From next year the Leitrim athlete who has been unbeaten in under age competition over the past number of years and who has taken a silver or bronze medal from each National Senior Championship since she became eligible to compete at this level will enter the Under 23 category for major competitions.

On Saturday, Beijing bound Olive Loughnane led from the start and came home in a personal best time of 21.07.28 for the 5000m Walk.

In the early stages, Laura led Donna Carolan of Wicklow and Georgina Touhy of Tullamore but as the race progressed she got away from them and had no difficulty taking the silver in 25.14.90 for the 5000m event.

After qualifying for the Final on Saturday by taking third in his heat, Gerard O’Donnell of Carrick AC ran a great race to finish fifth in 54.01 on Sunday afternoon.

The event was won by Tom Carey of City of Derry in 52.03 from Jonathan Miller of Dundrum South Dublin (52.24) and Chris Quinn of Lagan Valley who clocked 52.53.

Fergal Ellis who has had a good season in underage and schools competition made his senior debut in the 800m on Saturday. He finished sixth in a tough heat in 2.01.5 with three to qualify from each of the four heats.

Still not 18 years of age, the experience picked up at this level of competition will stand to him next season.

A number of Beijing bound athletes took part in the various events held in pleasant conditions with a slight breeze. In the 10K Walk in which both Robert Heffernan and Jamie Costin competed Heffernan set a new record for the distance.

As has become customary in recent years commemorative medals were presented to National Title winners of 30 years earlier.

This year Patricia Griffin received the medal for her success in the 800m in Belfield in July 1978.

AINE TIGHE SELECTED FOR INTERNATIoNAL

Aine Tighe of Ballinamore AC who took second position in both the Under 17 80m and 300m hurdles at the Woodies DIY AAI Under Age Championships in the Antrim Forum a few weeks ago has been selected on the Irish Team for the Celtic International in Grangemouth, Scotland, on Saturday August 1.

This is an annul Under 17 competition between Scotland, Wales and Ireland which has been in existence for a number of years.

SPECIAL 5K ROAD RACE IN BALLINAMORE

As part of a tribute to Colin Griffin who leaves with the Irish Team for the Olympic Games on Monday, August 4, a special 5K Road race will be held in Ballinamore on Friday, August 1, at 8pm.

The race is open to all runners, joggers, strollers and walkers and each finisher will receive a specially commissioned commemorative tee shirt. Entries will be taken at the Community Centre from 7 pm.

The usual prizes will be on offer and each finisher will be timed on an accurate course. Further enquires to Ballinamore Athletic Club at 071 9644207.