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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.
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Lorcan is the golden boy as Ace AC takes Nationals by storm with medal hat-trick
The outstanding individual performances were handsomely rewarded with one brilliant gold, a silver and a bronze and there were impressive showings from other young athletes. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work that Ace AC's athletes put in, with all athletes under the age of 17 needing to qualify through the highly competitive Leinster Championships. Leading the way was Lorcàn Forde Dunne, who will be hoping to be selected in the coming days for the Ireland team for the European Youth Olympics. He delivered a thrilling performance to claim the U18 3,000m All-Ireland title. The race was split into two heats and that meant that the medallists were decided on times. Lorcàn ran the second heat, knowing exactly what he had to do to secure victory. With a determined group of five athletes breaking away early, Lorcàn picked up the pace with one lap to go and, showing strength and focus, he surged ahead in the final 400m to clinch the gold medal with a fast time of 8:36. This victory secured Lorcàn's second All-Ireland title of the year, following his Indoor 1500m win in March, and the two sensational performances solidify his position as one of Ireland's brightest young distance runners. Minutes after Lorcàn's win, Ace AC turned its focus to Eimear Cooney and she secured a national silver medal in the U19 Girls 3,000m. In a race dominated by Louth based athletes, Cooney fought bravely alongside Dearbhla Allen from the Dromiskin club St Peter's. While Dearbhla pulled away for the win, Eimear maintained a strong position, finishing in second place with a commanding performance. This latest achievement adds to Eimear's already impressive record of national podium finishes, and she continues to be one of the most consistent performers in her age group in Ireland. ADVERTISEMENT One of Ace AC's top field athletes, Jaheim Humphrey, picked up the club's other medal at the championships when he claimed a great bronze in the U17 discus competition. The Leinster champion threw a personal best of 40.19m, securing his first ever National medal. Jaheim, who is relatively new to the event, has shown incredible promise and will undoubtedly continue to rise in the ranks of Irish discus throwers. Outside of the medals, one of the standout stories of the weekend was the performance of Caoimhe Carolan, who became the first young Ace AC girl to qualify for a final at the national level apart from the club's successful group of older, established athletes. In the U13 Girls 600m Caoimhe showed incredible grit to finish just short of her personal best in a time of 1:44.82, securing 12th place in Ireland. Caoimhe has broken new ground for the club and became another role model for younger athletes aspiring to make it to the National stage. Her qualification through the Leinster Championships and her performance in the final is a huge milestone for Ace AC's future. Daniel Hanley has shown serious improvement over the last 12 months and he also represented the club at the Nationals in the U17 Boys 800m, where he ran in the second of two heats. The race was tactical, with athletes bunched together for much of the first 600m before a fast last 200. Daniel fought hard in the final stretch, gaining invaluable experience in what was a really challenging race. Meanwhile away from the National Championships, other Ace AC athletes competed well in the Irish Miler event in Santry on Saturday, with Shea O'Donnell securing a new 1500m PB of 3:53. Sholah Lawrence and Daniele Adebola also both ran very well at the competition.
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Friday 13th kicks off big fortnight for Boyne AC
It all began on Friday 13th with the Boyne AC 5K along the Ballymakenny Road, a massive and popular success once again. The atmosphere was buzzing and the club's juvenile athletes turned out in force, delivering an incredible night of performances, whether on the course or supporting from the sidelines. Eoin McEntee led the way with a superb run of 19:48, taking third place in the Youth category, followed closely by Will Gow in 20:04 and Malachy Brodigan in 20:21, all three helping the team secure a well-earned third place in the team competition. Cormac Brodigan wasn't far behind in 20:49, with strong runs from Tite Williams (21:27) and Joe Bell (21:51) also. Zion Oluwobowale ran a solid 22:28, followed by Sebastian Stearn (23:36), Tom Kelly (23:40), Conor Hughes (23:50), and Oran Monaghan (23:57), all showing great form. Also putting in brilliant performances were Thomas Crosbie (24:14), Kublai Ferguson (24:36), Finbar Fagan (24:38), Tadhg Lalor (24:48), and Kal-El Ferguson (25:26), with the next wave of Boyne talent right behind. They included Tom Redmond (26:32), Harry Corr (27:43), Garvan Lundon (28:28), Charlie Kelly (29:17), Alex Shields (29:44), Roan Lynch (31:12), Christian Shields (31:17), Sean Clark (31:50), Rasmus Fangerau (31:59), Paraic Keenan (32:16), and Jude Brady (32:40). On the girls' side, Eilish Keenan stormed to the Juvenile win in 21:50 and led the girls' team to third place overall, alongside Shauna