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06 Sept 2025

Irish athletes impress at Schools’ International Track and Field competition in Wales

Irish athletes impress at Schools’ International Track and Field competition in Wales

Marie Shanahan who was 6th in the discus in the Schools International Track and Field competition in Carmarthen, Wales.

Reporter:

Reporter

24 Jul 2024 7:01 PM

Email:

sport@tipperarystar.ie

On Saturday, July 20th, a team of 70 Irish athletes proudly represented their country at the Schools’ International Athletics Board track and field competition in Carmarthen, Wales. 
These athletes earned their spots on the team through their outstanding performances at the 123.ie All-Ireland Schools’ Track and Field Championships and the Tailteann Games in Santry. The top two athletes in each event were chosen to compete at this prestigious international event.
The Irish team faced an early challenge when long delays at Dublin Airport on Friday, July 19th, caused by the blue screen technical glitch, tested their patience. 
Despite these setbacks, the team remained focused and ready to compete. Saturday’s competition was marked by wet and muggy conditions, with frequent heavy showers adding to the difficulty. 
Marie Shanahan from Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré and Rebecca Walsh from St. Declans Kilmacthomas, represented Ireland in the 1kg discus throw, which began around 4:45 pm. 
England’s Gabriella Tcheukam took an early lead with a throw of 42.21 meters. Marie Shanahan’s initial throw of 32.56 meters placed her in third position.

However, by the third round, Rebecca Walsh had surged into third place with a throw of 35.21 meters, while Marie slipped to fifth. After six rounds of intense competition, the final standings were:
1. Gabriella Tcheukam, England - 43.66m
2. Elkie Baker, England - 37.51m
3. Rebecca Walsh, Ireland - 35.21m
4. Dolly Evans, Wales - 34.94m
5. Abbey Kennedy, Scotland - 34.05m
6. Marie Shanahan, Ireland - 32.56m
7. Grace Hawker, Wales - 29.06m
8. Niamh Pegrum, Scotland - 29.03m 
We are immensely proud of Marie, who represented our school, county, province, and country on the international stage with style and determination. Her efforts helped Ireland secure second-place finish in the competition. Marie’s busy weekend didn’t end in Wales.
After a late flight home on Saturday night, she competed for her club, Ballyskenach AC, in the Club All-Ireland on Sunday morning. Displaying her unwavering dedication, Marie secured second place with a throw of 32.84 meters. 
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Marie for her outstanding achievements. Her hard work, diligence, and commitment to athletics have been justly rewarded. We look forward to watching her continued success at school, club, county, national, and international levels.

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