Raheny Shamrock Athletic Club delivered one of its strongest national indoor championship performances, topping the medal table at the 123.ie National Senior Indoor Championships, held from February 28 to March 1 at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena.
SPRINT GOLD FOR BECKER AND SMYTH
Sophie Becker claimed her first national senior indoor 200m crown with a 23.43 PB. Mark Smyth secured his third national indoor 200m title seeing off a strong challenge in the last 60 meters from defending champion Marcus Lawler.
Speaking after her race Becker said: “I’m delighted with that, I wasn’t really happy with how my 400s were going, I just felt like I was lacking a bit of confidence. So I thought I would do some 200s like I used to do when I got into athletics first.
“That was a PB indoor and outdoor and it’s definitely going to help me when I go back to the 400s knowing I have that speed to get me through the first lap, and then a reserve to bring me home.”
Raheny secured bronze in the women’s 4×200m relay, with a young team consisting of Erin Taheny, Ella McCann, Rachel Afari, and Emily Keogh; who while delighted with their bronze medal at such a young age, know that they have a bright future on the track ahead of them. They will certainly be ones to watch for the future.
Cillian Kirwan won gold in the 800m setting a championship record also with a result of 1:47.68. His strong run excited those in attendance and it’s fair to say his signature style has earned him a host of new fans.
FIELD EVENT SUCCESS
Daphni Doulaptsi Teeuwen won the women’s triple jump national title with 12.54m, meaning she is both indoor and outdoor champion.
Mohammed Ibrahim Halil earned high‑jump silver with 1.93m, entertaining the crowd with his usual flair during the competition.
Eric Favors won gold while setting a championship record of 19.57m.
All in all Raheny Shamrock are delighted with the results at this year’s indoor championship, topping the medal table. The focus now turns to the outdoor season which we hope will bring more success from athletes across all the track and field events.
