Well-known local athlete, Patsy O’Connor has just set up a record which will be hard if not impossible for anyone else to equal let alone break.
The Brosna parish native and Tralee Harriers AC member, Patsy turned 58 on the weekend just before last week’s Kerry Senior Track and Field Championships took place at An Riocht AC here in Castleisland.
The turn of age meant that Patsy would be competing in his 40th Kerry T&F championship and a win at this event would set his record in stone. And it came to pass.
A familiar sight on athletics tracks around the county, Patsy is an ever enthusiastic volunteer at the measuring and officiating end of things. He’s there cajoling and encouraging the throwers of all ages and abilities.
As an athlete, official and coach, Patsy is an example of the foundation upon which AAI elite performer is built.
At his latest record setting event, Patsy competed in and won the 56lbs for distance and the javelin. The Kilmanihan based farmer added this significant honour to his already numerous indoor and outdoor Munster and Irish titles.
At the same event and in the long jump and triple jump, Denis Finnegan won impressively.
On the track young Dion Marcus won the 100m and 400m,at 16 a star of the future. Aoife O’Carroll, emulated her brother Eoin,winning the 100m,200m and long jump.
Ireland’s senior international discus and shot thrower, Clare Fitzgerald won the discus in fine style, followed by quality athletes Kayleigh Cronin, Hannah O’Sullivan and Aoife Doyle.
Alan O Connor and Daniel Clifford lead the way in the mens throwing events.
Brian Akers hammer throwers guested, including his daughter and international thrower Alice. Youth Olympics destined Adam King threw almost 74metres in a warm up throw registering 69metres in the competition itself.
David Courtney Ennis Track threw as a guest in the javelin.
