Athletics: DSD women looking to hit title high five
Dundrum South Dublin go for a fifth consecutive women’s title at Sunday’s Glo Health National Track and Field League final in Tullamore.
After two qualification rounds, DSD, on 217 points, and Cork club Leevale, one point, behind top the overall table. DSD can call on Irish international athletics such as Sinéad Denny (400m), Anita White (javelin) and Maria McCambridge (3000m), although a clash with the National Half Marathon may rob them of their long-distance stars.
The Dublin club, captained by Fiona Clinton, also has a number of reliable points gatherers, among them Grainne Moggan, Grace O’Rourke and Mollie O’Reilly.
Leevale isn’t as strong as DSD in the field events, but can call on sisters Michelle and Carol Finn for the longer races and hurdles.
Leevale won the men’s premier division last year, beating St Abban’s and Clonliffe Harriers. Of those three, Clonliffe is the team to watch this year, with Brian Gregan back in form for the 400m and the relays.
Others likely to pick up big points include Timmy Crowe in the hurdles, sprinters Christopher Sibanda and Keith Pike, Ian Rogers in the pole vault and hammer thrower Simon Galligan.
In Division 1, four teams picked up over 200 points in the men’s qualifying rounds. They are Bandon, Clare County, Finn Valley An Riocht, and Sli Cualann. In women’s division 1, Finn Valley also put up a strong performance and is fighting for promotion.