Congratulations to our two fine athletes Jack O’Leary (Grammar) and Turlough Gray (Poetry) who achieved great success at the All Ireland Schools’ Athletics Championships held in Tullamore last Saturday, June 1st.
In one of the first, and most exciting events of the day, Turlough maintained his pace and composure to secure a richly deserved second place in the Senior 3k Walk. Race walking demands high levels of technical ability and athleticism and Turlough’s silver medal at All Ireland level takes a special place amongst an already impressive awards collection.
The Metric Mile has long been a distance that holds a special place in Irish athletics lore and this year’s Under 16 Mile did not disappoint. In what was a thrilling and highly tactical race, Jack O’Leary prevailed. Despite a relatively slow pace over the first 800 metres, Jack remained composed and in control throughout. As the pace increased, the field split into two groups and became increasingly physical with only the top runners coping with the blistering final 400 meters. It was Jack, however, who timed his break to perfection and crossed the line a convincing and elated All Ireland Champion.
