The National Athletics Championships took place over the weekend and once again St Abban’s AC athletes were to the fore across the jumps and distance events.
Saragh Buggy claimed an outstanding 20th National Senior Track and Field Title on Saturday with a jump of 12.67m in the Women’s Triple Jump.
Saragh’s preparation for the championships had been hampered by a ligament injury in her foot.
However she overcame this to add another gold to her ever growing collection of National Senior Titles.
Her medal collection at the moment boasts 8 Triple Jump Outdoor golds, 3 Long Jump Outdoor golds, 8 Triple Jump Indoors and 1 Long Jump Indoor gold.
A staggering collection since her debut at Senior Championships back in 2011.
Saragh hasn’t had it all her own way, she had to wait until 2016 for her first gold medal but has remained exceptionally consistent since then taking each Triple Jump gold on offer since 2016.
In the High Jump, Daena Kealy’s early season form was carried into the National Championships.
Two weeks ago in Loughborough Daena set a new PB of 1.82m. Last weekend at the University Championships, Daena shared gold with her DCU teammate after both jumped 1.79m.
However there was to be no sharing on Saturday as another leap over 1.82m saw Daena claim her first National Senior Indoor gold medal.
Deana’s jumping was almost flawless with just one missed jump at 1.76m but this didn’t impact on her later in the competition where he first time clearance at 1.82m was enough to guarantee her gold.
Cheryl Nolan returned to the championships where she claimed her first National Senior Title last year to defend her 3000m crown.
Cheryl sat in with the early pace and was among the leading group right up until the latter stages but came up just short to finish in 3rd place.
Claire Fagan of Mullingar A.C took the title in 9:33 with Cheryl just behind Niamh Kearney in 9:35.
The final Senior Medal of the weekend came from Saragh Buggy who returned on Sunday to compete in the Women’s Long Jump.
Saragh’s last round jump of 5.97m was good enough for a bronze medal and was just 8cm short of the winning jump of 6.05, from Sophie Meredith the St Mary’s athlete.
Also competing over the weekend were; Jamie Pender who just missed out on qualification in the 200m when he finished in 2nd place in 23.18.
In the 800m Niall Harvey was 6th in heat 3 in 2:00.29 while John Delaney relished his first outing at Senior Championships when he finished 4th in heat 4 with a new PB of 1:55.97.
“Well done to each of our senior athletes, their coaches and support teams which help them to produce these performances,” the club said.
Juvenile County Championships Nenagh
Away from the Senior championships, our juvenile athletes travelled to Nenagh Indoor Stadium for the County Indoor Championships.
It was a hugely successful day for the club with over 80 athletes in action across Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Putt, Sprints, Long Distance and a Relay.
It was ideal preparation for the juvenile athletes who will aim towards Leinster Indoors on March 2 and 3 in Athlone.
“Many thanks to all athletes and volunteers who helped with the smooth running of the large programme,” the club said.
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