County Even Age Cross Country Championships held on 6th of October in Liscarroll.
The club had another great day’s outing at the County Cross Country Championships in Liscarroll.
In perfect conditions for running, our athletes turned up in big numbers and they tackled the tough course with great courage.
This time around, our junior women’s team led off the races and yet again put on a masterclass in team running to win gold. It was great to see Laura Hayes back and she duly obliged in leading from the front but just lost the place for gold in the finish. Natalie Nicholson (5), Sarah Mulcahy(8), Meghan Carr(9) and Sara Barry(12) followed her in.
Kieran Harte was our only Novice runner in the adult races and enjoyed his day .
The juveniles were led off by our under 10 girls and Aimee Kearney had another super run finishing third. As she came over the line, one of the officials said to me, she came home third…in her socks!!, imagine if she had runners on! Her loyal team-mate, Grainne Linehan was finding the going hard at the back of the field but was determined not to finish last and passed a few girls in the last few hundred metres. All about the effort, girls.
The under 10 boys had another outstanding team display and won gold in fine style. Conor Ronayne led front the front and came home a brilliant first followed by Kenneth O’Connell in 11th and Tadgh Walsh in 14th place. James Geary came by in 57th spot and that was enough to secure gold medals for the team. Mark Geary, Adam O’Connor and Donncha Walsh rounded out this team. It shows that perseverance and effort will bring its own rewards.
The under 12 girls, of Amy O Connell, Ciara O’Regan, Ciara Hayes and Charlotte Norman, had agreat run. They also had a superb result with Charlotte coming home fourth on her debut at country running.The top 6 earn medals at county level so a medal on your first start, Charlotte. What an exciting prospect for the future.
The boys were led again by Darragh Ronayne and he had a serious battle upfront with a group of 7 others. He looked so like he was struggling coming up the last hill in fourth but fought back at the top of the hill and used the fall of the hill to pull back two places and just lost out in the sprint finish. Smart running, Darragh! The team just lost out on team prizes finishing fourth overall. Ryan Whelan(14),James O’Connor(26), Billy Aherne(40) and Sean Walsh(44).
The under 14s girls team of Ellie Barry, Ella O’Connor, Sadie Linehan and Mallaidh O’Regan had another solid performance and were 6th overall.
The under 14s boys team consisted of Conor Hayes and Charlie Nicholson. Conor was in a great tussle out front and finished a highly creditable fifth. Another medal in the locker. Well done !
Lucy Aherne had a fine run in the under 16s girls.
Well done everybody. A great day out. We are very proud of you all.
Next Sunday, October the 13th, are the Uneven Age County Championships in Carrigdrohid near Macroom.
Hope to see you all there and keep the St Catherines flag flying!
