did not shine on Conor as this time he was placed just outside the medals.
Away from track and field Abbie Sheridan was representing Ardee community school in the schools all Ireland cross country. Abbie had a great run out running the course among the leaders in the field to come home in a great 14th place.