Kenny's Heroes

'Wash out' is probably the best way to describe the National Club League final that took place yesterday in Tullamore. Monsoon like rain fell on and off all day (moreso on) and seriously dampened athletes and officials efforts. Crusaders men competed in the premier division. It is 3 years since the men last won the competition. They came second 2 years ago and failed to qualify for the final last year so qualification in 8th place was itself an improvement. With the prospect of the return to club competition of many of the clubs elite competitors the possibility of a top 3 finish looked good. Unfortunately, as it worked out the team that traveled to Tullamore was well understrength. At the end of the day the team lay 7th between Tullamore in 8th and Menapians in 6th.

Positive aspects of the day include the appearance of young Topay Odelade in the 200m and 100m. Alan O'Keefe came out to run 16:14 in the 5000m, a good performace under torrential rain. Ruairi O'Briain put in a solid series in the vault, topping out at 4.60m to beat national champion Anthony McCreary for the second time this season. His comeback seems to be very much underway. Much missed hammer thrower George Eyres came out and took 6 throws breaking 50m with his 3rd throw (great to see him competing again). In the final event, the 4x400m, a team of Steven McDonald, Eoin Cummins, Simon Kenny and Hugo Leeney ran the fastest time of the year for a Crusaders team bringing the baton home in 3:30 and taking a creditable 3rd place.

North Down took the title for the third year in a row beating main rivals Clonliffe Harriers 117 to 113.5. Full results are available here.