Laura McSweeney and Eric Stam were part of the Irish schools team at the Celtic Schools international Indoors in Cardiff on 21st February.

Laura had a personal best throw in the shot of 10.45m which won her a silver medal. Eric also won silver for the high jump also with a personal best performance of 1.77m. Eric won a bronze medal for the shot. Laura was representing Coláiste na Toirbhirte and Eric, Coláiste Cholm in Ballincollig. Well done to both.
Closer to home the same weekend, Mark O’Sullivan won the boys U17 All Ireland B Cross Country Championships in Lough Key, Roscommon. Liz Prout finished in 10th position in the girls U17 race. Tom Laffan ran in the All Ireland Masters Cross Country Championships at the same venue winning bronze as part of the Cork team which finished in third place. Carmel Crowley finished in 9th place overall and was part of the gold medal winning Cork team.
On the road, Tim Lucey took the third prize in the M45 category in the Dungarvan 10 mile on 31st January. Tom Laffan was second over 40 at the Mallow 10 on 7th February. Tim Lucey finished second over 45. The inaugural Valley Ring Bantry 10 mile road race was run through the scenic Mealagh Valley on 14th February over a tough hilly course. Tom Laffan was fifth overall first over O-40 and Tom Sheehan came first O-45. Joe O’Sullivan came third O-45. Matthew Gedden also ran. The Eagle AC 5 mile took place on February 28th in Carrigaline with Tim Lucey taking second place O-45. Declan O’Halloran also competed well on the day.
Upcoming events include the Munster Juvenile Indoor Championships in Nenagh on March 6th and 7th. The Club Awards Night will take place on Friday 12th March and The West Cork Road Races will be held in Dunmanway on Sunday 14th March at 12 noon. Club registration continues. All club members should ensure that they register for 2010. Only registered members can compete at any AAI events, however, registration is also necessary in order to train with the club. Application forms can be downloaded from the club website www.bandonathleticclub.com.