Latest news with #BoyneAC
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth athletes shine at All-Ireland Schools and Leinster Championships as Boyne AC stars medal
From the national stage in Tullamore to local roads and the high energy of the Leinster Championships, their athletes showed exactly what they're made of. Things kicked off on Friday last when Hila Raji represented Ballymakenny College at the All-Ireland Schools Track & Field Championships in Tullamore. Hila put in a calm, focused performance in the high jump, clearing an impressive 1.50m to take third place and claim a well-earned All-Ireland bronze medal - a proud moment for her school, her family and everyone at Boyne AC. The following day her sister Hannele Raji stepped into the same arena, this time wearing the colours of St Oliver's CC. Hannele competed in both the shot putt and long jump, placing sixth in each event, and while the results weren't quite what she was aiming for, her effort and commitment stood out. Also on Saturday, over the roads of Monasterboice, Seamus Keenan was in flying form for the club as he stormed home to finish as the first Junior in the U18 category at the Monasterboice 4-Mile Race. Clocking a time of 24:39 under the guidance of coach Andrew White, Seamus once again proved that he's one of the brightest young endurance runners in the region. But perhaps the most electric energy of the weekend came from the youngest members of the club, who took to the track and field for the Leinster Championships at Tullamore Harriers Stadium. For many of them, it was their first time competing at this level and they rose to the occasion brilliantly. In the U10 Girls 600m pairs, Stella Gow and Folasade Chloe Bello Osagie delivered a superb performance, earning themselves a bronze medal after a gutsy and well-paced race. They returned to the track for the sprint pairs later in the day and finished fifth overall, proving themselves as a dynamic and consistent duo. Jessica McMahon impressed in the U12 Girls high jump, clearing a big personal best of 1.20m to place fourth. She was just outside the medals, but her performance spoke volumes about her potential. Over in the turbo javelin, the U11 boys were in top form. Rasmus Fangeru led the way with a 14.68m throw, followed by Mal Brodigan with 11.27m and Conor Hughes with 9.84m. All three hit personal bests, showing steady improvement and promise for the seasons ahead. In the U13 Boys 600m, Will Gow put in a strong run, clocking a new personal best of 1:54. Though just shy of a medal, his was a gritty and determined effort. Caithlin Hughes took on the U12 Girls 600m with a great mix of drive and composure. She earned herself a personal best and finished with the kind of smile that shows just how much she loves the sport. The U11 Boys 600m featured two determined Boyne AC runners. Malachy Brodigan ran a strong heat, placing second, and then pushed hard in the final, narrowly missing out on a medal. Conor Hughes also ran well and showed good form across the board. In the U10 Boys 600m, Cormac Brodigan gave it everything, finishing 12th overall. At just nine years old and already competing at this level, he's clearly one to keep an eye on in the coming years. And just when it seemed the day was done, there was one more highlight to come! Right at the end of the Leinster Championships, Folasade Chloe Bello Osagie was back in action, this time as part of the Louth relay team. Running in the final event of the day, Folasade helped secure a silver medal for the team with a flawless run and a smooth handover that brought the team home in style. It was the perfect way to cap off an already fantastic day of competition. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing to this Friday's latest running of the ever-popular SKF Boyne 5K. The action starts at 8pm from St Oliver's NS on the Ballymakenny Road in Drogheda and runs out towards the countryside area of Townrath, before turning and proceeding back towards St Oliver's NS for a fast downward stretch to the finish. There are prizes of €150, €75 and €50 for the first three finishers overall in both the men's and women's categories, plus a further €150 if the course record is broken. There are also category prizes in the various age groups for both men and women, plus prizes for the top two teams and the top three wheelchair finishers. There is a medal for all finishers, refreshments available in the school, chipped timing and bag-drop facilities, and the event is AAI-approved. Further information and entry details can be found on the Boyne AC Facebook page.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Hila Raji hits the ‘high' notes to make podium at All-Ireland Schools Championships
