Bandon AC U9 & U10 All Ireland Success
Eleven Bandon AC athletes travelled with their parents and coaches to the other end of the country, namely Stranorlar, Co Donegal for the AAI All Ireland U9 & U10Team Games and Relays, hosted by Finn Valley AC, which took place on Saturday 29th June 2013. This was quite an adventure entailing a 7 hour bus journey and it was for some their first occasion to achieve the distinction of competing at All Ireland level. Unfortunately weather conditions were not ideal that weekend, but it was dry for the most part and not too inclement. The events were all for U9s and U10s and included Turbo Javelin, 500m and Team Relays.
The first to compete were Callum McCourt along with partner Jack Cullen in the U10 Turbo Javelin event. With some excellent throwing, they were justly rewarded, finishing in third place. It was a proud moment for them, their families and the Club as they were presented with their All Ireland bronze medals. Eoghan Cassidy with partner David O’Donoghue won silver in the U9 Turbo Javelin. Hugh O’Mahony and Conor Payne were unlucky to be just outside the medal positions on this occasion, their throw being short by mere 24cms. The two U11 Turbo Javelin teams took the top honours in their competition winning All Ireland gold and silver medals with very little between them. Ruairí Harrington and Luke Quinlan were on the winning team and Max Hallahan and Mark Collins are the silver medal holders.
On the track, partners Callum McCourt and Jack Cullen put in a determined effort in the 500m finishing in 5th position.
The final events of the day were the U9 & U10 Relays, with athletes on a high from earlier successes; they were determined to increase the number of medals to be brought back to Bandon. The U9 team consisting of Eoghan Cassidy, David O’Donoghue, Jack Payne, Cian Walsh and Hugh O’Mahony ran superbly with accomplished baton changing, to win them the bronze medal position. U10 team, Callum McCourt, Henry Obialor, Jack Cullen and Eoghan Cassidy were up against stiff competition and were unfortunate to finish outside the winning positions on this occasion. Bandon should be justly proud of these young athletes who travelled such a distance to compete against their equivalents from across the entire country and who brought home so many All Ireland medals. They started out earlier in the season at West Cork level, continued through County and Munster to All Ireland competition so they are to be congratulated all round! Their coaches are also commended for their dedicated training and mentoring throughout. It should be noted also that, in addition to high level competition, and just as important for these U9s and U10, the entire experience was one of fun, adventure and camaraderie.