Portlaoise CBS etched its name into the history books recently at both the South Leinster and Leinster Schools Track and Field Championships, delivering its most successful athletics performance to date.
The crowning moment came with victory in the Intermediate Boys Schools Trophy, with just two points to spare over Patrician Newbridge, and CBS Kilkenny in third.
This team title marks a monumental achievement and reflects the hard work and consistency of this dedicated group of athletes.
And it will all culminate on Saturday in Tullamore with the All-Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships.
Their campaign began with a tremendous showing at the South Leinster Schools Championships, held over three days at SETU Carlow.
The event, staged in ideal conditions, saw CBS athletes shine across jumps, sprints, middle-distance, and team events.
The action got underway with CBS sprinters setting the tone early.
Students Joshua Osumah, James Conroy, Uchenna Okorji, Reuben Plunkett, Daniel Downey, Ruairi Molloy, and Honour Onyebuchi powered through their 100m and 200m heats, each progressing confidently to the finals.
When the medals were handed out, CBS names featured prominently on the podium.
Daniel Downey was once again the standout performer, producing a blistering run in the 400m flat to claim gold and set a new championship record, his second record-breaking performance of the meet.
Reuben Plunkett followed close behind, securing a superb silver medal in the same race.
Reuben’s steady improvement throughout the season has been plain to see and richly rewarded.
In the 200m final, Reuben returned to earn another silver, with Uchenna close behind, capturing bronze.
Both athletes, alongside Ruairi Molloy, have been training extensively with Portlaoise AC, and their commitment is clearly paying off.
Honour Onyebuchi, another key member of the squad, delivered a storming run in the Senior Boys 100m final, finishing just behind the leaders to claim a hard-fought bronze in a photo finish.
In the middle-distance events, David Wajrak delivered a tactical masterclass, dominating both the 1,500m and 3,000m.
David ran clever, controlled races, comfortably winning gold in both and showcasing excellent front-running and sprint finishes.
These athletes followed up with another series of outstanding performances at the recent Leinster Schools Athletics Championships in Tullamore, securing several podium finishes and qualifying for the upcoming All-Ireland Schools Championships.
Daniel Downey led the charge with a remarkable victory in the U-17 Boys 400m Hurdles.
His time of 54.59 seconds not only secured gold but also broke a long-standing Leinster record that had stood since 1981.
Downey continued his fine form with a strong third-place finish in the 400m flat.
His achievements to date are the result of years of hard work and an unmatched drive to succeed.
Dan will be aiming for the top of the podium this weekend at the All-Ireland Schools Championships, and few would bet against him.
Reuben Plunkett also showcased his sprinting prowess, earning a bronze medal in the highly competitive 200m final.
In the middle-distance events, David Wajrak ran an excellent race to secure third place in the 1,500m. He too will be targeting a medal at this Saturday’s All-Irelands.
In the field events, Junior Athlete of the Year, Joshua Osumah delivered a superb performance in the Junior Boys High Jump, finishing second at both the South Leinster and Leinster Championships.
Joshua has gone from strength to strength this year. His 1.60m jump in South Leinster improved to 1.65m in Leinster.
He will be aiming for even higher in Tullamore this Saturday.
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