First International Medal for Doireann Hickey
The annual Schools International Athletics Match between the best under 17 athletes in Ireland England Scotland and Wales was held in the Mary Peters Track in Belfast on Saturday last. This is the first time this iconic venue hosted the Schools International and both the weather and the venue were ideal. There was plenty of local interest in the event as four local schools had athletes selected to compete. Averil Buckley (Ard Scoil na nDeise and Finnisk Valley AC), Doireann Hickey (Meanscoil san Nioclas and West Waterford AC) Corey Scanlon (St Augustine’s and Finnisk Valley AC) and Andrew Scanlon (St. Declan’s and Leevale AC). With their parents, siblings, cousins and club mentors present they had lots of support on the day. All four athletes came away happy with their performances as they performed close to or exceed their best performance and they were also bronze medals for Doireann, Corey and Andrew.
First on the track were the walkers and this was a combined race with both the boys and the girls walks taking place at the same time. Patrick Hyland Ireland got the crowd going by racing into the lead in the boys walk. In the girls walk it was Gracie Griffiths of Wales who led the way form the gun. Aisling Lane was unable to stay with her and had to settle for the silver medal. A great battle was going on for the bronze medal with Lola Mae Billingham (England) trying to hold off a determined Doireann Hickey. Doireann bided her time and sat on her heels for the first few laps. Mid way through the race she upped the pace to make a decisive break and went into third spot and held this place all the way to the line despite the best efforts of both English walkers to catch her. Doireann continues a long tradition of walking in the Costin family who have won many international honours but I think this was their first schools international medal. Well done to Doireann and her coach Zuzana Costin all in West Waterford AC send their congratulations to you both.
Well done also to Corey Scanlon and Andrew Scanlon on their bronze medal winning performances in the discus and javelin and to Averil Buckley who was 7th in the hammer.
There was also another local connection in action as Michael Kent ( Good Counsel New Ross), son of Ailish O’Brien and Ray Kent and grandson of Mary and the late Ned O’Brien Mapstown, competed in both the both the pole vault and triple jump. The O’Brien family have a long history in this event as Frank, Mike and Ailish all successfully represented Ireland in shot, discus and hammer. Michael added to their medal tally on Saturday last with a bronze in the boy’s triple jump. Well done Michael.
Up coming Events
While the season is over for most of our athletes they are a few events taking place in August
Templemore Throws Fest on August 6th and 7th.
Check it out on the Templemore AC website or Munster athletics website if you are interested.
Liscarroll AC Sports Day August 7th
