Newcastle athlete Rónán Grant, representing his club and province with pride, travelled to Tullamore, County Offaly last weekend (28/29 June) to compete at the 123.ie National Juvenile Track and Field Championships, facing the top U-16 hammer throwers from across Ireland.
Following a strong showing at the Ulster Championships in June, Rónán earned his place among the nation’s elite and was eager to measure himself against familiar competitors from last year’s event. Despite being the youngest in the field, he arrived confident and focused, knowing the work he had put in—particularly during the off-season—would count when it mattered most.
However, the competition didn’t start ideally. His first throw struck the cage, and although his second attempt was measured, a slight graze against the cage again cost him valuable metres.
Heading into the crucial third round sitting in 15th place, Rónán knew he needed a near-perfect effort to break into the top ten and earn a place in the final. What followed was a testament to the composure, mental strength, and technical discipline rarely seen in such young athletes. With Olympian Perri Williams standing camera-in-hand at the back of the cage, the atmosphere was charged.
Drawing on his preparation and resolve, Rónán delivered a technically sharp and confident throw that sailed cleanly through the air—no contact, no hesitation. As the hammer landed and all eyes turned to the scoreboard, the moment seemed suspended in time. Then came the number: 26.37 metres.
Not only had he smashed his previous personal best by over two metres, he had also secured a spot in the final and had already surpassed his placing from last year’s nationals.
Speaking after the event, Rónán said: “Those moments felt like they lasted forever. When the scoreboard showed 26.37, I not only smashed my PB, I knew I’d made the final cut. It was a huge relief and an even bigger motivation.”
In the final rounds, Rónán pushed further still and ultimately finished eighth overall in Ireland, and second amongst the Ulster athletes—just behind his training partner Matthew Ward of Lagan Valley.
For Rónán Grant, it wasn’t just a medal chase — it was a masterclass in perseverance, and a powerful reminder that the final throw can change everything.
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