WELCOME TO THE 2009 TRACK and FIELD SEASON

The 2009 season sees the start of the journey leading to the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in India with the publication of consideration standards and performances becoming eligible on 1st April.

The response while limited has seen several contenders for places emerge already with Ciara Mageean being the most exciting new star to emerge and, more importantly, make her mark on the international stage. Other youngsters like Joanna Mills, Christine McMahon, Ben Reynolds and of course Jason Smyth have shown great potential while old stagers like Kelly McNeice and Kerry Harty have shown that they still have much to offer. And who would bet against James McIlroy making another appearance in a Northern ireland vest.

Sadly the performances of afew individual stars has not been mirrored by a thirst for Track and Field athletics on the home front. While road running continues to thrive ( albeit in quantity and not quality) T&F struggles to attract more than a small body of stalwarts. As usual there seems no shortage of 'athletes' training but competition seems to be an anathema to many.

Most disappointing again was the response to the NI Closed Championships. Similar events in other countries attract good and enthusiastic support but in Northern Ireland it would seem that the event has little future.

The situation outside the middle distances is of particular concern. It has been suggest by some cynics that you could put on a 3000 metres every week and attract a large field whereas the in jumps and throws it is often difficult for the small numbers of afficianados to find any competition.