Athletics hopeful of autumn return as big events in the pipeline

With the country in lockdown, it has been an age since there has been any athletics action.

But the athletics community at all levels are hopeful of a return to action in the autumn, in time for the busy cross country season.

Laois Athletics Board Chairman John Scully is hopeful that come the start of the cross country season on October 1, all competition will be back on track.

John confirmed that all road, track and field, primary and secondary schools, parkrun and fit for life have been postponed until directives from government and athletics boards.

Action will not resume until it is safe to do so. Everyone’s safety being utmost priority.

Team L-R Dick Mullins St Abbans, Liam O’Hare London Irish, Michael Smith Laragh Cavan, Ken Higgs Eagle Cork.

Among those looking forward to getting back into competitive action is veteran St Abban’s runnner Dick Mullins, who was on the Ireland team that won bronze in the International Masters Cross Country in Aintree last year.

Mullins proved a valuable member for the team finishing 12^th overall and 3^rd scorer in the 6k event. The Irish team finished in 3^rd place behind England and Scotland for the bronze medals.

Dick is looking forward to this 2020 masters event to be staged in Dublin Santry stadium cross country course on November 14 next and he is hopeful all restrictions will be complete for the event to be fulfilled.

Also a major programme is scheduled for Dublin, with the European men’s and women’s cross country championships to be held in Abbotstown on December 13, 2020.

SEE ALSO – In Pictures: The Heath Golf Club members delighted to be back on course

The post Athletics hopeful of autumn return as big events in the pipeline appeared first on Laois Today.

source https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/05/26/athletics-hopeful-of-autumn-return-as-big-events-in-the-pipeline/