Laois athletes scoop team silver medals at SIAB International Schools Cross Country
David Wajrak and Riley Connolly with the full Intermediate team
SEVERAL Laois athletes made their presence felt at Saturday’s Schools International Athletic Board (SIAB) Cross Country held in Callendar Park in Falkirk.
St. Michael’s AC pair, Hanna Luttrell and Riley Connolly, along with David Wajrak of Portlaoise AC and St Abban’s athlete, Laura Ayres all scooped team silver medals in their respective divisions in what was a hugely successful outing for the Ireland squad.
Indeed, the event, which involves top emerging athletes from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, saw Irish competitors pick up silver medals in every team event, including Junior and Intermediate Girls and Boys competition, as well as in the Junior and Intermediate Mixed Relay.
On top of that Ireland also boasted two individual gold medals secured by Darragh Whelan (Junior Boys) and Freya Renton (Intermediate Girls).
Representing St Mary’s CBS in Portlaoise, Wajrak turned in a superb performance in the Intermediate Boys contest, finishing eighth, with Connolly of St Paul’s, Monasterevin, crossing the line in a very impressive 18th.
Wajrak certainly benefitted from his experience at last year’s SIAB Cross Country, for which he made the cut as part of the Intermediate Mixed Relay squad that finished up third.
Ayres, representing St. Leo’s College in Carlow, finished up 14th in the Junior Girls 3000m event, while Hanna Luttrell of Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington also delivered in the mixed relay event.
These impressive results for the Laois athletes were just rewards for their huge efforts in negotiating a tough qualification process that involved making the cut at South Leinster Schools in January, Leinster Schools in February and finally, the All-Ireland Schools Championships, which were held at Galway Racecourse earlier this month.
St. Michael’s AC coach, Owen Connolly was delighted with the performance of the Laois contingent, saying “As Riley's dad, and someone who coaches Hanna, I couldn't be more proud of them.
“All four Laois athletes did themselves and their clubs and schools proud. It was great to see them mix so well with the other athletes and they will have learnt a lot from the experience. It's another exciting step in their athletic journey” he insisted.
There will be plenty more on the programme for these young competitors over the coming weeks, starting with South Leinster Schools Track and Field in April, while, on the club front, they will also be gearing up for the Provincial Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
