*** Day 2 of the National Track and Field Championships, Santry, Sunday 9th August***
Luke Forde kicked off the Dunboyne AC representation at Day 2 of the Nationals today after a dream Day 1 for the Club. Luke was competing over the familiar 5000m distance, and was drawn in the A race based on his seasons best. He tucked in well for much of the race but was caught racing alone from two thirds through which didn’t help his cause. Luke finished shy of his 2014 PB of 15:01 but still a highly credible 15:27 on the day.
Both Shane and Michelle were in action as Luke ran, in the Shot and Hammer respectively. Michelle was part of a large field which saw her throw a best in the 3rd round of 27.63m which unfortunately wasn’t enough to qualify her for the final eight of the competition.
Shane, competing in his first year at Shot under the expert tutelage of Declan Nyhan took his first National Seniors in his stride. In an event most of us won’t ever get to compete in, Shane finished in a super sixth place overall with a first round throw of 8.61m. We’re sure we’ll see gains over the winter that’ll see Shane see the 10m with the 7.26kg weight next summer.
Michelle was up in the Shot too, her third event of the Championship. Michelle threw well, her first round throw of 6.50m proving to be her best on the day where she placed 9th.
It’s been a remarkable weekend for Sara Treacy. She won yesterday’s Steeple, retaining her title, and no doubt woke up stiff and sore for her event today. Up and at it again she took to the line in the blue riband event, the 1500m. Sarah started strong and led the field from the start, but a cluster of hopefuls at her shoulder kept the tension levels in the stadium at peak levels. Emma Mitchell and Kerry O’Flaherty kept the pressure on but Sara remained strong and managed to increase her lead slightly with 300m to go – but O’Flaherty kept pushing though and the pair looked neck and neck on the final bend – could the rival pull ahead? She certainly had the determination and it was nail biting stuff until the grit and sheer strength of Sara pushed her through and past O’Flaherty with 100m to go, increasing her lead down the home straight with no doubt on the finish line as to who deserved the national title. An absolutely thrilling race for the spectators, nail biting throughout and a triumphant finish. Well done Sara!