All Ireland Finalists
Our six young athletes who travelled to Waterford for the All Ireland Juvenile Un-Even Age Cross Country Championships should be very proud of their performances in what was the premier event of cross country running. Up against the top athletes in the Country they all acquitted themselves excellently over a tough course that demanded physical as well as mental strength from everyone. First up were Saoirse Doran and Alana Spillane in the U/11 event and in finishing 82nd and 100th respectively they scored on the Tipperary team that finished 10th in the Inter-County Championship. Helen Cleere running in the U/13 event was our next competitor and came through for 109th place and seventh Tipperary athlete home with the County which finished out of the medals in 6th place. The Boys U/13 race saw Aaron Moore in action and following a tremendous effort finished 44th overall. Such is the strength in depth of the County athletes at this level that despite this excellent result Aaron was the 7th athlete home for Tipperary with the top six getting amongst the medals as Tipperary finished 2nd in the team competition, just one point from gold. Our final two athletes competed in the Girls U/15 race and were two vital members of the Tipperary team as only six athletes from the County took part. Emma Gleeson and Aine Duggan put everything into their races to finish 78th and 113th respectively and bring the Tipperary team to 8th place in the Inter-County competition. A massive well done to all the athletes on their performances and for their dedication to training for this event. With the All Ireland “B” Cross Country Championships taking place next February these young athletes will have gained plenty of experience from Sunday’s championship and can focus again on mounting a challenge for success. Many thanks to all the parents and club members who travelled to Waterford in support of the athletes.
