Emerald had over 60 athletes competing at the Leevale Open Sports Day today and left a big impression at the event. Most travelled on the two buses that pulled out of UL early this Sunday morning, and more reinforcements came in several cars!

For many of our athletes, it was their first ever competition, and for others, it was the first outdoor event of the season. The weather was really great, and the outdoor season has arrived!

It was really great to see some of our newer members taking part, and doing so well - Jordan O'Sullivan (2nd in the U10 Boys ball throw), Ellen Larkin (3rd in U13 Girls 60m Hurdles) and Conor Bryce (3rd in U12 Boys 600m). So many of our younger athletes did so well on their first track and field competition that it is real sign that the Club has a great future!

Bronagh Kelly had a great run to finish 3rd in the U11 Girls 80m and Caroline Leahy had a 3rd in the U13 Girls 600m. For the boys, Thomas Blake took a fine 2nd to Dooneen's Greg O'Shea in the U16 Boys 100m, and Kyle Larkin had a great track debut with a 2nd place in the U16 Boys 800m.

Emerald had plenty of winners too. Nicole Lavin had a double win (U15 Girls 100m and 80m Hurdles), Marie Heelan won the U16 Girls 100m, Jamie Mitchell took a 1st and a 3rd (U12 Boys 80m and 600m), Jenna Bromell was a clear winner in the U14 Girls 800m and Amy O'Donoghue won her Senior Womens 800m with plenty to spare over the field.

It was a long day at the track - but still our gallant athletes found the energy and time to invade Supermac's in Mallow on the way home.

And a big thanks to the inspirational Irish hurdling star Derval O'Rourke who competed and then found plenty of time to meet many Emerald members.

Thanks to those who organised the day out - definitely an annual fixture in the Emerald calendar.

The next event will be the Limerick County Track & Field Championships on Sunday 9th May. We hope all those who travelled to Cork, and more, will be there representing our Club! See you then .....

We've put photos of the day in the Gallery - click here.