It was an all female weekend for Skerries AC at the Day 3 -5 of the Dublin Championships.

The U15 girls relay team (Abaigeal, Daphney, Eimear & Orlagh) competed on Friday night in Irishtown Stadium and acquitted themselves very well against strong opposition.

Eimear and Orlagh were back in action on Saturday afternoon for the U15 200m, along with Cressida who was running in the U16 200m. There were 4 heats and Eimear was first up in a very fast heat with winner crossing the line in just over 25 seconds, Eimear didn’t qualify for the final but ran a great race. Orlagh was next up and ran blinder coming 3rd just missing out on the final as they were only taking the top 2 from each heat. The last 3 heats were run in a time of just over 28 seconds.

Next up were the U16 200m heats with a lot of drama. The first heat saw a false start and a disqualification and then it was time for Cressida to step into the blocks. The second heat was very similiar to the 1st and again had a false start and a disqualification. Cressida being the professional she is, took all this in her stride and flew through her heat to take 2nd place and secure a place in the final. Time for lunch and rehydration while the walks were taking place.

No drama in the lineup for the finals and Cressida finished in 4th place just outside the medals but securing a place in the Nationals in Tullamore in mid-July.

Home to Skerries for the girls and a quick session on block starts before their 100m races on Sunday.

Sunday morning saw the Dublin Championships moving to Tallaght AC and Lottie was up in the U17 3,000m. The organisers decided to run the U16 – U19 girls all together in one race. Lottie ran a great race finishing in 3rd place securing a bronze medal and a place at Nationals in mid-July.

Back to the track for Cressida, Eimear and Orlagh fresh from their 200m the previous day and they were joined by Abaigeal who had a day off following her relay on Friday night.

Abaigeal and Oralgh were in the 1st heat of the U15 100m and were side by side through the 100m but missed out on qualification. Eimear was in the 2nd heat and for the second day running seemed to have been drawn in the fastest heat of the day. She ran a great race finishing in 6th place. All this experience will stand to the girls.

Cressida had a fantastic heat and came 1st qualifying for the final. She came 4th in her final for the 2nd day running again missing out on a medal but qualifying for Nationals. She will now represent Skerries AC in both the 100m and 200m, congratulations Cressida. A tremendous achievement for her considering she only finished her Junior Certificate on Thursday.

Congratulations to all the girls on their strong performances and support of each other. Thanks to the parents for their constant encouragement and lifts.

It was a nice end to the season for the U10s and U11s as the sun shone down on Morton Stadium for Day 2 of the Dublin Championships. A far cry from the cold, wet, boggy fields of the Cross Country Series before Christmas. The Skerries athletes showed that they are not only cold weather specialists and they can turn on the style in the sun as well. This being the Dublin Championships the standard was very high and the athletes acquitted themselves very well.

First up were the U10 boys with Conor C, Conor D and Michael running over 500m in a field of about 30 athletes. Straight from the gun elbows were out and the guys stood strong to assert themselves and secure their positions within the pack. At the halfway point all three were comfortable within the pack. Conor C then turned up the dial and pulled away with the leaders, finishing strongly down the back straight and securing 6th place. Conor D and Michael timed their kick for a little later but showed lovely acceleration to finish just outside the top 10. Race over it was time to take to the trackside to cheer on the U11s who were running over 600m.

Eimear was the lone female representing Skerries AC and she continued with the good form she has shown all season. She was not phased by an early split in the pack. Using her experience and biding her time she let the break go. At 120m she upped the pace and started to reel in the early movers who were starting to tire. Blistering pace down the back straight saw her finishing in 6th place.

After Eimear it was the turn of the U11 boys and with a larger number of competitors, the race was split into 2 heats. The top three would be decided on the fastest times of the two heats.. First up were Tom and Daire. The guys showed great maturity and were not phased by the frantic early pace. Both bided their time at the back of the field and this strategy paid off as they picked off competitors coming down the back straight. Next up were James and Joseph. The boys adopted different strategies, James went with the break running a high tempo straight from the gun. Joseph bided his time. James’ s strategy paid off, digging deep into the red, he managed to maintain his tempo and finished near the top of the field. Joseph was not far behind, putting in a storming last 80m and picking off a few competitors down the back straight.

Coaches Dee and Michael were very pleased with the performances of all the U10 and U11 Skerries athletes. All put in huge effort, ran to the fullest of their ability and never gave up. The standard in the Dublin Championships is very high, many of those we were competing against on Friday night specialise solely in track. From the conversations overheard trackside it seemed that the weekend activities were only beginning for the Skerries kids with GAA, gymnastics, soccer, cricket, triathlons and the Dublin Community Games planned for the following days. The coaches are very pleased with the dedication the kids have made to athletics throughout the year and are pleased that the performances in Friday night are proper reflection of all the effort made. (Thanks to Michael for the writeup).