From the national stage in Tullamore to local roads and the high energy of the Leinster Championships, their athletes showed exactly what they're made of. Things kicked off on Friday last when Hila Raji represented Ballymakenny College at the All-Ireland Schools Track & Field Championships in Tullamore. Hila put in a calm, focused performance in the high jump, clearing an impressive 1.50m to take third place and claim a well-earned All-Ireland bronze medal - a proud moment for her school, her family and everyone at Boyne AC. The following day her sister Hannele Raji stepped into the same arena, this time wearing the colours of St Oliver's CC. Hannele competed in both the shot putt and long jump, placing sixth in each event, and while the results weren't quite what she was aiming for, her effort and commitment stood out. Also on Saturday, over the roads of Monasterboice, Seamus Keenan was in flying form for the club as he stormed home to finish as the first Junior in the U18 category at the Monasterboice 4-Mile Race. Clocking a time of 24:39 under the guidance of coach Andrew White, Seamus once again proved that he's one of the brightest young endurance runners in the region. But perhaps the most electric energy of the weekend came from the youngest members of the club, who took to the track and field for the Leinster Championships at Tullamore Harriers Stadium. For many of them, it was their first time competing at this level and they rose to the occasion brilliantly. In the U10 Girls 600m pairs, Stella Gow and Folasade Chloe Bello Osagie delivered a superb performance, earning themselves a bronze medal after a gutsy and well-paced race. They returned to the track for the sprint pairs later in the day and finished fifth overall, proving themselves as a dynamic and consistent duo. Jessica McMahon impressed in the U12 Girls high jump, clearing a big personal best of 1.20m to place fourth. She was just outside the medals, but her performance spoke volumes about her potential. Over in the turbo javelin, the U11 boys were in top form. Rasmus Fangeru led the way with a 14.68m throw, followed by Mal Brodigan with 11.27m and Conor Hughes with 9.84m. All three hit personal bests, showing steady improvement and promise for the seasons ahead. In the U13 Boys 600m, Will Gow put in a strong run, clocking a new personal best of 1:54. Though just shy of a medal, his was a gritty and determined effort. Caithlin Hughes took on the U12 Girls 600m with a great mix of drive and composure. She earned herself a personal best and finished with the kind of smile that shows just how much she loves the sport. The U11 Boys 600m featured two determined Boyne AC runners. Malachy Brodigan ran a strong heat, placing second, and then pushed hard in the final, narrowly missing out on a medal. Conor Hughes also ran well and showed good form across the board. In the U10 Boys 600m, Cormac Brodigan gave it everything, finishing 12th overall. At just nine years old and already competing at this level, he's clearly one to keep an eye on in the coming years. And just when it seemed the day was done, there was one more highlight to come! Right at the end of the Leinster Championships, Folasade Chloe Bello Osagie was back in action, this time as part of the Louth relay team. Running in the final event of the day, Folasade helped secure a silver medal for the team with a flawless run and a smooth handover that brought the team home in style. It was the perfect way to cap off an already fantastic day of competition. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing to this Friday's latest running of the ever-popular SKF Boyne 5K. The action starts at 8pm from St Oliver's NS on the Ballymakenny Road in Drogheda and runs out towards the countryside area of Townrath, before turning and proceeding back towards St Oliver's NS for a fast downward stretch to the finish. There are prizes of €150, €75 and €50 for the first three finishers overall in both the men's and women's categories, plus a further €150 if the course record is broken. There are also category prizes in the various age groups for both men and women, plus prizes for the top two teams and the top three wheelchair finishers. There is a medal for all finishers, refreshments available in the school, chipped timing and bag-drop facilities, and the event is AAI-approved. Further information and entry details can be found on the Boyne AC Facebook page.
