Porter, Coleman and Costello take gold at Irish juvenile finals

THE highlight of the Irish Juvenile Indoor athletic calendar took place in Nenagh Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, with some truly outstanding performances from Galway competitors who took home three gold, seven silver and two bronze medals.

Linda Porter of Craughwell AC claimed the highest accolade of her career to-date in winning the under-17 1500m in a personal best time of 4:59.94, running an outstanding 33 second last lap to seal the victory.

Porter, who comes from a well known Galway running family has battled hard with injury throughout 2009 making this a welcome return to form. Michelle Maher of G.C.H. was a close 4th in the same event. The second gold for Galway came from Athenry AC's Stephen Coleman in the under 14s boy’s Long Jump with a clearance of 5.12, just a precious centimeter ahead of his nearest rival. Stephen was also 4th in the 60m, making this a great competition for him.

Galway's other gold came in the under 14 girls sprints where talented athlete Laura-Ann Costello of Galway City Harriers claimed victory in a time of 9.58 in the hurdles event. Laura's joy was doubled when she achieved silver in the under 14 60m to cap off an outstanding championships.

Galway City Harriers continued to demonstrate their sprint dominance with four silvers courtesy of Simon Callaghan (U18 60mh), Simon O'Shaughnessy (U-15 60mh)and super-siblings Leona (U19 Girls 60 m) and Evan Maguire (U16 60mh). The other sprint silver medal winner was Rachel Finnegan of Craughwell A.C (U9 60mh).

Galway's final silver was in the middle distance as Peadar O'hAirmhi of Craughwell AC moved up from last place as the pace increased to take second place with a 30seconds final lap.

The bronze medal winners for Galway were Craughwell AC athletes Diarmuid Prendergast (U15 Boy's High Jump) and Claire Ryder (U15 Girl's Long Jump).