On Sat 20th of Sept a number of Bandon AC athletes, coaches and officials will be on a journey into the history books. The club have two teams competing in the European Junior Track & Field Championships in Portugal, not only is this the first time Bandon AC will be competing in this event, its the first time both boys and girls team from the same club have qualified to represent Ireland in this event. This is truly a fantastic achievement for the club and the people involved.
The captain for the womens team will be Laura McSweeney who will contest the Shot Put and Hammer. Laura is the current National U20 Champion in the Shot Put and has represented Ireland in both Shot Put and Hammer on a number of occasions at under age level. Other throwers include Fiona Duggan (Discus) and Erin Kington(Javelin). Fiona Everard is another on the womens team who has also represented Ireland at underage level, Fiona will be contesting the 1500m and will be joined on the team by her sister Aisling who will contest the SteepleChase. In the jumps events, the team will be well represented by Aisling Kelly, Ella Nicholson, Emma Young and Helena Murphy. The sprints and hurdles will see Erin Kingston, Ella Nicholson, Sinead Caulfield, Aisling Kelly in action.
The boys team like the womens team, has a very experienced athlete taking on the captains role. Colin Kingston who is the current National U20 Champion in the Discus will contest both the Discus and Javelin. Colin has previously represented Ireland at under age level in the Discus. James french is another thrower on the team with international experience and he will contest the Shot Put and Hammer. The distance events will be contested by Thomas McCarthy and Gerard Crowley. Jumps will be Daniel O’Sullivan, Promise Okafor and Davide Mazzali. Scott Gibson who represented Ireland at U18 level earlier this year will contest his favorite event the 400m while the other sprints will be contested by Promise Okafor, Jake Englis, Daniel Hathaway,
Mathew Draper,Christopher Anaba and Frank Dijotsa.The versatile Gavin Hicks and Fiachra Harrington are traveling as substitutes and able to cover a number of events should the need arise.
There will also be a 4x100m and a 4x400m relay for both teams which will be the last events of the days so should see great excitement with vital points at stake.
Both teams are against some strong teams in their divisions, the girls team are up against teams representing countries such as Germany, Holland, Portugal, Estonia, Serbia, Slovakia and Lithuania. While In the boys are against teams from Estonia, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Wishing both teams the best of luck on the day and safe traveling.
A large amount of fundraising was done to help reduce the cost of the event for those traveling, so would like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who contributed at the various events.