International athlete Joan Healy was in action again in Tallinn, Estonia recently at the European Athletics Junior Championships where she reached the semi final of the 100m sprint where she finished sixth in a time of 11.99. Unfortunately, she did not qualify for the final but her performance at this competition means now that her European ranking has been upped from thirteenth to eleventh place.
Closer to home, Bandon AC athletes were in top form over the weekend in Tullamore at the third round of the AAI Juvenile Track and Field Championships which were held on Saturday 24th July followed by the AAI Relay Championships on Sunday 25th. Throwing champion Laura McSweeney brought home two gold medals in U17 Shot and Hammer. Phil Healy won the U18 200m making this her first individual gold medal title. Colin Kingston took silver in the U16 Shot. Bronze medals were won by the following; Patrick McSweeney (U19 Hammer), Lyn Bradfield, (U18 Shot), Fiona Duggan (U16 Discus), Robert O’Sullivan (U17 Javelin), Eric Stam (U18 Long Jump & Discus). This is fine achievement for these athletes competing at All Ireland Level. In the Juvenile Inter Club relays which marked the final day of the All Ireland Outdoor Championships this season, the girls U13 team brought home the only medal of the day finishing in third position. The team consisted of Kate Bernard, Amy Crowley, Ava Stack and Carla Hicks with Rachel O’Donovan as sub. Also competing on the day were the following relay teams; Girls U14, Boys U16 and Boys U19.
The Senior Ladies team competing in the National league are currently in third position in the Premier Division with one more round to go in August. Winning their events in the second round were Joan Healy (100m & 200m), Colette Tuthill (Walk), Orla Finn (400m Hurdles & Triple Jump), Róisín Howard (High Jump) Priscilla O’Sullivan (Discus). Second place finishers included Helena Murphy (Pole Vault), Rachel Roche (Javelin) with Priscilla & Róisín also finishing second in 100m Hurdles & Long Jump and Hammer respectively. The 4 x 100m team won their relay and the4 x 400m team finished second. Also competing well were Carmel Crowley (1,500m & 3,000m) & Lynn Bradfield (Shot Putt). If the team continue to perform at this level, they could be on track for the top placings.
The Club hosted a very successful Summer League for the West Cork Athletic Board at the Town Park on Friday 22nd July. Athletes from Skibbereen, Bantry, Courceys and Dohenys as well as a large contingent from Bandon all competed.
The club is taking a three week break from training after the August Bank Holiday weekend. Training will resume on Monday 22nd August.