The Irish Universities Athletic Association (IUAA) held their 150th Championships at DSD’s new Track on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd of April 2023.
It was the first event to be held at DSD’s new home in Tibradden in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. And it proved to be an excellent event despite some inclement weather at times.
There were a number of new Irish Universities Records and/or U23 Records set including:
Nicola Tuthill – UCD – Hammer – 65.74m – U23 Record
Michaela Walsh – DCU – Shot Put – 14.86m
Sean McGinley – DCU – 3000m Steeplechase – 8.56.90
There was a lot of positive comment from athletes about the excellent track and field facilities, with many noting that it appears to be a “fast” track (Mark Smyth won the 200m in 20.95 secs. into a minus 1.6 m/s headwind – this time was very close to his PB of 20.89 with benefit of 1.8 m/s tailwind in Cork in Jul ’22).
It was great to see a number of DSD athletes representing their colleges with distinction including Molly Hourihan UCD (won the 200m in 24.62 secs into a minus 1.6 m/s headwind, this time was only marginally outside her PB of 24.59 set last year with a 2 tailwind; also competed in 4x100m and 4x400m); Cara Murphy UCD (1st in 400m H in 1.02.90 secs & also competed in Javelin and 4x400m), Katie Magee UCD (400m & 4x400m) Emma Roche TUD (Discus); Ciaran Carthy DCU (2nd in 400m in new PB of 47.34, also won gold in 4x400m).
Looking forward to the DSD Games in June!
Ronan Gately
