Historic weekend for Louth athletic club at National Senior Track & Field Championships
A memorable weekend for St. Peter’s Athletic Club
Last weekend was a historic weekend for Louth’s St Peter’s AC in a memorable National Senior Track & Field Championships when the club had two athletes on the one podium.
This would be a great achievement for a big club, but for a club the size of St Peter’s it’s absolutely phenomenal. Abbie Sheriden retained her National Senior 3000M Steeplechase in a time of 9.55 in what was a dominant display from start to finish.
Abbie was joined on the podium by current national U20 Steeplechase Champion and training partner Dearbhla Allen, who took the bronze medal.
A proud day for the club to see two St Peter’s singlets worn by two absolute legends of the club who lead by example in how they conduct themselves both in competition and the dedication to training that sets a fantastic example as to what can be achieved with a good work ethic.
Likewise, Cian Gorham competed in the men’s 800M. Cian found himself in a tough heat, and although he had a strong run, finishing in a time of 1.53.22, he missed out on the final by the tightest of margins.
The weekend began with a celebration; it’s not every day that an athlete from the likes of St Peter’s AC qualifies for a World Championship, so the club decided that the achievement of Dearbhla Allen in qualifying for the World U20 Championships was something that needed to be celebrated, so that’s exactly what they did.
Members of the club were joined by members of other Louth clubs from around the County and indeed well-wishers from the area assembled to enjoy a great night to wish Dearbhla every success in the upcoming championship and her future in devours as she embarks on an athletics scholarship at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in the days following her return.
To have an athlete represent Ireland at a major Championship is the ultimate achievement for any club but St Peter’s are optimistic that Dearbhla may not be the only one to do this summer as all members eagerly await the announcement of the Ireland senior team for the up coming championship to be held In Birmingham next month with Abbie Sheriden expected to be named as part of the travelling party which should be announced midweek.