St Abban’s Athletics Club are set to host a celebration night for one of its members after they received a National Lifetime Services to Athletics Award.
Killeshin native Pat Kelly has made a huge contribution to the sport of athletics in Ireland over the past 50 years.
Firstly as an underage athlete where he won awards at County and Leinster level in cross country.
He was elected to the St. Abban’s club committee in 1969 and was elected treasurer in 1978.
Up until 2015, when he stood down from active club committee roles, he had held the positions of treasurer and secretary of the club, rotating every so often.
In the 90’s and early 2000’s he served as secretary of Laois County Board and Leinster Athletics, holding down all three (club, county and provincial) positions at the same time.
Not to mention PRO for Leinster Athletics at another stage, as well as one of the initial organisers of the Leinster Athletics Star Awards held annually in Carlow.
Big into coaching, he has been involved at all levels of the association, completing spells on both the management committee (four years) and the Senior Activities Committee (six years) of the National Athletics Boards.
The Pat Kelly Celebration Night will take place at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow on Friday February 24 at 8pm.
A spokesperson said: “We would like to mark his phenomenal contribution to athletics around the country with this event.
“The event is ticketed, but open to everyone with a 4 course meal and live music included in the ticket price. Tickets are available from Cathy Lawlor and are priced at €30.
“We look forward to welcoming you all to the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow to celebrate a man who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of so many.”
AAI Indoor Games, 29/1/23, TUS Athlone
The AAI Games were held in the Technological University of the Shannon on Sunday last with plenty of St Abban’s representation despite the university championships taking place the previous day.
In the Women’s Long Jump, Ruby Millet continued her winning streak, taking the victory with a best of 6.10m.
Ruby had two jumps measured at 6.10m, emphasising the consistency of her performances on the day. Katie Baldwin finished in 3rd place in the Women’s Triple Jump with a best of 9.54m.
Aoibhin McDonald also continued her fine form from last week when she finished in 3rd place in the Pole Vault with a best of 2.80m.
In the Women’s 1500m Maisy O Sullivan kicked off her Indoor season with a 4th place finish in 4.31.
Jack Fenlon also opened his indoor season while finishing 10th in the Men’s 3k in 8.31 while William Fox ran a new PB of 8.49 for 13th place in the 3k.
SEE ALSO – Beautiful tribute paid as ‘Chilly’ Ward ‘who was Port to his bones’ to be laid to rest today