Next up were the U13’s in the 600m and Harvey took to the track for his second event of this season’s Dublin Championships. This race was run as a straight final with the numbers not high as the U/11’s. Harvey ran a very impressive tactical race taking his second gold medal in 3 days for Skerries AC. Congratulations to Harvey who is having a great track season and goes on to represent Skerries AC in Tullamore in mid -July.

The U15 & U16 boys 800m were run as straight finals. Lorcan was first up in the U15 which as expected at this level was a highly competitive race, he ran a great race and finished in 10th position. Josh was next on the track putting in a good performance after a disruptive training season and finished in 9th. (Both boys camera shy so unfortunately no action shots on the night!)

The U12 600m were moved in advance of the event to the end of the night to accommodate the U12 Long Jump, which had over 30 athletes registered to compete. This meant a long wait for Aoife who was our sole representative in the U12 600m and with 4 heats being run, the qualification from the heats for the final was to be the top 4 in each race. Aoife ran a great race showing no effects of the waiting around and finished in 4th position which sees her through to the 600m final in Tallaght on Sunday 17th.

Thanks to our coaches on the night, Olive Michael and Dee, to Joanne and Chris for representing the Club and acting as our officials on the night. Without officials these events cannot be run, as these events are all run by volunteers and their time and effort is greatly appreciated. Thanks also to the parents for their support and encouragement, their photographic skills and their chauffeuring services.

Congratulations to all the athletes who work so hard at training and always represent the Club so well.

The Dublin Juvenile T & F Championships kicked off on Wednesday evening with the U12 – U14 sprints and we had 9 athletes representing Skerries AC.

First up on the track were the U12 girls 60m, with Caoileann and Ellie taking to the track. There were over 60 athletes competing in this event. This was the first time for both girls to use the crouch start in a race, but you would never have known. The commitment and effort put in in training on Wednesday nights on the track is paying off. Both girls came 4th in their heats narrowly missing out on a place in the semi finals but came across the finish line with smiles on their faces.

Next up, Jake in the U12 boys, there weren’t as many competitors in the boys event. Jake stalled a little after coming off the line as he thought the heat was being called back for a false start. Thankfully he realised quickly it wasn’t, so got into action and won his heat comfortably.

With large numbers taking part in the U13 Long Jump the organisers switched the order of events, so next on the track were the U14 girls 80m with Daphney representing Skerries. Competition was strong with Daphney placing 5th in her heat.

Over to Sam for the U14 80m boys. The numbers for the boys were low so this race was run as a semi-final with 3 races. The top 2 from each race and the next two fastest would qualify for the the final. Sam placed 4th in his heat and had to wait patiently to see if he was fast enough for the final. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be this time.

With the Long Jump still going on, our U13’s had to wait patiently while the U12’s ran their semi-finals. Jake put in another great performance winning his semi-final, finals here we come.

Long Jump over, onto the U13 girls 80m with Keva & Lily taking to the track for Skerries. Decision by the officials based on numbers entered was top three from each heat to go forward to the semi-finals. Keva was first up and came 4th, just missing out on a semi-final place. Next up Lily, who ran a blistering heat coming 1st and seeing her safely through to the semi-finals.

Over to the lads where we had Cillian and Harvey. Things weren’t looking good for Cillian as the observant spectators noticed him limping as he headed for the start line. He ran a great race but unfortunately was outside qualification for the semis. Harvey was next on the track and led his race from start to finish, easily through to the semi-finals.

U14 boys final and girls semi-finals were run and then back to U13 semi-finals with Lily up first. There were 3 semi-finals with top 2 from each heat and 2 fastest over three heats to qualify for final. Lily had another great race finishing in 4th, having to wait and see if her time would see her through. After waiting around for quite a while, it wasn’t to be for Lily. Harvey ran his semi-final in a similiar fashion to his heat and won it comfortably. U14 and U12 girls finals were completed while Jake was waiting patiently for the U12 boys Turbo Javelin to finish so he could finish off his running for the evening. Eventually his time came and it was a very strong final with it going down to the wire, Jake managing to take 1st with an impressive dip on the line.

Last in action was Harvey and he continued his strong performances not only of the evening but of his season so far taking 1st place, backing up his gold in the Dublin Indoors in February. No rest now for Jake & Harvey as they head to Tullamore in mid July for the Nationals, congratulations to you both.

Well done to all our athletes who were tremendous on the night, Ide and Ruth are very proud of you all, we couldn’t have asked for anymore and the encouragement and support you show each other is out of this world. Massive thanks to Marie and Emma who had the horrible task of being finishing line officials on the night, but handled it very well. Thanks to Denise & Will for the photos and to all the parents for their support on the night and ferrying the kids to the training session, especially those in ALSAA.

Thanks also to Tallaght AC and the Dublin Juvenile Board, another great event in smashing weather.