Rice (22:40), Caitlin Hughes (23:39), and Stella Gow (24:44). Mollie Kelly also impressed with 25:48, followed by Shauna Crosbie (26:28), Folasade Bello-Osagie (29:00), Erin Dowling (31:26), Mollie Smyth (31:45), and Ella Brady (32:12), all pushing themselves to the finish. What made the night even more special was the presence of so many teammates who weren't running due to their focus on the Leinster Championships that weekend, but who still showed up in numbers to cheer on their clubmates. On Saturday, Hannele Raji proudly pulled on the Leinster vest at the Tailteann Interprovincial Games in Carlow and delivered two fantastic results despite the heat - fifth in the shot put with 10.60m and sixth in the long jump with 5.24m. Competing against the best in Ireland, Hannele stood tall for both her club and her province. ADVERTISEMENT Then on Sunday last, three of Boyne AC's youngest athletes made their All-Ireland debuts at the Juvenile Championships. In challenging wind and rain, Folasade Chloe Bello-Osagie ran a brilliant 500m in 1:48, closely followed by Stella Gow in 1:53 - two great runs showing heart and potential. In the U12 high jump Jessica McMahon finished just outside the medals with an excellent 1.15m jump, a composed performance on the biggest stage yet for her.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Kilkenny star weighs in on debate around moving Leinster hurling final out of Croke Park as Galway tussle looms
IF DEREK LYNG persists with his rewiring of Kilkenny's switchboard, Adrian Mullen is ready to be an adaptor. An All-Star midfielder in 2022, apprentice electrician Mullen has played most of his hurling in the half-forward line. 2 Kilkenny are hoping to be crowned Leinster kingpins for the sixth year in a row 2 As a player Derek Lyng won nine Leinster Championships to go with six All-Irelands But for the first time since his underage days, the Ballyhale Shamrocks man had No 6 on his back as Kilkenny With David Blanchfield, Mikey Carey and Richie Reid also occupying the position this season, Cats boss Derek Lyng continues to tinker with centre-back options. Speaking ahead of the Leinster final against Galway, Mullen said: 'I've no idea where I'm going to be playing. 'I'll be happy to play anywhere that I'm picked so we'll have to wait and see.' Read More On GAA As Kilkenny were already assured of a place in the provincial final before their seven-point loss to the Models, Lyng had scope to experiment. Mullen explained: 'I'll play anywhere I'm told to play. If you're told to play centre-back, you obviously just have to adapt to that. 'If you're closer to the goal, you have to be a threat up there and stuff like that. You have to be able to play anywhere with the way the game has gone. 'Given the circumstances of the round-robin — we were already through — it was probably a game to give lads a bit of game time and get minutes into the legs and stuff like that. I suppose that's just what you saw there.' Most read in GAA Hurling Plagued by injuries over the years, Mullen has declared himself fit and available for selection as Kilkenny take aim at a sixth straight Bob O'Keeffe Cup this weekend. He said: 'The body is holding up well for now. I suppose at this time of year, you're never really 100 per cent going into any games, especially with how tough and heavy training is. RTE pundit Joe Canning urges GAA to make huge change for Leinster hurling final as fans 'totally agree' 'I've kept it together for now and I'm looking forward to Sunday.' Heading into his seventh season on the panel, Mullen picked up a groin injury that sidelined him for the National League. His playing time for Kilkenny at senior level has also been curtailed by knee, hamstring and thumb injuries. The 2019 Young Hurler of the Year said: 'It's probably just a variety of different things. 'I suppose with the workload of pre-season at the time, you'd do well to come out of it injury-free. I was just unfortunate at that time to pick up kind of a groin injury or a groin issue. 'But it's all good now and I'm fit and ready to go.' FEELING FIT While a twisted ankle also forced Mullen off after just 17 minutes of the Leinster opener against Galway in April, he was back for the meeting with Offaly three weeks later. If given the nod, the former DCU student will make his 33rd Championship start against the Tribesmen at Croke Park on Sunday. And he insisted: 'I feel good. Training has been tough over the last couple of weeks and months. Once you put in that work and that foundation, it definitely stands to you. 'I feel good coming into the latter part of the Championship.' Mullen produced a man-of-the-match display in last year's Leinster final, racking up 0-7 from play as Joe Canning has But Mullen said: 'I suppose speaking as a player, there's no place you'd rather be than Croke Park. As a player, I'm happy that it's in Croke Park. 'Wherever it ends up being played, maybe in the years to come, you just have to get on with it. It makes no difference really once you're out on the pitch.' Asked about the bookies' forecast — which has been echoed by many pundits — that this year's All-Ireland is a two-horse race between Limerick and Cork, Mullen responded: 'I suppose it only seeps in if you're paying attention to it really. 'Obviously we have our own opinions and our own beliefs.'
