Report on the 2017 Cork County Masters Track & Field Championships…By Keith Burke

The 2017 Cork County Masters Track & Field Championships were held in C.I.T. this past Sunday 21st May in parallel with the Senior Track & Field Championships. This made for a larger attendance overall although it also made for a packed timetable. Although conditions were dry, a gusting headwind in the home straight proved challenging for some events.

Unfortunately, some injuries reduced our overall entry this year when we had appeared on course to increase our team size from the 2016 Championships. Nevertheless, our five participating athletes can be proud of their efforts with all Eagle AC athletes reaching the podium to give the club a total medal haul of six (1 Gold, 4 Silvers and a Bronze).

First up on track was the 800m with entries from Pat Murphy and John Quigley in the O60 category. Pat had to navigate some traffic at the finish line to claim his Bronze in a time of 2:57. John came in 5th in a time of 3:28. In the 1,500m Pat & John again did us proud with Pat claiming Silver just over 2 seconds ahead of the 3rd place finisher and John finishing just outside the medals in 4th.

In the 3,000m, Colin O’Herlihy was 2nd home in the O45 category in a time of 10:38 and John replicated his performance from last year’s Championships to claim Silver in the O60 category in a time of 14:21.03.

In the final event on the track, Keith Burke led the field home in the 400m to retain his O35 title in a time of 63.08.

Finally, Evan Twomey endured a long wait for his Championship shot put debut but was rewarded with a 2nd place finish for his efforts with a best of 6.85m. Well done Evan on trying out this event in competition for the first time.

Once again the Eagle performances at these Championships demonstrate that there is something for everyone to enjoy in local track & field competitions. If you are interested in trying out track & field this Summer, please contract Keith Burke. Next up, a return to C.I.T. for the Munster Masters Championships on 11th June!

Eagle AC Results:
400m
Keith Burke: 1st O35 – 63.08

800m
Pat Murphy: 3rd O60 – 2:57.0
John Quigley: 5th O60 – 3:28.0

1,500m
Pat Murphy: 2nd O60 – 6:13.61
John Quigley: 4th O60 – 6:47.48

3,000m
Colin O’Herlihy: 2nd O45 – 10:38
John Quigley: 2nd O60 – 14:21.03

Shot Put
Evan Twomey: 2nd O35 – 6.85m