The u14 – u19 Leinster track and field championships took place over 2 days last weekend. Ardee & District A.C. had three athletes present in Tullamore to represent them.
Abbie Sheridan & Conor McMahon – Ardee & District A.C.
In the beautiful sunshine Conor McMahon made his way to the u16 boys long jump. Here Conor added a hugh 29cms to his previous personal best with a fantastic leap of 5.89m. This was enough to secure Conor the first place gold medal and once again take the Leinster long jump title.
Conor McMahon – Leinster u16 Long Jump Champion
Abbie Sheridan was among the large field in the u14 girls high jump competition. Abbie equaled her pb of 1.35m to finish in 9th place. In the afternoon Abbie competed in the the u14 girls 1500m. With the race being set at a slow pace Abbie moved out of the pack and decided to take the race on. Leading the field most of the way Abbie was beaten into 4th place on the home straight. Although just outside a medal position Abbie has now qualified for her first ever National track and field championships.
The championships continued on Sunday and Tullamore was in receipt of all of Irelands 4 seasons as the beautiful sunshine was mixed with light rain and at times some strong winds.
Amy Manning was first out on the track for Ardee & District A.C. competing in the u15 girls 800m. Amy finished her race but had to retire from her other events due to a stomach bug.
Conor McMahon was on a high from Saturdays long jump as he made his way to the u16 boys high jump. Clearing the heights right up to 1.70m, there remained just two athletes left to attempt 1.73m height and claim the Leinster title. Both boys missed the bar and Conor was awarded second place after count back.
Conor McMahon – Leinster u16 High Jump Silver Winner
Also in action on Sunday was Abbie Sheridan in the u14 girls long jump. Abbie’s first three jumps earned her a place among the top eight athletes to take a further three jumps. Her best attempt of 4.26m saw her achieve a personal best.
Conor and Abbie will now both go forward to represent Ardee and district ac in the national finals in early July.