2014 Irish National Championships

Chivito550

Thought I'd set up a thread for this as there hasn't been much chat about it here. I think it is better off in the main forum rather than getting buried among all the road races in the events forum.

The first of what I assume will be a few AAI previews has been posted.

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/glohealth-senior-champs-throws-preview

Fairly decent numbers entered in the men's javelin it has to be said.

ecoli

Should be a good weekend of racing. Saw on Twitter that Ciara Mageean looks set to make a return. Will be great to see here back on her feet after a torrid time with injuries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/athletics/28299022

pconn062

Anyone running? Not doing it myself this year, maybe next year when I'm a bit faster! Heading up on the Sunday anyway, and maybe the Saturday if I don't have to work.

Chivito550

pconn062 wrote: »

Anyone running? Not doing it myself this year, maybe next year when I'm a bit faster! Heading up on the Sunday anyway, and maybe the Saturday if I don't have to work.

Yep, running the 400 heats on the Saturday. Will need an improvement of Michelle Smith proportions to extend my interest into Sunday, so will up in the stands then.

RacoonQueen

Hoping to head in on Sunday. Knowing me however, I will probably forget it's on until about 2pm...

Timmaay

Down for the 8 and 15. Like Chivito it would take a motorbike or something to help me progress to Sunday, but I'll be down Sunday to watch also definitely, alongside the annual carnage that night ha. Hopefully no hospital visits this year! Also anyone know much about the public mile races on the Sunday at 11am? Great idea, I might well go up for it, will it be like the goal miles or what?

pconn062

Timmaay wrote: »

Down for the 8 and 15. Like Chivito it would take a motorbike or something to help me progress to Sunday, but I'll be down Sunday to watch also definitely, alongside the annual carnage that night ha. Hopefully no hospital visits this year! Also anyone know much about the public mile races on the Sunday at 11am? Great idea, I might well go up for it, will it be like the goal miles or what?

Huh??! Tell us more! I might be up for the Sunday night.

longjump67

https://events.athleticsireland.ie/ps/event/GloHealthMileChallenge

thirstywork2

Any athlete doing Europeans will have to compete in their choosen event.Little dissapointed with this as id love to see Mark English drop down to 400m again.

pconn062

What are Robinson and McCarthy running, the 1500m then?

Edit: Just seen they are, alongside John Travers and Ciaran O' Lionaird. Should be some race.

Chivito550

Fully entry list up now:

http://46.22.133.116/downloads/eshop/GloHealth_Senior_Track_and_Field_Championships_Entry_List.pdf

pconn062

Interesting to see Fionnuala Britton in the 1500m, not the 5 or 10k.

Chivito550

pconn062 wrote: »

Interesting to see Fionnuala Britton in the 1500m, not the 5 or 10k.

Maybe the rule of having to do your event at nationals to go to Zurich doesn't apply to long distance races. If so then I'd agree with this.

RayCun

highlights on RTE2 Sunday evening, 6 to 7.30

LacticAthlete

http:// jumpingthegun.ie/blog/2014/7/16/nationals-prediction-contest

Prediction contest on Jumping the gun for those interested

YFlyer

pconn062 wrote: »

What are Robinson and McCarthy running, the 1500m then?

Edit: Just seen they are, alongside John Travers and Ciaran O' Lionaird. Should be some race.

Has Ciaran O'Lionard still to get the European qualifying time?

pconn062

YFlyer wrote: »

Has Ciaran O'Lionard still to get the European qualifying time?

Yeah, I believe so, didn't get it the other night at the Morton Games.

YFlyer

pconn062 wrote: »

Yeah, I believe so, didn't get it the other night at the Morton Games.

He be hoping the pace be quick then.

ecoli

YFlyer wrote: »

He be hoping the pace be quick then.

He is racing in Watford tonight so you would imagine that he hopes to get it there. If so will make the 1500m at the weekend very interesting with 4 qualifiers and 3 to make the team

YFlyer

ecoli wrote: »

He is racing in Watford tonight so you would imagine that he hopes to get it there. If so will make the 1500m at the weekend very interesting with 4 qualifiers and 3 to make the team

Cheers.

