Latest news with #Hila
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Talented Raji sisters sparkle for Boyne AC as both make podium at the Irish Championships
Among the standout performers were sisters Hila and Hannele Raji, whose exceptional efforts across multiple events not only brought home medals but showed just how bright the future is for these two rising stars. On Day 1, Hannele Raji delivered a performance full of composure and class. In the U17 Girls shot put she threw superbly to claim her first All-Ireland medal, securing a well-earned bronze. Earlier in the day, she qualified for the final of the U17 100m sprint after a confident run of 12.94sec in her heat, ultimately finishing seventh overall. To reach a national final on the track and also step onto the podium in the field is a rare double at this level, and Hannele's talent and commitment shone through in both. Not to be outdone, younger sister Hila Raji lit up Day 2 with a phenomenal display in the U14 Girls long jump. She leapt out to 5.12m, smashing her previous personal best from the Leinster Championships and claiming a silver medal at national level. The jump was a huge statement of intent from one of the most exciting young athletes in her age group. Earlier in the day, Hila also competed in the U14 high jump, clearing 1.45m to finish fifth overall. Her ability to perform across both events with such quality is a credit to her determination and versatility. Beyond the Raji sisters' medal-winning success, Boyne AC had plenty more to celebrate. Riley Byrne ran a new personal best of 12.50sec in the U15 Boys 100m heats to reach the final, where he finished fifth in a fast and competitive race. Ryan McMahon clocked an impressive 11.48sec in his U17 100m heat and went on to place fourth in the final, just shy of the medals. Evan Gamble also produced two strong runs in the U17 400m, improving his time in the final to finish fourth overall and Harry Kingston threw 20.47m in the U13 Boys javelin, showing excellent potential for the years ahead. In the U17 3,000m steeplechase Seamus Keenan produced a courageous effort in one of the most demanding events on the schedule, finishing eighth and showing great endurance and promise. Ruadhan Fangeru took part in the U15 Boys shot put and recorded a best of 8.44m, a solid showing in a competitive field. Across both days, Boyne AC's athletes showed outstanding commitment and determination on the national stage. The club is especially proud of sisters Hila and Hannele Raji, who brought home All-Ireland medals and personal bests, reflecting not only their talent but also Boyne AC's growing reputation as a strong force in promoting female youth athletics.
Sharjah 24
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
"Sharjah Children" draws over 2,300 visitors at SCRF
Interactive workshops and engaging sessions Throughout the 12-day event, the Sharjah Children's pavilion hosted over 70 specialised creative workshops and reading sessions, combining cultural, artistic, practical, and entertainment elements. These sessions, facilitated by experts and Sharjah Children members, took participants on a rich journey through the world of books and storytelling, aiming to spark imagination, develop narration skills, and instil positive values through creative reading and writing challenges. Among the most popular were How I see the story, Reading Jenga, I'll catch my breakfast, Under the hat, and House of Wisdom. Exploring cultures and life skills Participants in the Exploring Civilisations workshop discovered global cultures using collage art to design traditional clothing. In the Nana the Chef workshop, children learned the importance of respecting and helping parents, as well as how to prepare healthy meals. Additional creative and skill-based workshops included My magic mirror, The art of embroidery, Colours of life, and Eco-friendly tales, all delivered in a fun, interactive atmosphere. Collaborations with creative institutions The event also featured contributions from specialised organisations, notably FUNN, which presented two interactive workshops: My place in my book and From page to virtual reality. Female students from the Higher Colleges of Technology also contributed with a series of creative sessions, including Family tales, My little stories, My imagination draws my story, and Puppet tales. Literature of Awareness and themed activities As part of the Literature of Awareness programme, inspired by the story of Laith and Hila, children participated in lively workshops such as Code breaker, Sticky experiments, Cookie galaxy, and Space monsters. Launching the 'Reader of the Century' platform Beyond the workshops, the institution launched the Reader of the Century platform at its stand. This initiative aims to deepen cultural awareness and enhance the intellectual and cognitive skills of children and youth aged 6 to 18, by motivating them to read and seek knowledge. Theatre performances and showcasing talents Sharjah Children's members also performed on stage as part of the festival's programme, presenting a range of purposeful and engaging plays including The Judge and the Crow, Let's Play, and Be Yourself. Encouraging reading and creativity The participation aimed to highlight the foundation's programmes and services, while encouraging children to develop a love for reading, research, and knowledge. It also sought to foster cultural and creative awareness, empowering future generations to become conscious, influential members of society.
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Boyne AC athletes star for their schools at North Leinster Championships
In the opening Minor field session, Hila Raji floated over every high jump bar that dared stand in her way, sealing gold before hustling across the infield to sling a discus far enough for silver. Minutes later, Hila's older sister Hannele sent the shot put thundering beyond the sector tape for an Intermediate title and then swapped throwing shoes for spikes and dashed to a 200m silver that proved power and pace can share a surname. On the track, Junior miler Jack Willis shadowed the leaders for three laps before unleashing a personal-best sprint that carried him to a brave fifth, while Cillian Everitt followed with an 800m so fearless it left the timekeepers shaking their heads. The crowd scarcely caught its breath before the Minor sprints crackled to life. Eoin McEntee's start drew a gasp, and when the medals were decided Riley Byrne dipped for bronze and Aaron McMahon blitzed the anchor leg of a relay that glittered gold. One age group up, the baton quartet of Ryan McMahon, Evan Gamble, Harry Devitt and Emmet McShane stitched together four immaculate exchanges, adding another victory stamp to the programme after Ryan's individual sprint triumph and Harry's silver in the javelin. Distance royalty followed in the elegant stride of Dara Ellie Winters, who glided through the Intermediate mile with a bell-lap kick that secured gold, before returning 20 minutes later for bronze in the 1500m. Shauna Rice ground out a relentless Junior 3,000m to finish fourth, then cheered Georgia Rice as she propelled a javelin into Minor bronze territory. In the sand pit Zara Lee carved a long-jump personal best with each landing, while rising star Grace Nolan ripped another PB from the stopwatch in the 800m. Late afternoon belonged to the eldest age group. Romeo Fomenky uncorked a start fit for a Diamond League final to seize the Senior 100m crown, then dragged his relay quartet to silver with an anchor leg that forced the stadium announcer to hunt for fresh superlatives. Ailish Keenan logged six gritty 3,000m laps before storming her own relay stage for matching silver, moments after brother Seamus danced the steeplechase water like a dragonfly on glass to claim fourth. In the throws circle, Oliver Carolan balanced a javelin silver and shot put bronze on opposite shoulders, while Louis Devitt matched the family's podium touch with a bronze-winning spear in the Juniors. Minor shot put débutant Sean Alhaddad pocketed bronze with a cool opening series, and Caoimhín McShane fought through back-to-back Senior 400 and 200m finals, planting a pair of fifth-place finishes in the club ledger. Sprinter Molly Fay, handed the unforgiving third leg of the Junior relay, clawed back metres and hearts in equal measure, proof that courage sometimes travels faster than medals. By twilight the medal count glittered, personal bests lay scattered like confetti and every second-level campus in Drogheda - St Mary's DS, Ballymakenny College, Our Lady's College Greenhills, Sacred Heart Secondary School, St Joseph's CBS and St Oliver's CC - had watched its students carry classroom honour and club pride hand in hand.
