All Ireland team games and relays
Bandon AC athletes that competed in these games
Ruairi Harrington, Max Halahan, Mark Collins, Luke Quinlan, Eoghan Cassidy, Conor Payne, David O Donoghue, Hugh O’ Mahony, Henry Obialor, Jack Cullen, Callum McCourt, Cian Walsh.
Competitions
Turbo Javelin U10, Turbo javelin U9, Turbo javelin U 11, 500mtrs Boys U10, Relays U9 boys, Relays U10 boys
On Friday 28th June these 11 Bandon athletes travelled with there parents to Stranroar Co. Donegal for the All-Ireland team games and relays. This was a 7 hour bus journey which for some was there first All-Ireland adventure. We all stayed in the outskirts of Donegal town on friday night in a hostel. Some of the athletes travelled in camper vans, went to see families on the way, but for all kids it was an exciting adventure to qualify and compete at this high level in athletics. The weather conditions weren’t ideal but for the most it was dry.
The first event for the Bandon Athletes were U10 turbo javelin which was Callum McCourt and his partner Jack Cullen. Callum and jack threw well and were successful and achieved 3rd place they took to the podium with great excitement.
Next was U9 Turbo Javelin, Eoghan Cassidy and his partner David O Donoghue and also Hugh O’ Mahony and his partner Conor Payne. Eoghan and David were successful in getting silver while conor and hugh were just out of the medals by 24cm.
Turbo Javelin U11 where we had 2 teams consisting of Ruairi Harrington andLuke Quinlan on 1 team and Max Hallahan, mark Collins in the other. There was great competition between these 2 teams where Ruairi and Luke came out on top with First place and a gold medal and very close in silver medal position were Max and Mark, there was nothing between these 2 teams.
Now we take to the track with partners Callum McCourt and Jack cullen. I watched both running there respective races and the determination on both faces were evident as they ran by and they left everything on the track.
Last but not not least we have the U9 & U10 relays. All were on a high from the success of the day and were up to give it their all to bring back some relay medals to Bandon. First up were the U9’s who had great changing zones and made the most of the batten change and got 3rd place and a bronze medal. On this team was Eoghan Cassidy, David O’ Donoghue, Jack Payne, Cian Walsh and Hugh O’ Mahony. The U10 team consisting of Callum McCourt, Henry Obialor, Jack Cullen, and Eoghan Cassidy. The U10’s Had stiff competition and were unlucky not to bring something home in the relays.
We should be proud of these athletes but not forget that they are only kids the nerves were high on the day which makes it all the more amazing that they competed and achieved such greatness at this high level and bring home so many medals. There were also some other athletes that were not able to make it up to Donegal that have to be commended. All the parents of these athletes should be proud of their achievements, the KIDS should be proud of their achievements. But most of all these kids had a ball in this great adventure that was All-Ireland’s , which is most important !!!
We all at the weekend would like to thank the coaches for putting there time into training these athletes. Proof is in the pudding. Where we succeeded in bringing home many medals. So your hard work paid off!! Thank you lads.
Our journey was made all the better our bus driver James of Johnston’s coaches Timoleague. Who was a total professional to all concerned. Thank You James