Yes it be interested. Travers is flying it and be full of confidence after the Morton Games.

pistol_75

ecoli wrote: »

He is racing in Watford tonight so you would imagine that he hopes to get it there. If so will make the 1500m at the weekend very interesting with 4 qualifiers and 3 to make the team

3:37:73 tonight. Mission accomplished.

Some Kind of Wizard

Is it the case that the top 3 in the 1500m at the Nationals, given they have the standard, are guaranteed to go to Europe? Or do selectors have more discretion?

ecoli

Some Kind of Wizard wrote: »

Is it the case that the top 3 in the 1500m at the Nationals, given they have the standard, are guaranteed to go to Europe? Or do selectors have more discretion?

Up to selectors discretion solely so while athletes have to run nationals and the results may influence the selectors decision it does not have a direct impact on the selection process.

https://athleticsireland.app.box.com/14-ecpolicy

RacoonQueen

Don't know much about McCarthy...whats his form like? History?

Assuming all 4 get qualifying time on Sunday...would think Robinson would be a definite inclusion? and probably O' Lionaird too. Travers and McCarthy to fight it out for the last spot?

pistol_75

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Don't know much about McCarthy...whats his form like? History?

Assuming all 4 get qualifying time on Sunday...would think Robinson would be a definite inclusion? and probably O' Lionaird too. Travers and McCarthy to fight it out for the last spot?

I would have thought Sunday could be a more tactical affair rather than a time trial? Given that they all have the time the onus would be on finishing place I would have thought (and also winning a national title) over the time.

Sacksian

Would really love to see John Travers get selected. I think it would be a great reward for him, and for club athletics in this country.

He's a young guy that AFAIK came through his local club structure - I'd say he's one of the few top guys that runs the national league for his club (he did both rounds this year), does the graded series, does county and national xc, IUAA, etc.

Could be a really good encouragement to domestic club athletes.

pconn062

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Don't know much about McCarthy...whats his form like? History?

Assuming all 4 get qualifying time on Sunday...would think Robinson would be a definite inclusion? and probably O' Lionaird too. Travers and McCarthy to fight it out for the last spot?

McCarthy was in really good form during the indoor season. Not too sure what his form is currently apart from that he had a bad run at the Morton Games last Friday in the mile. Was at the front at one stage but faded badly and finished in 4.09 I believe. But a quality athlete when he's going well.

ecoli

Sacksian wrote: »

Would really love to see John Travers get selected. I think it would be a great reward for him, and for club athletics in this country.

He's a young guy that AFAIK came through his local club structure - I'd say he's one of the few top guys that runs the national league for his club (he did both rounds this year), does the graded series, does county and national xc, IUAA, etc.

Could be a really good encouragement to domestic club athletes.

I think you could probably make a similar case for McCarthy to an extent (home based athlete running a couple of local road races and IUAA's over the years for DCU when he wasn't running in providence) also was on a number of the XC teams over the years. You could also argue that with Briton moving from our only home based professional coached group that it could be damaging to not have a runner from that group running at Europeans*.

I think overall each athletes selection would come with pro's and cons no doubt but regardless of that should make for a great race, eventhrowing in the likes of Harper and Mooney and there is the potential for a very competitive race.

ecoli

pconn062 wrote: »

McCarthy was in really good form during the indoor season. Not too sure what his form is currently apart from that he had a bad run at the Morton Games last Friday in the mile. Was at the front at one stage but faded badly and finished in 4.09 I believe. But a quality athlete when he's going well.

Went through the 1500m at roughly 4.00-4.01 pace so you can imagine how bad he did tie up after going with the initial pace.

RayCun

what times did each qualify with? O Lionaird was 3.37.72, what about the others?

pconn062

ecoli wrote: »

I think you could probably make a similar case for McCarthy to an extent (home based athlete running a couple of local road races and IUAA's over the years for DCU when he wasn't running in providence) also was on a number of the XC teams over the years. You could also argue that with Briton moving from our only home based professional coached group that it could be damaging to not have a runner from that group running at Europeans*.

