Rosses AC athletes saw big successes at the Juvenile National Indoor Track and Field Championships last weekend.
Last weekend saw day one and two of the Championships take place in Athlone, with the club being fortunate to have 15 athletes competing over the two days, with many good performances.
The two main highlights for the weekend were on day one when Aaliyah Gallagher claimed a silver medal in the U14 girls high jump with a massive PB of 1.51m. Aaliyah has worked hard over the winter months and there was great excitement and joy when she realised what she had achieved.
This was backed up by further success in the high jump when Oisin Gillespie showed he has returned to form again when he also claimed a podium position and a silver medal in the U17 boys high jump. Oisin has been getting back after an injury last year and jumped 1.78m with 4 other jumpers but his good record on count back ensured his medal.
Other strong performances on day one were Caitlin Sweeney who ran a strong heat in the U13 girls 600m. In the U14 girls 60m hurdles Olivia Gorman was in a fast heat finishing middle of the heat. Olivia has made great gain at this event this year and will continue to focus on this before the outdoors in a few month.
Also in the 60m Hurdles but in the U16 age group Niamh Doogan ran a strong heat to finish 3rd but just missed out on a place in the final. Aileen Logue was competing in the U15 girls high jump and has recently changed some things in her run up and still being worked on, jumping 1.40m but knowing there is much more to get to by the outdoor championships in a few months.
In the U13 shot put Catelyn O Donnell was again in with the best in the country and while a little disappointed with her throw she knows she will learn from this and be back with much to prove.
On day two James McGonagle again showed his power with strong throwing and ensure he was in the top group, just missing out on medals.
Caitlin Sweeney ensured a PB and a top 8 finish in the U13 girls long jump where she competed with team mates Eveny Greene and Rosie Breslin. Niamh Doogan and Taylor McCole both took part in the Long Jump and showed that they are in the mix at national level and over the next few months will gain improvements. Aaliyah Gallagher also took part in the 60m on the Sunday.
Overall it was another great weekend for the club at the national finals.
