Colin Dunne memorial athletics event a big success once again
The annual Colin Dunne Primary Schools Track & Field competition was once again a tremendous success, bringing together over 450 primary school children for a fantastic day of athletics at Tullamore Harriers Stadium on June 6.
This much-loved event, hosted by Tullamore Harriers, welcomed students from 28 primary schools, forming 94 teams - 49 boys’ teams and 45 girls’ teams, representing a large catchment area.
The competition gave young athletes the opportunity to compete in four events: 100m, 600m, Long Jump and Shot Put, across both boys’ and girls’ categories. Each team was made up of four athletes (plus one substitute), from third to sixth class.
The atmosphere was electric from the very beginning, with Mick Gillespie serving as MC and Tullamore Harriers chairman Adrian Curley extending a warm welcome to all.
The children brought great energy and spirit to the day, with plenty of friendly competition, and a warm sense of camaraderie throughout the events with the added bonus of getting time out from regular class!
Huge thanks goes to all who helped make the day such a success, especially the teachers, parents, and the many volunteers who gave their time so generously. A sincere thank you is extended to Tom and Bernie Dunne, parents of the late Colin Dunne, who have attended the event each year since it began, to present the prizes.
Their ongoing support is greatly valued and adds a special connection to the day’s celebrations.
Congratulations to every child who took part, helping to make it a thoroughly enjoyable day - not just for the participants, but also for the many club volunteers, for whom this event is always a highlight. After a very tight competition, the winners were as follows.
Girls’ winners - 1st: Crinkle NS - Team ‘A’. 2nd: Scoil Shinchill NS, Killeigh - Team ‘A’. 3rd: Scoil Phádraig, Ballybryan - Team ‘A’.
Boys’ winners - 1st: St Brendan’s Birr - Team ‘A’. 2nd: Crinkill NS - Team ‘A’. 3rd: Scoil Bhríde BNS Tullamore - Team ‘A’.
Participating schools - Ballinamere NS, Cappagh NS, Clonbullogue NS, Cloneygowan NS, Clonlisk NS, Crinkill NS, Daingean NS, Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada Tullamore, Gaelscoil Éadandoire, Geashill NS, Mucklagh NS, Scoil Bhríde BNS Tullamore, Scoil Bhríde Clara, Scoil Charthaigh Naofa Rahan, Scoil Mhuire Tullamore, Scoil Naomh Colmcille Durrow, Scoil Naomh Eoin Rath, Scoil Phádraig Ballybryan, Scoil Phroinsias Naofa Clara, Scoil Sheosaimh Naofa Ballinagar, Scoil Shinchill Killeigh, Seir Kieran’s NS Clareen, Shinrone NS, St Kieran’s NS Broughall, St Brendan’s Birr, St Broghan’s NS Bracknagh, St Mary’s PS Edenderry, Tullamore Educate Together.
*See more photos in this week's Offaly Independent.