The start of the outdoor track and field competition began on Saturday last with Louth athletics hosting the pre Louth championships in Bush track. For many of the younger members this is a great introduction into the athletic sport as many get to compete on a tartan track for the first time and many disciplines of the sport are on offer.
A group of over 30 Ardee and district athletes congregated at the distinct blue Ardee tent awaiting the start of the events.
Jessica McCarron showed great potential in the u8 turbo jav winning the event with a super sequence of throws. Caoimhe Carolan eased into the final of the u8 60m despite the very large numbers and was only beaten on the line for a medal in the final.
In the boys u8 Fintan Kelly earned silver for second place in his favourite event the turbo jav. While out on the track both Dylan McCarron and Arthur Sands both ran well in the sprints.
Paulina Kelly won gold for first place in the u10 turbo jav showing a liking for this field event. The young athlete also won bronze in the longer u9 200m sprint.
A clean sweep of gold, silver and bronze medals was the prize for multi talented Rob Kelly in the boys u10. Rob finished first in his 200m timed heat finishing ahead of Darragh Osborn who finished just outside the medals. The silver medal for second place was awarded for Robs efforts in the turbo jav with Joe Murphy taking the third place bronze medal. Robs third medal was won in the closely contested 80m sprint. Jack McCarron joined Rob, Darragh and Joe for the 4x100m relay. The boys stormed around the track to pick up gold for their impressive win.
Samantha McCarron competed with distinction in the girls u11 events narrowly missing out on a medal. Hallie Sands showed true grit on the track when she finished third in both the 80m and 400m. Hallie then grouped with Ava McNally, Ruth Gillespie and Orlaith Carolan to take home gold for first place in the u11 4x100m.
Kyle Quinn was unlucky not to pick up a medal in the boys u12 80m where the line divided 2nd,3rd and 4th place leaving the referees decision final.
Charlotte Osborn, Rebecca McCarron, Eireann Hoey, Adah Murphy, Emma Gillespie and Aoibhean Carolan all acquitted themselves well in the u12/13 events.
Middle and long distance runner Abbie Sheridan took gold when she stormed twice around the track finishing first in the girls u14 800m.
It was silver for second place for Amy Manning in the u15 800m race.
Jonathan Commins showed a return to form in the boys u15 events. Jonathan won silver in both the long jump and the 100m sprint. He then moved up an age to win silver in the u16 shot putt throwing the heavier 4k implement.
Sister Tara and Niamh McGuinness finished in 4th and 5th in the girls u16 100m final.
It was double gold for Conor McMahon. Conor picked up his first gold in the u17 long jump where his best effort of 5.41 secured first place. His second place cam in the u16 100m sprint final.
Well done to all those who competed and looking forward to the outdoor season. Check out more photos from the days action below:
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