International debut bronze for Joshua Crosby
Joshua Crosby claimed a bronze medal in Belfast at the weekend
ST Abban's AC athlete Joshua Crosby enjoyed a memorable international debut at the SIAB Schools International in Belfast, securing a bronze medal in the boys' shot put.
Representing Ireland for the first time, Crosby produced a best throw of 14.28 metres to finish third in a high-quality field, marking an impressive start to his international career.
The podium finish is a significant achievement for the young athlete and highlights his continued progress, with the hope that it will be the first of many appearances in the Irish vest.
Final stage of Fit4Life League
The Fit4Life Summer League concluded on Wednesday evening last with its final stage at the club grounds in Monavea, attracting 166 finishers.
Will Duffy claimed victory in the final 4km stage in a time of 13:22, while Sinead Fitzpatrick was the first female finisher, crossing the line in 14:12.
The overall league winners, based on competitors' best five performances across the series, were Bailee Bolton (women) and Kalem Buggy (men). They were joined on the podium by Lisa Sweeney, Paula Guinan, Carolyn Graham and Riona Bolton in the women's standings, while James Morrissey, Shayne Stynes, Tommy Payne and Liam Byrne completed the top five in the men's competition.
St Abban's AC thanked the many volunteers who contributed throughout the summer, including marshals, timekeepers, lead car drivers, tail walkers and those who provided post-race refreshments. Special thanks were also extended to Pauline for coordinating the league and to Pop Up Races for their ongoing support.
The club also acknowledged the continued backing of sponsors Farrell McElwee Solicitors, Clonmore Meats Killeshin, TK Couriers and Laois Sports Partnership.
St Abban's AC athletes produced a series of impressive performances at the AAI Games in Santry over the weekend, claiming two gold medals, two silvers and two bronzes. With the National Senior Championships taking place next week its great to see the club’s athletes in good form.
Ruby Millet won the senior women's long jump with a leap of 6.26m, while Saragh Buggy took gold in the senior women's triple jump with 12.08m. Emily O'Shea also impressed, finishing second in the senior women's 800m in 2:08.87, with clubmate Maisy O'Sullivan placing sixth.
There were further podium finishes for Grace Fitzgerald, who claimed bronze in the senior women's long jump, Matthew Rossiter, who was third in the senior men's javelin with a throw of 47.80m, and Gerard Kelly, who secured silver in the senior men's heavy hammer. Kelly also placed sixth in the senior men's hammer.
In the senior men's 800m, Cian Kelly finished ninth, while Billy Ramsbottom placed 19th.
