The rain in Morton Stadium, Santry for the Universities International and the AAI Combined events was the worst I had ever seen at a track competition and it made life difficult for athletes and organisers alike. A one hour suspension around 11am turned into about a 2 hour break and even then the events resumed in heavy rain, just not as heavy as earlier!
Laura McSweeney was on the Irish Universities team and taking part in the Shot Put which eventually got underway at about the 3rd time of asking. Heavy rain made conditions difficult for the athletes but it soon emerged as a close battle between two Irish girls. The lead changed hands a few times with very little between the athletes but at the end Laura emerged a deserved winner.

At a very wet track in Tullamore at an Irish Millers organised Track event Scott Gibson took part in the 400m and finished in 4th place in a fast time despite the conditions.

In the Juvenile Combined Events in Santry the club had 3 athletes in action. Combined events can be hard enough but when you factor in heavy rain and weather delaying events and other events being cancelled it makes it even harder for athletes to prepare, so fair play to all of them.
Amy ODonoghue was in the u15 and after the hurdles and long jump was in contention for a medal. Then a break of over 2 hours due to the weather, the high jump was cancelled so just the Shot and 800m left. At the end of the day Amy finished in a gutsy 5th place which may have better if the high jump had been held but still a great experience for her.
In the boys u15 Diarmuid OConnor was always in control, he won the hurdles and finished 2nd in the Shot to be leading before weather enforced break. On resuming he won the Long Jump and 800m to win Gold.
Tristan Chambers put in a good performance also in the u15 where he was in contention for a medal heading into the final event before finished in 4th place overall.

Much better weather in Belgium at the IFAM track and field meeting where Phil Healy and Laura Nicholson were in action.
Phil contested the 400m where she finished 3rd in her heat in a fast time of 54:32. Laura Nicholson was in heat 3 of 5 in the 1500m and took to the line with 18 other athletes which made for a very crowded track! Laura didn’t let it impact her as she finished in 5th place in a new personal best of 4:41:55 ahead of many senior athletes.

Well done everyone.