Ballymena and Antrim athletes strike national relay gold

Ballymena and Antrim Athletic Club's U14 4x100 metre relay team who won gold at Tullamore. From left: Zane McQuillan, Adam Kane, Caleb Moore, Owen Johnston, James Wright.

The local club members made light of the inclement weather conditions at the County Offaly venue to return home with two golds, two silvers and a bronze - a fantastic achievement at national level.

Teams from all over Ireland headed to Tullamore to battle for the honour of being the fastest relay team in Ireland and BAAC didn’t disappoint.

Athletes, coaches and parents set off by bus early on Saturday morning for the long drive to Tullamore, grabbing what sleep they could between pit stops.

After arrival they hoped for pleasant weather but ended up with torrential rain interspersed with sunshine.

That didn’t seem to deter the young athletes because each gave their all to try and come back with a coveted All Ireland medal.

After all was said and done the club came back with two golds, two silvers and a bronze.

If the U16 4 x 100m men’s team hadn’t been ravaged by injury then one of those silvers would most likely have been gold too!

To be able to produce these results at national level just shows how strong the club has become and is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the athletes and coaches throughout the year.

Well done to all and keep up the great work.

Ballymena and Antrim Athletic Club roll of honour from the finals day was:

4 x 100m U14 boys - 1st place

4 x 100m U15 boys - 3rd place

4 x 100m U16 boys - 2nd place

4 x 100m U 17 girls - 2nd place

4 x 400m U17 boys - 1st place

SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL

Meanwhile, in the SIAB Schools International event in Ashford, Kent Lauren Roy, competing for Slemish College and Ireland, won a silver medal in the 200m and just missed out on a bronze in the 100m in a photo finish.

Lauren has also won a silver in the 4 x 100m relay.

In the same event Adam Neilly, representing Ballymena Academy and Ireland, finished a very creditable 5th in the 400m and also picked up a silver medal in the 4 x 400m relay.

Great results for two dedicated athletes who will be looking for more success in the remainder of the season.