End of season track meet

Last night at a damp and cool MP track 7 of our athletes lined up in various events at the last under age meeting of the season. First up was Lucy Quinn in the 100 mts and despite having only one other in her heat took 1st place overall from an entry of 26 athletes. Sarah Creegan was next up in the 96/97 100. This was Sarah's first track race and she came an excellent 12th. It's always encouraging seeing young athletes facing their fears, pinning on a number and having a go, well done Sarah! Helen McParland found time in her hectic schedule to run the 94/95 100 and didn' t she run well, when they put a race with sailing, dancing, gymnastics and music in the meetings I suspect we'll have an Irish Champion!! Lucy went to the line in the 600 with the coach's words ringing in her ears "if I see you leading this race through the first lap I'll take my umbrella and................" it worked and Lucy sensed the slowing of the group after 300 mts and quickly opened a gap which she extended to over 4 seconds at the tape, great pb too, going under 2 mins for the first time with a 1'56.5", really impressive run! Charlotte Rea and Jennifer Heaney went in the 96/97 800 and both girls also had a pb! Charlotte jumped off very fast with the older Ciara Grimley from Banbridge AC and got to the bell in 76", just inside her 400 pb! With Ciara stretching on Charlotte had a lonely second lap and tired a bit to finish in 2'41". A bit of company may well have had her inside 2' 40", excellent 2nd place from 17 entries. Jennifer took 3 seconds of her previous time in 2'54.4" for a fine 7th place and is still improving each race, good dance moves as well :-) Due to low numbers the 94/95, 92/93 and senior girls and ladies were sent off together, this proving a good thing for Aislinn Crossey who followed a senior through the bell in 68" and finishing in a pb of 2'24". Ais needs to be running 68" for the first lap and this was a good workout for her obviously winning her age group. Also in the same race we had fell runner and track debutant Daisy Murray. Now Daisy was a bit unsure about this track malarky but kept the faith, borrowed Helen's spikes, and tore round for a very impressive 2'42.5". Brilliant for a mountain goat and we can now see the first green shoots of a bit of speed in Miss Murray! Thanks to the Quinn family for transport and support.