Ulsters U14 – U18

NI and Ulster U14-U18 championships

Another weekend of action for our Cranford athletes who travelled to Antrim Forum this weekend. Thankfully the coaches and supporters were well protected from the blustery showers in the well placed stadium. However some of our athletes had no choice but to be at the mercy of the weather.

Amy Cullen was back in action and in fabulous form after her successes at the National schools event last weekend. Amy earned herself a hat Trick of medals with a silver in the long jump despite the wind disrupting her run ups, she then qualified for the 100m final where she ran a strong final finishing with a photo finish bronze medal place, and still ready for action Amy then ran a storming 200m finishing in Gold medal position. Great work from Amy today and well deserved Ulster medals.

Karen Neely drew from her experience with her Javelin throws, Karen is gaining in distance at each competition , well done Karen.

U17 800m saw Clodagh Neely maintaining her place out in front on the first lap, and managed to dig deep in the final lap to finish in 3rd place and earning her place in the All Ireland championship. Great racing from Clodagh today.

Darragh Mc Hugh had a fine performance in the 400m but not enough for a medal position today, after another long day at the track Darragh then prepared for his long jump again with some fine jumps.

Killian Caldwell gained some great experience in the Javelin with a strong 17m throw, and again after a long day competed in his long jump where he jumped well today.

Orla Neely had some amazing throws earning herself a well deserved silver medal in the Discus with some excellent throwing and earning herself a silver Ulster medal. Orla then followed that with her Javelin throws where again the wind was having an adverse effect on any results

Miah Fletcher ran a respectable U16 800m finishing in 5th place in a straight final.

Another gold medal performance for Caolan McFadden in the 800m where he led the race from the gun and finished with a large lead in a time of 2.08:83

The final race on Saturday was saved for our All Ireland schools champion Oisin Kelly competing in the U19 800m where Oisin fought hard against Seamus Robinson and in the final 100m Oisin made his move to cross the line well ahead in his customary relaxed running style.

What a fabulous first day today and great to see so many Cranford athletes travelling to compete in these events.

Sunday saw more Cranford athletes travel to Antrim Forum.

Darragh Mc Hugh was up first and Darragh had a great run and a 5th place finish this distance seems to suits him more to come from Darragh.

Diarmuid Gallagher was up next in the 1500m U15 boys, Diarmuid had a good run coming home in 15th place, Diarmuid as always give 100%. Well done boys.

Jessica Cullen was up next in the long jump, Jessica found it difficult to get on the board today but got a jump in and settled the nerves Jessica went on to finish in 7th place. Jessica went on to to come 3rd in the high jump U17 girls this is a new event for Jessica great result for her, and now qualify for the National in Tullamore in July.

Next up was Blathnaid Gallagher and Clodagh Neely in the Javelin with very mixed weather conditions, the wind and rain came down heavy when their event was on, Blathnaid didn’t get off to a great start but definitely made up for it with her 3rd throw getting a new PB 19.24m and a 4th place finish, great result for Blathnaid and now qualifies for the Nationals. Clodagh throw 17.72 and gained her a 5th place finish well done girls.

To finish out the Ulster championships all was left was the 1500m and Cranford had our 3 talented runners ready and all warmed up, all three ran the 800m yesterday and back today. First up was Miah Fletcher who took to the pace over the 3 and 3/4 laps, Miah got out well and stayed in the lead group for over 2 laps, Miah had a good strong run and finished in top 10.

Caolan Mc Fadden was up next, and like his 800 he lead from the start and made it look easy, great to see him in great form, double Ulster Champion. Well done Caolan who now qualified for Nationals.

Oisin Kelly was up next, and their is no stopping him lately he won his 1500m with a new PB of 4.02. Oisin is now looking forward to the Nationals in July.

A huge thank you to our coaches, families and athletes who do us proud every time they put on the Cranford vest. Wishing all our athletes congratulations and especially those who have now qualified to represent Ulster at the National Championships.