INDOOR LEAGUE SET TO CONCLUDE WITH FINAL FLOURISH
The AAI National Indoor League Final takes place this Saturday (Feb 11th) at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena, where all eyes will firmly fixed on whether any club can stop Leevale’s pursuit of the ‘double – double’.
The Cork club performed superbly at the 2022 National Indoor League Final where both their men’s and women’s teams claimed first place. The defending champions once again boast a strong line-up but there will be no shortage of likely challengers on the day.
Men’s Final
Leevale dominated last year’s men’s competition, taking the title in impressive fashion to finish clear of Crusaders in second place. This year they look set to call upon Colin Doyle (200m), and the exciting pair of Sean Carmody (400m) and Alex Ademola (HJ) to get them leading points placings.
Leevale will face plenty of strong opposition on the day. Clonliffe finished 3rd last year and look to mean business with a strong team selected. Leo Morgan has been in flying this season and goes in the 200m, while Rolus Olusa will be tough to beat in the pole vault (also entered in 60mH). Clonliffe look as though they will call upon Marcus Lawler and Brian Gregan for the relays which should ensure they are right in contention.
Women’s Final
The Leevale women’s team had a much tighter competition on their road to claiming the title last year, finishing just 3 points ahead of DSD with Raheny a further 3 points back. This year’s final looks too hard to call. DSD could swing an advantage with Irish 1000m record holder, Georgie Hartigan, currently down to go in the 800m and 1500m.
Finn Valley welcome back some athletes who were in action at the ECCC in Spain last weekend and look to have plenty of depth to their team, while Paralympian Greta Streimyte (800m) and Ava Rochford (HJ & PV) are two to look out for from an individual perspective for Clonliffe and Nenagh.
The Ratoath relay revolution will also look to continue this weekend, and the Meath club can’t be ruled out of contention on the day if once again going well in the relay events.