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Talented Boyne athletes take sun-drenched Bush by storm
From the first event to the final finish line, something special unfolded at Day 2 of the Louth Championships. Boyne AC led the charge, leaving their mark on every age group from the fearless U9s to the powerful U19s, bringing home medals, smashing PBs and showing the kind of heart and talent that define champions. From the long jump pit to the javelin throw, from the 60m sprints to the 800m battles, the yellow and green of Boyne AC was everywhere. And behind it all, as ever, were coaches Keith and Ken, whose unwavering dedication and support ensured their athletes were ready to perform. Ruby Winters opened the day with a fantastic bronze in the U9 long jump. Sophie Halligan impressed with PBs in both the long jump and turbo javelin, as well as producing a strong 60m run, and she is a potential future star. In the U10 age group Cormac Brodigan earned a brilliant silver in the 500m and Folasade Chloe Bello-Osagie delivered a sensational hat-trick, with gold in the 60m, silver in the turbo javelin and bronze in the 500m. Neasa O'Sullivan showed great promise with strong runs and a confident long jump debut. Nicholas Carolan, in his first ever competition, tackled four events and showed enormous potential. Stella Gow took gold in the long jump and silver in the 500m, and she narrowly missed another medal with fourth in the 60m. Una McEntee competed bravely across four events and finished just outside the medals, but she is one to watch. At U11 level Beyla Bowler Stone showed her all-round ability across the 600m, 60m and long jump. Conor Hughes ran brilliantly to finish fourth in the 600m and Heather Kingston delivered a stellar all-round performance, placing fourth in all of her four events - a huge achievement. Malachy Brodigan competed well in a strong 600m field and Mia McSherry gave everything in her events and is an exciting talent. Millie Bell also stood out as a brilliant all-rounder across all her four events. Rasmus Fangerau, on his championship debut, threw a massive 14.29m to take silver in the turbo javelin, while Rhys Farrell delivered strong performances across the board, finishing just outside the medals, but he is clearly a talent to watch. In the U12 age group Caitlin Hughes was a strong fourth in a very tough 600m race, Finnbar O'Sullivan put in a great effort to place fifth in the 600m and also did well in the high jump, while Jesse Fomenky showed solid ability across three events. Jessica McMahon soared to silver in the high jump and placed fifth in the 60m, while Lauren Halligan competed consistently across all her events. At U13 level Cillian Hickey sprinted to fourth place in the 80m. Garvan Lundon and Harry Kingston competed well in the high jump, with Harry also showing strong form in the 80m where Sean Clarke ran well to place sixth. Will Gow stormed home with a brilliant silver in the 600m. Moving on to U14 level, Hila Raji dominated the long jump to take gold, Isabelle Winters secured a well-earned bronze in the 800m and Moya Kennedy placed fourth in the 80m and achieved a new personal best of 3.33m in the long jump. The U15 athletes brought medals and fire. Aaron McMahon won bronze in the 100m and Georgia Rice impressed with silver in the shot put. Joe Bell ran strong races in both the 100m and 800m, finishing just outside the medals, and Riley Byrne claimed gold in the 100m with a standout performance, while Ruadhan Fangerau took silver in the shot put with a new personal best of 8.42m and finished fourth in the 100m. In the U16 age group Dara Ellie Winters took gold in the 800m with a commanding run and Jack Willis brought home bronze in the same race. Karl McDonagh and Sean Luke Alhaddad both ran well in the 100m, with Sean also securing silver in the shot put with a personal best of 8.25m. Boyne AC's U17s were bursting with talent. Evan Gamble earned bronze in the 400m, Hannele Raji achieved an incredible double with gold in both the 100m and shot put and Harvey Fomenky placed fourth in a quick 100m final. Ryan McMahon completed his own double with gold in the 100m and silver in the 400m, with Sam Doyle running hard to place fourth in both those events. Seamus Keenan was fourth in a competitive 800m race and Shauna Rice ran a smart race to claim bronze in the 800m for girls. Wrapping up the day in the U18 and 19 categories, Aimee Rice bagged silver in the 100m and bronze in the shot put, Eilish Keenan ran a powerful race to take silver in the 800m and Romeo Fomenky rounded off a stunning day with gold in the 100m and silver in the high jump. With medals in every age group and dozens of personal bests, Boyne AC once again showed what teamwork, determination and great coaching can deliver. Next stop, the Leinster Championships!
