Fr Murphy athletes claim gold on big stage

Athletes representing Fr Murphy AC had plenty to be cheerful about at the weekend with two national medals won at the Athletics Ireland National Spring Throws Championships in Tullamore.

In the 6kg hammer throwing event the talented Coil O Muiri managed to achieve a new PB on the way to claiming gold. There was also a notable success for Nick Keogh, another promising young athlete.

He also secured gold in the 4kg hammer throwing competition. He chalked up a new PB of 24.75 on his way to victory. Keogh was also placed second in the u-16 age group, 1kg discus. He was sixth overall.

National Champion thrower Laura Dunphy, who has won national titles at both schools and u-16 levels, was placed second in her competition and fourth overall with a throw of 36.73m in the 3kg hammer event that proved to be very competitive event and went right down to the wire.

Associate member Robert Higgins (Na Fianna AC) came second in his age group and third overall in the 7.26kg men's competition with a throw of 46.59 while fellow associate member, Jean Daly, also of Na Fianna, was first in his age group and sixth overall in the 3kg hammer, throwing 31.38. He was eighth in both the discus (22.35) and javelin (20.06).

The national throws distance is measured by weight so many athletes of different age compete under the one weight- dependent on their choice.

Fr Murphy AC wish to thank Paddy Hanily who coaches all the club athletes who took part in the throwing events.

The medal winners in the men's 7.26kg hammer event were Simon Galligan (Clonliffe Harriers, bronze ), John Dwyer (Templemore AC silver) and Robert Higgins (Na Fianna, Meath).