Bridging Ireland’s talent gap

Athletics guru Brother John Dooley has been attending All-Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships for more than 40 years, and the magical appeal of the showpiece is still as strong as ever.

“The schools championships are the highlight of many athletes careers,” said Br Dooley of the action-packed schedule of 107 events starting with the junior girls and boys hammer at 9am today and culminating with the senior boys 4x100m relay at 6pm in Tullamore tomorrow.

“It’s so well organised and the structure is so clear from your local regions to the provincials to the All-Irelands,” continued Br Dooley of the appeal of the Aviva- sponsored championships.