Saoirse O’Brien put in stunning performances to clinch gold medals in both 800m and 1500m events at the recent All-Ireland Indoor championships.  Brothers, Adam and Harry Sheridan and Maggie Chambers also brought home medals to add to Westport AC’s haul of awards at national level.  David Marrey missed out narrowly on a podium position with a 4th place finish in the high-jump.  
This year’s All-Ireland Indoor championships was once again held in the superb Athlone IT arena.  A multitude of track and field events entertained the large crowds over 2 weekends.  Saoirse O’Brien, who is no stranger to All-Ireland success, once again displayed her immense talent in striking gold in both U16 middle distance events.  This fine athlete has a very bright future ahead.  Adam Sheridan rose from his sick bed to win a silver medal in the U16 shot putt - a remarkable result in the circumstances.  Once fully recovered, it is expected that Adam will be back to his winning ways.  Not to be outdone, younger brother Harry also got in on the act by claiming a 3rd place finish in the U14 shot putt.  It was a good family day out for the Sheridan family.  Maggie Chambers who won a bronze medal in the U14 girls shot putt with a personal best throw, also had a good day.  David Marrey, who only took up the high-jump this year, was desperately unlucky to miss out on the medals with a highly commendable 4th place finish.  This U12 athlete has time on his side to perfect his technique and hopefully jump to glory in future years.  
Leila O’Malley and Sarah Mulroy finished in 6th and 7th places respectively in the U13 girls high jump, with Finley MacEvilly taking 8th place in the U13 boys long jump event.  Roisin O’Brien ran a superb race to finish in 7th position in the U14 800m, with Kate O’Malley taking 7th position in the girls U18 shot putt.  These were all marvellous achievements and should offer significant hope for the future.  At All-Ireland level, the margins between winning and losing are very small.  
Other Westport athletes who put in spirited performances included Anna O’Donnell (U12), Lilas Houalet (U13), Rossa McAlister (U16), Jack Maher (U18) and Aoife O’Brien (U19).   All should be proud of their efforts and savour the experience of competing at this level.  
To join this accomplished group of athletes why not join Westport AC for training on Mondays (U9 – U11), Tuesdays and Thursdays (U12 – U19).  We are running trials for assembling relay teams for the outdoor track season over the next few weeks.  So, come on down and join in on the fun.   Further details can be found on the Westport AC website (http://www.westportac.ie/).