The National Sports Complex in Abbotstown hosted most of the events for the 2017 National Community Games Finals over the weekend. Dunboyne AC had representatives from both the Kilbride and Dunboyne in action in the Meath colours.
Saturday saw the under 12 boys relay team consisting of Harry Doherty, Ciaran McCormack, Matthieu Kieffer and Dylan Ryan in action in the opening event of the Track and Field Schedule. The boys ran safely taking no risks with baton qualifying for the semi finals with ease.
Not long after the boys race the under 14 girls quartet made up of Rachael Norman, Kayla Ryan, Doireann Ni Fhlatharta and Lucy Eglington made their way around the grass track to qualify for their age group semi finals.
Ciaran McCormack was our only individual in action on day 1 where he lined out for the under 12 600m heats. Ciaran stayed at the back from the gun, picking off the opposition one by one in a strong field to earn a automatic qualification spot in Sunday’s final.
After a long wait the under 12 boys were back in the evening for the four by 100m relay semi finals. Jack Doyle stood in for a Ciaran who was tired and carrying a niggle after his first two races. The boys dug deep from the off and were in contention for qualification for the final as they headed down the finishing straight but fell just short on the day after a brace effort.
The under 14 girls called on Rebecca Keogh for the their semi final where they were drawn in a tough heat. The girls got around without any baton drama and had to battle all the way home to clinch a spot in the final.
Holly Ryan had an early start for her under 8 80m heats on Sunday morning, becoming the third member of her family to wear the Royal County colours at the National Finals. Holly impressed in her heats as she powered to the semi finals. Back a short time later, she looked strong in her semi, earning a place the final without breaking a sweat.
Ciaran McCormack returned for the Final of the 600m as the weather conditions deteriorated, giving a good account of himself amongst a talented field. Left exhausted after two days of quality racing.
Kilbribe’s Kate Reilly was Dunboyne AC’s second athlete in action on Saturday where she competed in the u16 girls 1500m. Her training has been hampered with injury over the Summer break, but being her gutsy self she pushed herself around the track for a decent time.
Holly was back in the afternoon for her third race of the day as she had a tussle with the future of Irish sprinting in the 80m final. Holly ran well in a very tight finishing race and was unlucky not to medal.
Doireann Ni Fhlatharta was in action over in Corkagh Park on the far side of Dublin City in the u15 girls Duathlon. She found the 1 mile run, five mile cycle and final mile run very testing, but battled hard on the runs to regain places she lost while on wheels to win bronze in wet and cold conditions.
Rachael Norman was back with Lucy Eglington, Kayla Ryan and Rebecca Keogh for the u14 girls relay final as the racing timetable was coming to its end. The girls gave it their all and finished a respectable 6th overall in the final.
Well done to all and a big thanks to all who helped out.
Categories:
Juvenile News & Reports
