Templemore’s Burke medals at European U18 Athletics Championships

The rising tide of Tipperary athletics continues as Templemore Athletic Clubs Joe Burke was among the medal winners for Ireland at the European Under 18 Athletics Championships in Slovakia.

The sixteen-year-old secured a brilliant bronze medal from lane eight in the 200m final, having booked his place in the decider thanks to a brilliant 21.43s from lane eight in the semi-finals. The Templemore AC athlete crossed in a time of 21.31s to break the Irish under 18 200m record.

The gold and silver medals went to Diego Nappi (Italy) 20.81s (CR) and Ivano Bevanda (Sweden) 21.17s.

Burke’s bronze was one of four medals won at the Championships for Ireland with Thomas Williams (Shercock AC) winning gold in the Hammer while Conor Kelly (Derry Track Club) claimed a silver medal in the 400m while Cian Crampton (Edenderry AC) won bronze in the Discus.

Nenagh Olympic AC’s Stuart Tobin also represented Ireland but bowed out of the 400m hurdles at the semi-final stage in a time of 56.58, someway behind his heat time of 53.89s.

The 1500m athletes faced a tough task in the hot conditions on day 1 where Nenagh Olympics’ Jennifer O’Leary and Emily Bolton (Donore Harriers) bowed out in the heats of the 1500m, both battling bravely but ultimately finishing 26th & 27th overall.

Clubmate Daire O’Donnell unfortunately didn’t take his place on the start-line of the men’s 800m heats.