Friday 8th June 2018 (DAY 2) -Santry

7pm U10 Girls & Boys 500m on time

U11 Girls & Boys 600m on time

U12 Girls & Boys 600m heats

U13 Girls & Boys 600m heats

U14 Girls & Boys 800m heats

U15 Girls & Boys 800m heats

U16 Girls & Boys 800m heats if not FINALS

U17/18/19 Girls 800m heats if not FINALS

U17/18/19 Boys 800m. heats if not FINALS

Finals of above will be held if 16 or less. If semi-finals, the 1st 6 from each will qualify for the Finals which will be held on Day 6 Sunday 17th June in Tallaght after the long hurdles, except for the U10 500m & U11 600m which are Dublin only competitions, not qualifiers for Nationals, these will be decided on times on the night.

Club vest must be worn

Athlete must be registered for 2018 and are advised to be present 1 hr in advance of their event.

No Late Entries accepted on the evening of competition.

Good Luck to All our Athletes competing tonight in Tallaght.

Order of Events as follows

Dublin Juvenile Track & Field Championships – Day 1
Wednesday 6th June 2018
________________________________________________________________
7pm U12 Girls 60m Heats
U12 Boys 60m Heats
U14 Girls 80m Heats
U14 Boys 80m Heats
U13 Girls 80m Heats
U13 Boys 80m Heats
Semi Finals/Finals of 60m & 80m in same order
FIELD EVENTS
6.30pm Hammer – Girls ONLY – U14/U15 2.5K, U16/17/18 3K & U19K
Please advise athletes not to cross the infield area while events are in
progress

Long Jump 7pm – U13 Girls & Boys
Turbo Javelin 8pm – U12 Boys ONLY
Officials will facilitate any athlete competing in sprints to leave the field event
area and return. Athletes MUST inform the field referee if they are leaving the
competition area.
 Club vest must be worn
 Athlete must be registered for 2018 and are advised to be present 1
hr in advance of their event.
ONLY Officials and athletes called to or competing in an event should be
inside the track area.
No Late Entries accepted on the evening of competition.

Congratulations to John All Ireland Schools 1500m Steeplechase Champion 🥇(whilst studying for Junior cert)!

Congratulations to coach Kevin who represented Ireland in M45 3000m on Tuesday.

Last Sunday saw two of our sprinters in action in the National Juvenile Indoor Championships in Athlone. The journey was not as expected as the “Son of the Beast” had landed and brought swirling snow showers and lying snow for the majority of the journey down.

Both Harvey and Jake arrived with plenty of time to get accustomed to their surroundings and the change in protocols from Dublin to National Championships. Coaches are not allowed on the warmup track and a call room was in operation, where the lads were called by age groups and allocated into their heats. The lads took the changes in their strides, true professionals.

First up was Jake, in the U12 60m. There were three heats with the first two from each heat and the next two fastest across the three heats, to qualify for the final. Jake came 4th in his heat, in a time of 8.89 but unfortunately this wasn’t fast enough to see him through to the final. The fastest time in the heats was 8.53, the final was won in a time of 8.41.

Next up, Harvey in the U13 60m. There were two heats for this age group so top three from each heat and the next two fastest athletes would qualify for the final. Harvey came 4th in his heat with a time of 8.49, so there was an anxious wait to see if this was enough for qualification. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait too long and the there was a positive outcome, finals here we come.

We had to wait for the completion of the 60m heats and then 1500m finals. So time to rehydrate, get some food on board and relax. Back to warmup track to get ready for finals, Jake happily kept Harvey company throughout his warmup and safely escorted him to the call room.

Nerves in the stands were running high. Harvey ran a superb race finishing in 6th place, improving his time to 8.34. The winner ran a time of 7.91.

Congratulations to Harvey and Jake on their first Nationals (hopefully the first of many), an experience from which both have learnt a great deal and on their fantastic performances. You did yourselves, your families and Skerries AC proud. Keep up the hard work.

Thanks as always to the coaches and parents for their support and to Michelle for the photos.

David getting his medal last weekend (March 10th) in Athlone. M35 1500m bronze medalist. Fantastic achievement.

This weekend saw John and Lottie compete on Saturday in the National Schools XC Championships in Waterford (a phenomenal result to qualify). John came 6th in the Boys Intermediate 5,000m. He lead the Belvedere College Team to take the National Schools Title for the first time in what was a close run team race with St. Malachys College. Lottie came 30th in the Girls Intermediate 3,500m.

It’s not just our Juvenile athletes who were competing. Our coaches David and Kevin competed in the National Masters Indoor Championships in Athlone on Saturday. Kevin was first up in the M45 3000m. He came 7th with a time of 10.06. David followed in the M35 1500m. It was David’s first appearance at National Indoor level, with him running a brilliant race finishing in a time of 4.34, and securing 3rd place. A Bronze National Medal is an incredible result for someone relatively new to Athletics.

Finally Keith competed in Bothermeen half marathon on Sunday . He finished in a time of 1h:17.min:55sec to secure 1st place in the M50 category against stiff competition. A great result and great preparation for his marathon in April.

Well done to all.