The new national Indoor Arena in Abbottstown saw a silver lining for the senior men’s team in the National Indoor League final.
It was a day when each team member played a pivotal role with Cillian Kirwan recording victory in the 800 metres, winning out in one minute 59.10 seconds and claiming a maximum nine points.
Cillian made a decisive move in a slow and tactical race with 200 metres to go, putting distance between himself and the majority of the field and then holding off the challenge of Ennis Track’s Damien Landers in the home straight.
National under 19 champion Mark Smyth continued his fine form to record a second place finish in the 200 metres for seven points.
Running in heat two, Mark won his race in 21.93 seconds putting himself second overall behind Menapians David McDonald.
Mark also competed in the 60 metres earlier in the programme, finishing third overall and claiming six points in a new personal best of 7.05 seconds
Recent under 23 champion Conor Bermingham was second in the pole vault, adding seven points to the team total. Conor had a good battle with Clonliffe’s Dave Donegan recording a best of 3.80m
A further seven points were collected by club captain Simon Devenney, having taken charge of the 1500 from the gun, thinning the field out over the course of the race.
Simon eventually finished second overall behind Donore’s Ray Hynes in four minutes 14.41.
Matt Cotter was third in the triple jump, collecting six points. Matt improved his recent indoor club record to 12.28 metres, claiming third on count back.
Kevin Byrne also added six points as he finished third in the high jump with a best of 1 metres 75.
Veteran Michael Hynes took fourth place in the shot put with a best throw of 8.72 metres which was good enough for five points.
Sean Dowling placed fifth in the 400 metres, running in the second heat, Sean ran a blistering first lap to get into a good race position finishing out in 52.52 seconds, adding a further 4 points to the team’s total.
Bill Oshafi claimed a vital two points in the men’s long jump. Bill recorded a best effort of 5.38 metres finishing seventh overall.
Going into the final event the 4×200 metre relay, the team held a three point lead over nearest rivals Galway City Harriers.
Running in race two the team got off to an excellent start, with Sean Dowling rising from the blocks brilliantly and getting the team out into the lead.
Sean handed over to Mick Hynes, putting his years of experience to use, breaking ahead of Donore and holding the lead into the bend and home straight.
Conall O’Toole made his club debut on the third leg and made sure his opponents never closed the distance between them and himself. Sean O’Driscoll made a welcomed return to competition, running the final leg of the relay, being pipped narrowly on the line by Donore Harriers, finishing in 1:35.31.
The result meant that the team took home the silver medals behind the winners Clonliffe Harriers and ahead of bronze medallists Galway City Harriers.
A very impressive performance from a new group of shamrock. The future looks bright with this talented young group.
