AAI National Juvenile u/13 to u/19 T&F 2022 – Day 1 (3rd July)

We returned to a quieter Tullamore on Sunday 3rd July for Day 1 of the AAI National Juvenile u/13 to u/19 T&F, where Mullingar had three in action. Beibhinn O’Reilly contested the u/13 girls 600m and put in a very determined effort but despite her best efforts, she finished out of the medals but has to be very satisfied to have competed in a National final and will benefit from the experience.

The first heat of two of the u/17 boys 800m was a very bumpy affair from the start but Philip McCartan got stuck in and kept himself in contention with a very solid run but he was very unlucky to be run out of the qualifying places in the closing stages and he didn’t advance to the final.

Availing of the open entry system for older juveniles, Ross Killalea made his debut over the tough steeplechase wooden barriers and water jump in the u/18 boys 3,000m steeplechase, though the way he competed you would never believe it was his first time to run the event. Seven and a half laps and thirty five barriers to negotiate is guaranteed to sap the energy of the best but Ross managed in in great style. Moving into third place midway he looked certain to win a medal but unfortunately, he was overtaken with two laps to go and though he worked very hard to get back on terms he finished in 4th place, but can be very proud of his effort.