Keane edge as Rosemount athlete takes national bronze

Aaron Keane from Rosemount won a bronze medal in the 200-metre event at the Irish Life Health National Junior Track and Field Championships in Santry last Saturday.

This was the last year for Aaron to compete at this age group (under-20).

Over 60 athletes entered the 200m competition, with only the winner of each of the six heats guaranteed to make the final.

A member of Tullamore Harriers AC, Aaron (pictured above) has been managing a hamstring strain injury since July.

The talented Rosemount native was placed in heat two and just as the athletes lined up to their take to their blocks, a downpour started. But the race commenced without delay and Aaron won his heat in convincing style.

The 200m final was the last event of the day. And despite Aaron's lack of sprinting specific training leading into the event, he was confident of a good showing.

Again the rain came down as the athletes prepared for the race. Aaron's speed and technical proficiency saw him come off the bend sharing first position. But as the race went on, the lack of recent competition and appropriate speed training began to show and over the last 30 metres, the lead got away from Keane. Ultimately, he was just pipped on the line for a silver medal by 0.02 seconds.

Overall, however, it was a fantastic finish for Aaron to a challenging and peculiar season.

A son of Geraldine and David Keane, Aaron is a member of a very prominent sporting family. He is a nephew of former Westmeath football stars Cathal (an All-Ireland minor medallist in 1995) and John Keane (a double All-Star award winner). Aaron's sister Rachel is also an accomplished athlete.