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth athletes shine at All-Ireland Schools and Leinster Championships as Boyne AC stars medal
From the national stage in Tullamore to local roads and the high energy of the Leinster Championships, their athletes showed exactly what they're made of. Things kicked off on Friday last when Hila Raji represented Ballymakenny College at the All-Ireland Schools Track & Field Championships in Tullamore. Hila put in a calm, focused performance in the high jump, clearing an impressive 1.50m to take third place and claim a well-earned All-Ireland bronze medal - a proud moment for her school, her family and everyone at Boyne AC. The following day her sister Hannele Raji stepped into the same arena, this time wearing the colours of St Oliver's CC. Hannele competed in both the shot putt and long jump, placing sixth in each event, and while the results weren't quite what she was aiming for, her effort and commitment stood out. Also on Saturday, over the roads of Monasterboice, Seamus Keenan was in flying form for the club as he stormed home to finish as the first Junior in the U18 category at the Monasterboice 4-Mile Race. Clocking a time of 24:39 under the guidance of coach Andrew White, Seamus once again proved that he's one of the brightest young endurance runners in the region. But perhaps the most electric energy of the weekend came from the youngest members of the club, who took to the track and field for the Leinster Championships at Tullamore Harriers Stadium. For many of them, it was their first time competing at this level and they rose to the occasion brilliantly. In the U10 Girls 600m pairs, Stella Gow and Folasade Chloe Bello Osagie delivered a superb performance, earning themselves a bronze medal after a gutsy and well-paced race. They returned to the track for the sprint pairs later in the day and finished fifth overall, proving themselves as a dynamic and consistent duo. Jessica McMahon impressed in the U12 Girls high jump, clearing a big personal best of 1.20m to place fourth. She was just outside the medals, but her performance spoke volumes about her potential. Over in the turbo javelin, the U11 boys were in top form. Rasmus Fangeru led the way with a 14.68m throw, followed by Mal Brodigan with 11.27m and Conor Hughes with 9.84m. All three hit personal bests, showing steady improvement and promise for the seasons ahead. In the U13 Boys 600m, Will Gow put in a strong run, clocking a new personal best of 1:54. Though just shy of a medal, his was a gritty and determined effort. Caithlin Hughes took on the U12 Girls 600m with a great mix of drive and composure. She earned herself a personal best and finished with the kind of smile that shows just how much she loves the sport. The U11 Boys 600m featured two determined Boyne AC runners. Malachy Brodigan ran a strong heat, placing second, and then pushed hard in the final, narrowly missing out on a medal. Conor Hughes also ran well and showed good form across the board. In the U10 Boys 600m, Cormac Brodigan gave it everything, finishing 12th overall. At just nine years old and already competing at this level, he's clearly one to keep an eye on in the coming years. And just when it seemed the day was done, there was one more highlight to come! Right at the end of the Leinster Championships, Folasade Chloe Bello Osagie was back in action, this time as part of the Louth relay team. Running in the final event of the day, Folasade helped secure a silver medal for the team with a flawless run and a smooth handover that brought the team home in style. It was the perfect way to cap off an already fantastic day of competition. Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing to this Friday's latest running of the ever-popular SKF Boyne 5K. The action starts at 8pm from St Oliver's NS on the Ballymakenny Road in Drogheda and runs out towards the countryside area of Townrath, before turning and proceeding back towards St Oliver's NS for a fast downward stretch to the finish. There are prizes of €150, €75 and €50 for the first three finishers overall in both the men's and women's categories, plus a further €150 if the course record is broken. There are also category prizes in the various age groups for both men and women, plus prizes for the top two teams and the top three wheelchair finishers. There is a medal for all finishers, refreshments available in the school, chipped timing and bag-drop facilities, and the event is AAI-approved. Further information and entry details can be found on the Boyne AC Facebook page.
