It was a return trip to Morton Stadium, Santry for the Dunboyne AC youth athletes to contest day 2 of the Junior All Ireland Track and Field Championships 2020.

With a few withdrawals it was just our distance hurdlers in action on Sunday, September 13th. Both Rachel Norman and Victoria Knox were in action in the women’s 400m hurdles. Rachael running her first competitive race at this distance against much older athletes went in heat one. A 70 second lap saw this 16 year old come home fourth in heat 1. Victoria really had a go in her heat, showing her experience as she also belted out a 70 seconds lap in heat 2. A brave effort and PB for both girls as they finished 5th/6th overall in this under 20 competition.

In the men’s 400m hurdles Ben Hughes was competing for his second weekend in succession. Having only turned 16 last week, he’d never raced this distance competitively over hurdles and with the height going up two notches – it was not going to be easy. A brave run saw him in contention for a medal all the way to the last hurdle – unfortunately he clattered this barrier and had to settle for fourth overall. Unhappy athlete, but happy coach.

A glimpse of what is to come from our young athletes – some running well out of age. This event from the outset was about setting a PB, gaining experience and to show them how well they are developing as young athletes. Mission accomplished for all three.

Well done in what is a gruelling event.