County Uneven Age Juvenile & Intermediate Cross Country Championships
What a day we experienced for day 2 of the County Cross Country Championships in the Middlepiece, Two-Mile-Borris. The heaven’s opened and combined with the wind made the conditions for all athletes exceedingly difficult but fair play to all our athletes, from our youngest under eights to our intermediates, who put in great performances over a quality laid out course.
The Uneven Age Championships seem to suit our athletes more and this was a case in kind on Sunday as the club secured five individual medals and three sets of team medals though all deserve credit for completing their races in such conditions. Alana Spillane ran a terrific race in the Girls U/15 event to secure victory while Darragh Joyce in the Boys U/9, Lily Murphy and Meadhb Hall in the Girls U/9 and Cathal O’Reilly in the Boys U/11 all secured bronze medals. The Girls U/15 team of Alana Spillane (1st), Aisling O’Reilly (5th), Emma Delaney (7th) and Kate Delaney (10th) secured gold team medals and the title of County Champions. The Boys U/11 team of Cathal O’Reilly (10th), Bill O’Neill (13th), Matthew Esmonde (19th) and Darragh Maher (22nd) claimed bronze medals as did the Girls U/13 team of Caoimhe Slevin (11th), Muireann Casey(15th), Amber Doherty (19th) and Helen Renehan (20th).
In the Boys U/9 we had Owen Meade finishing 20th with Robyn Upsdell 16th in the Girls U/9. Along with the above U/11’s we also had Cian Kelly in 34th, Daniel Delaney 39th, and Tom Renehan 42nd. The Girls U/11 were represented by Saoirse Joyce (29th), Faye Murphy (43rd), Amy Hackett (51st), Doireann Quinlan (52nd) and Poppy Lyons (66th) with the team finishing in 11th place. In the Boys U/13 race Noah Murphy (18th), Jack Renehan (22nd), David Nolan (32nd) and Michael Doyle (33rd) brought the club to 6th place. In the Boys U/17 race, Adam Phelan finished 6th while Aaron Moore finished 4th in the Boys U/19.
In the Intermediate Ladies we were represented by Sharon Cantwell and Lisa Quinlan and both athletes fought hard throughout the race. Always up with the leader both pushed each other on and were together in second place heading out on the last lap but were being strongly pursued. Sharon showed her strength over the final lap and though reeled in for second place, she never let up and finished 3rd (20.32) to earn a well-deserved bronze medal. Lisa put her whole heart into the race and with less than half a lap to go the effort took its toll with that “dreaded stitch” imposing itself and she was unable to finish. No doubt herself and Sharon would have had one mighty battle for that third spot if things had been different. Brendan Delaney was our lone representative in the Men’s Intermediate and he also defied the weather conditions to finish in 23rd place in a time of 33.04.
Hats off to all the athletes on Sunday. It has been some time now since conditions were so unfavourable but every one that ran gave it their all. Thanks also to all the parents and coaches, they also deserve special mention as conditions for them were also extremely difficult.
There is no let up for the athletes as the now head to Thurles on Sunday next for the County Cross Country relays for U/10, U/12 and U/14 Boys and Girls and a Mixed U/16 relay. All athletes will run 500mts legs. A new addition this year is a senior relay where athletes O/16 years of age are eligible. Two men and two ladies to make up a team with all athletes also running 500mts legs. The competition commences at 11am and all athletes should be at the venue by 10.20am at the very latest. Hopefully, the weather conditions will be more favourable!
Split the Bucket
The winner of our Split the Bucket for Friday October 7th October was Seamus Concagh. The winning amount was €147. Tickets can be purchased at all training sessions and from Tigh Maighne and Quinlan’s Moyne. They are also available to purchase online on our club website www.moyneathleticclub.com. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.