I think overall each athletes selection would come with pro's and cons no doubt but regardless of that should make for a great race, evening throwing in the likes of Coghlan and Everard and there is the potential for a very competitive race.

What is the story with Britton these days? I know she moved on from Chris Jones but haven't heard whose looking after her now. What sort of shape is she in?

ecoli

RayCun wrote: »

what times did each qualify with? O Lionaird was 3.37.72, what about the others?

Travers 3.37.27* (mile race)
COL 3.37.72
McCarthy 3.39.14 (indoor)
Robinson 3.36.45 (mile race)

Travers and Robinson both developmental athletes which will probably work in their favour however Travers inconsistency and championship performance indoors last year may be something which works against him in the eyes of the selectors.

McCarthy may have to show form come the weekend to help his case given his time is from early in the year but 3.43/4.11 split first race back might just have been a rust buster and most likely to see improvements

Robinson IMO is a lock, has showed form, range and has the B standard in the 800.

COL rounding into form at the right time and has shown current form so most likely will be the other one secured leaving the last place open unless there are some huge surprises at the weekend

ecoli

pconn062 wrote: »

What is the story with Britton these days? I know she moved on from Chris Jones but haven't heard whose looking after her now. What sort of shape is she in?

15.38 in Lucerne the other night. To best of my knowledge she is being coached by a well known Irish coach (though am not 100% certain of this)

Sacksian

ecoli wrote: »

Travers 3.37.27* (mile race)
COL 3.37.72
McCarthy 3.39.14 (indoor)
Robinson 3.36.45 (mile race)

The heats could be interesting with these guys looking to conserve as much as possible and the guys below looking to run times - although there probably won't be any surprises in the 15, I can definitely see this being a factor in the 800.

The heats in the 8 are going to be insane. There are 57 entrants, I think, so it could be 5 heats of 11/12 or six heats of 9/10. With 6 heats, you're probably looking at 12 in the final with only the top two qualifying.

The difference between the fastest and slowest heat last year was quite big, IIRC, so you had a couple of fast guys missing out. This year, do the fast guys take their chances in a tactical race, and trust their kick? Do the 2nd level guys go from the start to give themselves a chance at getting a jump on a top-two position? Should be interesting anyway.

To be honest, I think 6 heats is too many for a two-round competition and I think for next year they could consider moving to invitation for some events.

ecoli

Sacksian wrote: »

The heats could be interesting with these guys looking to conserve as much as possible and the guys below looking to run times - although there probably won't be any surprises in the 15, I can definitely see this being a factor in the 800.

The heats in the 8 are going to be insane. There are 57 entrants, I think, so it could be 5 heats of 11/12 or six heats of 9/10. With 6 heats, you're probably looking at 12 in the final with only the top two qualifying.

The difference between the fastest and slowest heat last year was quite big, IIRC, so you had a couple of fast guys missing out. This year, do the fast guys take their chances in a tactical race, and trust their kick? Do the 2nd level guys go from the start to give themselves a chance at getting a jump on a top-two position? Should be interesting anyway.

To be honest, I think 6 heats is too many for a two-round competition and I think for next year they could consider moving to invitation for some events.

I think with the 1500 heats most of the lads above would have confidence in there finishing speed that I would see it being a sit and kick style. Will be interesting to see the likes of Mooney and Harper come the final as I think this year despite the great talent up front their is a strong second tier who will not be afraid of being competitive with these guys (something rare enough in Irish athletics)

ecoli

Looks like this is also shaping up to be a good race. With the Junior relay team failing to make the WJC the majority will be there (with the exception of Lawler and Irwin)

Hynes has to be favourite given he has been consistent all year and the fastest on paper however Craig Lynch should be a dark horse. His fastest legal time of the year was (after adjusting for the win) on par with the likes of Hynes and Lawler.

Keith Doherty from my own club is coming into form at the right time of the season after a great indoor season and may surprise along with Ollie Blakc and Eanna Madden being able to capitalise if any of the other lads have an off day

RayCun

The athlete who wins the National Championships and has achieved the performance standard (as specified in the selection policy) within the qualification period will be automatically selected.

