Offaly schools shine in annual Colin Dunne event

On an unseasonably chilly morning last Friday, the annual Colin Dunne Primary Schools Track & Field Championships once again proved to be a hugely successful event, bringing together more than 485 primary school pupils for a memorable day of athletics at Tullamore Harriers Stadium.

Organised by Tullamore Harriers under the leadership of Nita McLoughlin and the Colin Dunne Committee, this popular competition welcomed children from across a wide catchment area in Co. Offaly. On the day, 30 primary schools were represented, comprising of 98 teams - 51 boys’ teams and 47 girls’ teams.

Boys and girls took part in four disciplines – 100m, 600m, Long Jump and Shot Put. Teams consisted of four athletes, with one substitute permitted, drawn from 3rd to 6th class. One of the unique strengths of the Colin Dunne Championships is its team-based format, which encourages shared achievement. Every point earned contributes to the team's overall standing, ensuring that each child can make a valuable contribution to their school's success but easing the pressure of individual performance.

This year's championships took place on a particularly significant date for Irish athletics - exactly 150 years after the world's first international athletics match, held in Dublin between Ireland and England on June 5th, 1876. While the focus of the Colin Dunne Championships is very much on teamwork and participation, it would be wonderful to think that some of those young athletes might go on to wear the green of Ireland in the years ahead.

Mick Gillespie was the MC for the event and did an excellent job. Tullamore Harriers Chairman Adrian Curley extended a warm welcome to all schools, competitors and supporters before the action began and directed the proceedings to perfection as always. From the kick-off, the young athletes displayed a lovely blend of competitive action and fun. Of course, a chance to spend a day at the athletics track away from the classroom added to the excitement!

Sincere thanks is extended to the teachers, parents and the many volunteers whose dedication ensured the smooth running of the event. Special appreciation is also due to Tom and Bernie Dunne, parents of the late Colin Dunne, who have faithfully attended the championships each year since its inception to present the prizes.

Congratulations to all the children who participated. Their efforts and enthusiasm made the day enjoyable for everyone involved, including the many club volunteers for whom this event remains one of the highlights of the year.

Following a closely contested competition, the overall team results were as follows. Girls - 1st: Ballinamere NS, Team A; 2nd: Scoil Phádraig, Ballybryan, Team A; 3rd: Crinkle NS, Team A. Boys - 1st: Crinkle NS, Team A; 2nd: Scoil Eoin Phóil II Naofa, Team A; 3rd: Scoil Shinchill, Killeigh, Team A.

List of competing schools: Ballinamere NS; Cappagh NS; Clonbullogue NS; Clonlisk NS; Crinkle NS; Daingean NS; Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada, Tullamore; Gaelscoil Eadandoire; Gaelscoil na Laochra; Geashill NS; Mucklagh NS; Scoil Bhride BNS, Tullamore; Scoil Bhride, Clara; Scoil Bhride, Croghan; Scoil Charthaigh Naofa, Rahan; Scoil Eoin Phoil II Naofa; Scoil Mhuire; Tullamore; Scoil Naomh Colmcille, Durrow; Scoil Naomh Eoin; Rath; Scoil Phadraig, Ballybryan; Scoil Phroinsiais Naofa; Clara; Scoil Sheosaimh Naofa; Ballinagar; Scoil Shinchill; Killeigh; Seir Kieran’s NS, Clareen; Shinrone NS; St Kieran’s NS, Broughall; St Brendan’s PS, Birr; St Ciaran’s Mixed School, Boher; St Cynoc’s, Ferbane; Tullamore Educate Together.