Kerry teenager to represent Ireland at athletics championships in Glasgow

It's here that the athletics natural will take on athletes considered the best of the best from schools right across England, Scotland and Wales. It will be the second time this year that Jack – a student of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí in Tralee – has donned an Irish vest to represent his country having already represented his country back at the SIAB Cross Country Championships back in March.

Blessed as he is with natural talent, Jack – who is a member of Tralee Harriers – is also an incredibly hard worker and someone dedicated to honing his talents and perfecting his craft. This is evidenced in the route that he took to qualify for the Glasgow event.

His performance at the recent National Schools Combined Events Championships was what earned him his place. The first event saw him achieve a personal best (PB) of 5.47m in the Long Jump category and this was quickly followed by a 4th place in his heat of the 60m hurdles clocking 9.44 seconds.

Next up for him was the 200m and another PB as he finished in a blistering time of 24.52s to win his heat. After this was the 800m and lying in 5th place going into it Jack knew only a big PB would suffice to force his way into the medals.

Blasting away from the line at the gun, Jack flew off from the start leaving a huge gap back to 2nd let alone the rest. Crossing the finish line in 2.03.83 and achieving a massive PB by three seconds. After quite the agonising wait while the final points were calculated, it was announced that Jack had secured himself a bronze medal.

As a result, Jack's selection was also confirmed for the Irish Schools team for Glasgow.

Speaking to The Kerryman this week, one of Jack's teachers in Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí expressed his and the school's pride in Jack and wished him well in this weekend's event.

"He's raring to go. He's really looking forward to it and he's very excited. Everyone here in the school community are very, very proud of him and his local club, Tralee Harriers here in Tralee, they are very excited and proud too," he said.