The team selectors will have sole discretion to decide which of the other qualified athlete(s) are selected. Selectors may consider the following (but will not be limited to), championship potential, consideration of fastest qualification times and based on current form.

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/four-qualifiers-for-1500m-for-european-championships

YFlyer

No sign of Gregan racing.

pconn062

YFlyer wrote: »

No sign of Gregan racing.

According to twitter he is:

Really excited about competing in the @GloHealth1 @irishathletics nationals this weekend. Also can't wait fro the mens 1500m #Stacked

Sacksian

ecoli wrote: »

I think with the 1500 heats most of the lads above would have confidence in there finishing speed that I would see it being a sit and kick style. Will be interesting to see the likes of Mooney and Harper come the final as I think this year despite the great talent up front their is a strong second tier who will not be afraid of being competitive with these guys (something rare enough in Irish athletics)

I'd agree about the 15 - it will be interesting to see where people try to go from in the heats! But there'll be proportionally more final spots available compared to the 800. With more heats and fewer final places available, I think there might be more room for surprises/mistakes in the 800!

Alvin Holler

pconn062 wrote: »

What is the story with Britton these days? I know she moved on from Chris Jones but haven't heard whose looking after her now. What sort of shape is she in?

She glided by me in Glasnevin a few days ago. Couldn't keep up with her to see what form she was in.

Chivito550

Sacksian wrote: »

To be honest, I think 6 heats is too many for a two-round competition and I think for next year they could consider moving to invitation for some events.

Disagree here. It's more people we want running, not less. No reason why they can't do semi finals.

Heats: Start of sat
Semi Finals: End of Sat
Sunday: Sunday

Or make Nationals a 3 day event.

notsofast

Liam Zamel-Paez entered in the colours of Clonliffe.

YFlyer

pconn062 wrote: »

According to twitter he is:

Ah ok. Its just that his name is not on the list.

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

Disagree here. It's more people we want running, not less. No reason why they can't do semi finals.

Heats: Start of sat
Semi Finals: End of Sat
Sunday: Sunday

Or make Nationals a 3 day event.

Is there qualifying times to get into the Nationals?

dna_leri

ecoli wrote: »

I think with the 1500 heats most of the lads above would have confidence in there finishing speed that I would see it being a sit and kick style. Will be interesting to see the likes of Mooney and Harper come the final as I think this year despite the great talent up front their is a strong second tier who will not be afraid of being competitive with these guys (something rare enough in Irish athletics)

It will really get interesting is someone like Everard goes for the qualifying time on Sunday

ecoli

dna_leri wrote: »

It will really get interesting is someone like Everard goes for the qualifying time on Sunday

Made a mistake looking at the entry list he is down for the 5000m

ecoli

average_runner wrote: »

Is there qualifying times to get into the Nationals?

No anyone who is registered with a club can enter

KielyUnusual

Sacksian wrote: »

Would really love to see John Travers get selected. I think it would be a great reward for him, and for club athletics in this country.

He's a young guy that AFAIK came through his local club structure - I'd say he's one of the few top guys that runs the national league for his club (he did both rounds this year), does the graded series, does county and national xc, IUAA, etc.

Could be a really good encouragement to domestic club athletes.

Agreed. Saw him running the 3k in the Gradeds last year and he was phenomenal. Set a relentless pace from the start and finished up with a 60 odd second last lap. Was delighted to see him do so well in the Morton Mile recently. Looks to be in top form so it would be hard to see him not making the team.

notsofast

ecoli wrote: »

Made a mistake looking at the entry list he is down for the 5000m

Maybe not, saw him talking to Gerry Kiernan there recently!!!

thirstywork2

Men's 10k will be class,not sure of entry but Fagan out.Christie running or going for 5k.Fredd the Kenyan running in Raheny colours alony with Claw and Rooney they have a class team.

Robinson should win 1500m but this will be his biggest test on a domestic front since he has made his massive breakthrough.
Travers I think will be buzzing for this and O lionard looked class again.McCarthy the man with a point to prove so can't write him off but his confidence low after Morton.

Mental numbers in the 800m.