Tullamore Harriers athletes compete in AAI Games

Some of Ireland’s top athletes got their indoor seasons underway last weekend at the AAI Games in the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena (NIA) in Abbotstown. A number of Tullamore Harriers athletes opened their season too, hoping to use the strength gained from cross country training in their first track race.

Evelyn Coughlan of Tullamore Harriers took the lead after the first lap of the 3000m. After leading the pack for over 2000m, there were only four left in the leading pack.

Evelyn fought on to the end and finished fourth in a time of 9:57.81. This is a big step on from her previous best of 10:06.14.

Also in action was Evelyn’s training partner Rachel Keaney (Newbridge AC) who, at the age of 15, was competing in her first senior race. She acquitted herself well against a tough field, which included a number of athletes who have national juvenile and senior titles. Rachel’s time of 10:13.31 is a PB by three seconds which is a great way to start off the new year.

In the men’s 3000m, Tullamore Harriers duo Patrick Duffy and Luke Mahon competed well against a tough field. Patrick finished in 9:19.21 and Luke recorded a time of 9:22.18.

Both Patrick and Luke were among the youngest competitors on the day but they acquitted themselves well and, on the last kilometre as the lead pack got away from them, they dug deep and fought all the way to the finish.

In addition, Shauna Leydon of Tullamore Harriers competed in the women's long jump.

Fixtures

Saturday, January 18: Leinster Intermediate, Masters Cross Country & Juvenile Cross Country Relays, Faithful Fields, Kilcormac.

Sunday, February 2: Offaly Track & Field Indoors Juvenile & Senior Championships, TUS Midlands, Athlone.

Sunday, February 9: National Intermediate, Masters & Juvenile 'B' Cross Country Championships, Westport.