I was competing at the Irish national senior indoor championships in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland and not without a bit of excitement. I was kept outside the warm-up area until 15 minutes before the start. The officials said things where running late, but when I entered the arena the other female pole-vaulters where already inside and warmed up. Talk about an unfair advantage whats going on there, I thought "afraid of the opposition so hold them back,|" watch out for your opposition sometimes its not the athletes.
I asked an official at the pole-vault to go to the toilet and then was approached on my arrival back to the arena that I needed to have someone go with me, Of course I knew that but why do officials not follow the rules at the right time instead of upsetting athletes during competition or perhaps that was the plan. Most officials know the rules and some know all of them but the hard bit is practice them and understanding their responsibility and the athletes responsibilities,which not to remind officials of their rules and regulations. Unfortunately on my first jump after clearing the opening height I spiked my calf badly with my own spicks on landing on the mat. I received 7 stitches and excellent caring from the first aid, so a big thank you to them. I exited the event with no attempt on the masters record this time.
I went on to make the final of the shot putt in a fine field of putters with first place going out to 13.34 meters. The next day was a great day weather wise and had a wonderful turn out in the Old Castle venue of The battle of the Boyne in County Meath which hosted the Ras na hEireràan by Dunleer A.C. What a great job they did in organizing and following through with their event. Thousands watching and large numbers in all events, unlike the previous National indoors which had 3 and 4 people in some events like the walks and pole-vault.
The starter Tommy Neary was excellent at his job starting races on time and as scheduled.
My own Club Newry A.C had great success in the first event with fast times recorded in all category's and medals to all who raced. Well done to my Champion athletes You did me proud, See you all at training on Tuesday to celebrate.
I myself won the ladies 3000m cross-country race run in memory of the late and great legend Larry Mc Guill the father of Dunleer athletics. I was presented with a beautiful commemorative medal with Larry's face engraved on the back, great to see his whole family out and his friends from all over Ireland running the memorial race, people like Brian Vallely Ex president of athletics some years ago when ex athletes ran the association and passion for sport ran high and was top of the list in priorities.