Kate and Saoirse fly the flag for Lucan

IT was truly a memorable week for two of Lucan Harriers young athletes, an opportunity to wear the green vest.

Saoirse Fitzgerald and Kate O’Connell travelled to Madrid to compete in the inaugural U20 DNA Indoor Athletics Meeting on Thursday where Ireland took on Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic.

The DNA is a new team based format with teams earning points based on finishing positions in a number of track events.

The event then culminates with the Hunt Relay where teams are set off in time intervals based on the points they have won in the other events.

It is an unusual and novel event that captured the imagination of many in the athletics community.

Saoirse took part in an extremely competitive 800m and had a great run to finish 4th in a very fast 2:10.89, with only 2 seconds separating the top 4, earning 6 points for Team Ireland.

Kate then ran superbly in the 400m leg of the Hunt gaining on the French team and helping Ireland to a 5th place finish.

“It is great for Lucan Harriers to have two athletes selected to represent their club and country on the European stage with hopefully many more selected to do so in the future,” said Lucan Harriers Colin O’Gara.

“We also had a third athlete Eve Noctor picked on the squad, who unfortunately didn’t get to run but a very significant achievement, nonetheless.

“ We have no doubt that all three girls will be making a habit of representing their country in the future as they have done in the past,”.

“Everyone at the club is so very proud of you and your achievements.

“It really was a very proud moment for the girls, their families the club and the whole community.

“Well done ladies and wishing you further success in the future,” added Colin.