Dunleer athlete Tadg Reilly delivered an outstanding performance at the Irish Universities Athletics Association (IUAA) Indoor Championships recently, securing a bronze medal for Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in the shot put with a throw of 11.45 meters.  

Competing for DkIT, the 20-year-old Dunleer AC athlete, who is currently a 2nd year mechanical engineering student, demonstrated his strength and consistency in a highly competitive field.

Reilly, who boasts a personal best of 11.73 meters, has been involved in athletics since the age of seven. His journey in the sport began with sprinting before transitioning through ball throw and turbo javelin, eventually discovering his passion for the shot put.

Athletics runs in the Reilly family, with both his parents and siblings having competed, and his father also coaching in the sport. However, Tadg chose to carve his own path as a thrower rather than a runner.

His success at the IUAA Indoor Championships is just one highlight in a series of impressive performances. Reilly was also honoured with a Leinster Star Award, recognising his dedication and achievements in athletics.

Reflecting on his training at DkIT, Reilly spoke of how he appreciates the variety in his schedule, balancing track sessions, shot put-specific training, and helping to host a social run programme for staff and students in the college.

Athletics at DkIT continues to thrive, with the institute attracting and developing talented local athletes.

Sports and Societies officer Dr. Bronagh McGrane said: “Athletics is really starting to grow here at DkIT as we are attracting top local athletes to our scholarship programme such as Tadg and Danny Nugent. We are really proud to have 3 top 5 finishers in the recent IUAA national indoor championships and their presence highlights the strength of athletics in the region and the support available at DkIT for aspiring athletes.”

Speaking about the sport, Reilly encourages newcomers to give athletics a try: “It’s a bit of fun, there’s an event for everyone, and it’s a great way to meet people. Sure, it’s always a bit of craic!”

With his recent success and continued dedication to the sport, Tadg Reilly is set to be a key figure in DkIT’s athletics scene, inspiring the next generation of throwers and track stars.

Should any local athletes wish to follow in Tadg’s footsteps, the DkIT sports scholarship application is now open for incoming students for 25/26. Apply at www.dkit.ie.