BY PATSY MCGONALGE: Saturday was yet another challenging day for the older of the Kelly boys from St Johnston – John a 16 yr old student at Royal and Prior inRaphoe.
The challenge was to gauge his winter training, win a national title and pardon the pun have a shot at the age group record set back in 1995 which stood at 15.60m to Connemara athlete and current national senior champion Sean Breathnach.
Round one and he hits 15.59 in the confined Nenagh throw area but finally gets out to a new record at 15.87! Job done in style move on to outdoors and again various challenges including a 16m plus effort.
Coached by his Dad at Finn Valley AC he has shown clear dedication to his sport so its upwards and onwards from here.
Valley Relay team under 14 and under 15 boys came agonishingly close but had to deal with an exasperating 4th place finish in both cases.
Josh Byrne and Denver Kelly both claimed 5th spot in their respective events and Blaithnaid Pattton had a bad day at the office in high.
Next weekend Easter Saturday it’s the Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge.
Primary school races for under 11 and over 11 start 2.30pm distance 1k while the Coastal Challenge itself kicks off 2pm.
Registrtation in Ballyliffin Hotel from 10.30. Pre entry is recommended but not essential.
Looking forward ahead its the rundonegal 5k in Glenveagh 11 am April 15th.
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