In individual events, Boyne AC athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, culminating in a total of 11 medals. Additionally, Boyne AC excelled in inter-county relay events, securing a notable total of five relay medals. Over the course of two days, excitement filled the air. Coaches Keith Byrne and Ken Meier were on hand on Saturday, guiding the athletes with their expertise. On Sunday, Alan Fay took great care in calming the nerves and putting the team of Boyne AC athletes through their warm-up paces, ensuring they were well-prepared for the competition ahead.
Boyne’s U12s saw amazing performances from Cillian Hickey, Ross Byrne, Seán Clarke and Harry Kingston, each competing in their preferred events. Hickey participated in the long jump, achieving a new personal best. Despite his impressive performance, he narrowly missed out on a medal.
However, it was in the 60m hurdles where Cillian truly shone. After cruising through the heats and securing his spot in the final, he claimed a well-deserved bronze medal, earning himself a ticket to the All-Irelands. Byrne also competed in the long jump, marking his debut in the Leinster championship. He performed admirably, setting a personal best in his first major competition.
Clarke joined the ranks in the long jump and, like his peers, competed in the 60m hurdles at the Leinster Championships for the first time. After successfully navigating through his heat, Seán finished a credible seventh in the final. Kingston was the final competitor among the U12s in the long jump. Though he did not medal in this event, Harry faced a tough contest in the javelin. With a powerful final throw, he secured a well-deserved silver medal, joining Hickey in earning a place at the All-Irelands.
Boyne AC’s sole representative in the U13 age group, Hila Raji, made her mark in the javelin competition. Facing stiff competition from some of the best young athletes in Leinster, Hila’s fine throw earned her a place on the podium with a well-deserved bronze medal. Mollie Fay kicked off the U14 competition for Boyne AC with a superb run in her 200m heat. Despite her excellent effort, she was unfortunate not to qualify for the final.
Aaron McMahon demonstrated his versatility and stamina by competing in the 80m, 800m, and 300m events over the two days. His remarkable performances, particularly in the 300m, earned him a spot in the All-Irelands, highlighting his exceptional speed and endurance. Cuan Gamble put in solid efforts in both the shot putt and long jump. He secured 11th place overall in Leinster in the shot put and 10th place in the long jump.
Riley Byrne delivered outstanding performances on the track. He earned a silver medal in the 80m after a thrilling photo finish. Not content with just one medal, Riley went on to secure a bronze in the 300m, proving his versatility. Seán Luke Alhadad competed in the U15s’ 100m sprint, running a respectable race but narrowly missing out on a spot in the final. He later proved his versatility in field events, placing seventh overall in the javelin and ninth in the shot putt.
Louis Devitt had a standout performance in the 300m, finishing sixth overall. His fine throw in the javelin earned him a place in the All-Irelands, marking a significant achievement. Additionally, Louis demonstrated his team spirit and athleticism by representing Louth in the relay. His exceptional performance was a key factor in the Louth team securing a silver medal.
Hannele Raji had an exceptional weekend, earning bronze medals in both the U14 long jump and the 200m. Additionally, she was part of the Louth relay team that finished fourth overall. Hannele’s impressive performances have secured her a place in the All-Irelands, highlighting her as a versatile and talented athlete.
Sam Doyle ran a well-executed 100m race, narrowly missing out on a medal by a split second. Harvey Fomenky also delivered a strong performance in the 100m, though he was unlucky not to medal. Harvey’s efforts were crucial later in the day, where he, alongside Ryan McMahon, helped the Louth team secure a coveted gold medal.
Evan Gamble competed in the 400m race, facing a tough heat. Despite his strong performance, he just missed out on advancing to the final. Emmet McShane participated in the 100m race, giving it his all but narrowly missing out on qualifying. Ryan McMahon demonstrated his sprinting prowess by taking home the silver medal in the 100m. Additionally, he qualified for the All-Irelands in both the 100m and 200m after placing fourth overall. Ryan’s powerful performances on the track were instrumental in securing medals for both himself and his county team.
U17 athletes Harry Devitt, Jack Garvey, and Romeo Fomenky delivered outstanding performances, adding to the club’s impressive medal tally and securing places in the All-Irelands. Devitt had an exceptional weekend, earning a silver medal in the javelin and placing fourth overall in the 200m. His achievements in both events have qualified him for the All-Irelands. Additionally, Harry played a crucial role in the Louth relay team, which took home the gold medal.
Garvey displayed strategic prowess in the 2000m steeplechase. In a well-executed race, Jack employed a clever game of cat and mouse, eventually hunting down the leader to secure an undisputed gold medal. His victory underscores his tactical intelligence and endurance. Fomenky demonstrated his sprinting capabilities by securing third place in a tough 100m final and will take his well earned place in the All-Irelands. Alongside Harry and Ryan, Romeo was part of the Louth relay team that won the gold medal.
Caoimhín McShane represented Boyne AC with distinction in the U19 category, delivering strong performances that earned him a place in the All-Irelands. Caoimhín’s weekend was highlighted by his achievements in both the 400m and 200m events. He secured a commendable fifth place in the 400m and an impressive fourth place in the 200m. His consistent performances and dedication have rightfully earned him a spot among the top competitors heading to the All-Irelands.
Last Saturday, June 22, Boyne AC had the privilege of having one of their athletes represent both the club and St Mary’s Diocesan School, Drogheda, at the Tailteann Games held in Morton Stadium, Santry. Jack Garvey competed in the intermediate 1500m steeplechase, facing off against some of Ireland’s top-class runners. Despite a highly competitive field, Jack demonstrated remarkable endurance and strategy, staying with the leading pack throughout the race. His determination paid off as he crossed the finish line in third place, securing a well-deserved bronze medal.
