Week ending Saturday 16th May
International duty for Jamie Battle
Last week, Athletics Ireland announced the team to compete at the European 10,000m Cup in La Spezia, Italy on Saturday week (23 May) and we’re delighted to note that selected on the team is our own Jamie Battle. It’s been over three years since Jamie wore the green for Ireland, the last time was at the European Cross Country in Turin where he won u/23 team bronze, so this will be his first Senior cap. Congratulations from everyone at the Club and we wish Jamie the very best of luck in Italy.
Hugo Smith Memorial 5k
The Healthy Offaly 5k series reached Ferbane last Friday evening when Ferbane AC staged their annual Hugo Smith Memorial 5k. Over 340 runners completed the race on an overcast but humid evening and a stiff headwind with some rolling hills made for challenging but fair conditions in the first 2k. There was a pleasant downhill final kilometre with the wind assisting for most of the final 500m. Five members of Mullingar Harriers completed the race, led home by Eddie Lynch in 18:23, winning his master category, followed by Sharon O’Dowd in 18:57, the second woman finisher, then Orlaith Flanagan (19:09) fourth woman, Lorraine Claffey (22:43) and Michael O’Sullivan (23:35) [MO’S].
Leixlip 5k
Patrick Muldoon was the sole representative from Mullingar Harriers among just over 200 others at the Leixlip 5k last Friday evening. Hosted by Le Cheile AC, the race took place in overcast and humid conditions, and the course looped around the town, with the finish on the club’s all-weather track, followed by a fine spread of refreshments in the club house after the race. Patrick was happy to finish well up in his master category in 22:22 [GD].
Volunteers needed
The Westmeath Community Games T&F Finals will be held at the Club Grounds this coming Sunday morning and we’re looking for as much help as possible from club members. To avoid a clash with the Westmeath v Dublin game in Croke Park at 2pm, the first event will start at 9am and by using the sprint lanes on the grass infield and the outer circular track at the same time, the programme will run very quickly and everything will be finished before midday to let everyone get home to see the match on television. It’s an early start and set-up will obviously take time, so if you can spare a few hours please be at the Club Grounds at 7.30am. If you can assist, please let Club officials know this week at training.
North Leinster Schools T&F
A number of the Club’s underage athletes were in action last week for their Schools and Colleges at the North Leinster Schools T&F in Santry on Wednesday and Friday. As expected, a great many of them – far too many to mention by name – secured places at the Leinster Schools Finals next week in Tullamore, the final step towards the All-Ireland Finals at the end of May.
Closing dates for entries to Leinster Outdoor T&F
Entries for Leinster T&F competitions are now open but please take note of the closing dates. Entries for the u/20, Senior and Masters T&F and combined events close this Friday (May 15); entries for the Children’s Games (under 9, 10, 11) and for under 12 and 13 T&F close next week (May 22); entries for juvenile relays and combined events close on May 29; and entries for juveniles under 14 to 19 T&F close on June 5. Don’t leave it too late to submit your entry in case you have problems with the online entry system. As always, if anyone has any difficulty submitting their entries, please don’t hesitate to contact Greg.
Check the Club’s website at www.mullingarharriers.com or its Facebook page for all the latest news.
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