Tullamore Harriers crew prove masters of all they survey

Almost 500 athletes from across the country competed in an action-packed programme of track and field events at the 123.ie National Masters Outdoor Championships in Tullamore Harriers Stadium last Saturday week.

With competitors ranging in age from 35 to 85, and on a perfect day for competition, there was no shortage of inspirational performances, resilience and sporting spirit.

Representing the host club, Tullamore Harriers athletes brought home medals across a range of disciplines - sprints, middle distance, relays, and throws.

Pat Kelly, who travelled from the USA to don the blue and white vest, enjoyed a golden day in the W75 category. Pat competed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m, claiming three National Masters titles.

In the 200m sprint, club legend Mary Walsh added to her impressive collection of medals with a superb silver, while Eileen Kenny, also competing in the W75 category, took gold in the 3000m with a strong and determined run.

In the men’s sprints, Stephen Byrne produced an excellent series of performances, winning gold in both the M50 100m and 200m, and silver in the 4x100m relay. Stephen was joined in the relay by teammates Rory Deverell, Kevin Minnock and Fergie Gorman, with Rory also finishing a solid 5th in the 100m and 200m.

Kevin Minnock produced one of the standout performances of the day. Enjoying an exceptional road racing season this year, Kevin carried that form onto the track in style. In a competitive M35 800m, he stormed to victory in a blistering 2:00, edging out his friend and fellow Cappincur native David Carroll (Liffey Valley AC) who finished in 2:01. Kevin then helped the 4x100m relay team to a silver medal before returning to the track for the 1500m, where another strong run saw him claim bronze - rounding off a superb triple medal haul.

Jim Langan, a long-serving member of the club and a regular competitor at the National Masters, added to the medal tally with silver in the 1500m and bronze in the 800m in the M80 age category.

In the throws, Adrian Brennan was in excellent form, taking two national bronze medals in the M65 Weight for Distance (WFD) and Shot Put events. A fantastic day for Tullamore Harriers with medals across sprints, middle distance, relays, and field events. Congratulations to all who competed and proudly represented the club.

Club participant results

Master Women 100m: Pat Kelly (W75) 8.37, 1st

Master Men 100m: Stephen Byrne (M50) 12.19, 1st; Rory Deverell (M40) 12.35, 5th

Master Women 200m: Pat Kelly (W75) 40.76, 1st; Mary Walsh (W75) 43.24, 2nd.

Master Men 200m: Stephen Byrne (M50) 25.21, 1st; Rory Deverell (M40) 25.50, 5th.

Master Women 400m: Pat Kelly (W75) 1:43.40, 1st.

Master Men 800m: Kevin Minnock (M35) 2:00, 1st; Jim Langan (M80) 3:56.48, 3rd.

Master Women 3000m: Eileen Kenny (W75) 14:03.83, 1st.

Master Men 1500m: Kevin Minnock (M35) 4:16.46, 3rd; Jim Langan (M80) 9:42.13, 2nd.

Master Men 4 x 100m Relay: 48.82 – 2nd place. Team: Stephen Byrne, Kevin Minnock, Fergie Gorman, Rory Deverell.

Shot Put (5kg) M60-69 Adrian Brennan (M60) 8.73m, 3rd

WFD (35lbs) M50-69 Adrian Brennan (M60) 5.31m, 3rd.