Sarah Bateson reports: Day 1 of IUAA Varsity Outdoors saw Clonliffe athletes swap out their black and amber for the blue and yellow of DCU. First up was Craig Duffy who comfortably won his heat and semi final in 10.99 and 11.25 respectfully. Next up was Chris Lynch, continuing his stint of 200m to run 23.35, securing his semi final spot. The Men’s 1500 heats saw Lorcan Benjacar and Rory Quill battle it out for a spot in the final. Lorcan secured a top 6 spot running 4.03.94 to qualify for tomorrow’s final. Unfortunately due to a minor achilles flare up he had to withdraw. His training partner Rory Quill narrowly missed out placing 8th in 4.10.86
Kicking off day two at MTU was 400m hurdler Moya O’Connell. Moya flew out of the blocks and battled hard but narrowly missed out on the medals. However, she has set a strong mark for the season ahead with a 67.75 opener.
In the Men’s 200m semifinal Chris Lynch placed 4th with 22.84. An excellent DCU debut for the young athlete. In the men’s 100m Craig Duffy retained his title with a massive (unofficial) pb of 10.38 (2.3wind). A phenomenal way to finish off his collegiate career.
In the distance events, Matei Ursachi ran a stellar 10.02.89 in the 3000m S/C to place 6th.
Chloe Heaslip celebrated her 22nd birthday with a 3000m track pb of 11.06.06 to place 11th after a long winter of injury. The sole Clonliffe TCD athlete is reaping the benefits of consistent weeks of cross-training and patients. Off the back of a successful cross country season, Tom Breslin lined up for the men’s 5000m. Tom fought hard through 12 gruelling laps to claim 7th in 15.16.77.
In the relays, Moya O Connell ran a flying 3rd leg for DCU the Women’s 4×100 bringing home a silver medal. In the Men’s 4×100, Craig Duffy joined his DCU team mates Nkemjika Onwumereh, Michael Farrelly and David Oghuvbu to claim gold and an IUAA record of 41.19.