The tree sheltered surroundings of the Tullamore Harriers track hosted the recent All Ireland championships over 2 weekends in July.  Westport AC showed great consistency at national stage by repeating last year’s feat of bringing home 9 medals.  A great achievement indeed for this small athletic club in the west of Ireland.  
Adam Sheridan increased his significant haul of All Ireland medals by taking gold in both the U16 shot and discus events.  In doing so, Sheridan has earned the privilege of representing his country at the Celtic games in August.  This is just reward for an extremely consistent athlete.   Another athlete with stacks of All Ireland medals at her disposal is the fleet footed Saoirse O’Brien who also added 2 medals to her tally.  O’Brien finished 2nd in the U16 1500m and 3rd in the 800m. Not to be outdone by her younger sister, Aoife O’Brien repeated her performance of last year by once again winning gold in the 3000m steeple chase event, this time in the U19 age category. 
In the 3000m, Westport AC U16 athlete Ethan Lloyd put in a magnificent showing of front running only to be passed in the final stretch.  This hard-working athlete can be justifiably proud of his silver medal.    David Marrey completed a fine year in his new high jump event to finish in 2nd place.   A fabulous achievement for a young lad who only found this hidden talent after competing in the local ‘Superstar’ event.  This is a club multi-disciplinary competition which is run every winter for fun.  Jack Maher continued to slash time off his PB by coming home in 5th place in the very competitive U18 1500m.  To complete the Westport AC medal winning streak, Sarah Mulroy managed 2 podium finishes in the Juvenile B All-Ireland Championship, taking a silver medal in U13 high jump and a bronze in the long jump.  
Other Westport athletes who put in spirited performances were Anna O'Donnell U12 Turbo Javelin, Fionn O'Ruain U13 High Jump, Lilas Houalet U13 Hurdles, Harry Sheridan U14 Javelin, Shot and Discus, Maggie Chambers U14 Shot and Hammer, Alisha Eade Kalala U15 80mH and Sarah Staunton U17 2000m Steeple Chase.  Our young guns took part in the U9/10/11 All Ireland Team Competition.  Westport AC were ably represented by Ruby Sweeney, Chloe Whittaker, Conor Whittaker, Jamie Durkan, Brooke Grimes, Leah Halligan, Dara Dawson, Oisin Maher, Cormac O’Malley & Jack Sweeney.  All should be extremely pleased with their displays in competing strongly with the best athletes in the country.  
So that is it for all track and field competition in 2017.  Thanks to all Westport AC athletes, coaches and officials who are now taking a well-deserved break.  Training will resume for the cross-country season in mid-August.   New members and coaches are always welcome.