Pictured below is past pupil Colin Griffin at a presentation to the four former athletes of the Connacht Schools Athletics competitions, who proudly represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in London this year.
The presentation was made by incoming Chairperson of the Association Mr. Tommy Craddock on behalf of the Connacht Schools Athletics Association. The presentation took place at the Connacht schools AGM in the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Claremorris.
The school proudly boasts Colin as the second athlete to represent Ireland in the Olympics, following in the footsteps of Olympian Eddie Leddy. Eddie’s brother PJ, another former Ballinamore athlete is pictured in one of the shots below.
Both Colin and Eddie represented Ballinamore Post Primary Schools (St. Felims College) at Regional, Connacht and All Ireland level in the Schools competition before their appearance in Olympic games. Colin excelled through his school years in the Race Walking field and is now coach to Leitrim’s other star of the 2012 Olympics- Laura Reynolds. It was noted at the meeting that Colin still holds two of the current records in Irish Schools race walking a testimony to his dedication and determination even in his early schooldays.
Colin paid tribute to the voluntary work of the Association on behalf of himself and Laura and spoke of the fond memories of his participation in the schools competions which involved his first meeting with gold medal Olympian Mo Farrah!
Congratulations to Colin on his many achievements all deserving of great recognition and continued success both as an athlete and as a coach from all in Ballinamore Post Primary schools.