County Novice “B” Road Championships; The club hosted the County Novice “B” Road Championships on Sunday 1st March and despite the weather conditions, with the athletes having to contend with the cold wind and rain, everything went off smoothly and our thanks to all those who helped to enable it to do so.
On the racing front our ladies once again earned a podium finish in both the individual and team competition. 21 athletes took to the start of the 3k event and Susan Fogarty was always up with the leading athletes as they settled into a rhythm from the off. Vying for third spot for most of the race she was overtaken by a couple of athletes with about one km to go but she battled back over the final metres to clinch to the bronze medal in 12.17. Lorraine Healy came through the field finishing strongly to take 6th place in 12.34 while Leah Brett hung in despite fierce competition to take 13th place in 13.53 and with a score of 22pts they split the two team from Clonmel to finish runners-up in the team competition. Just a few short metres behind Leah was Patricia Ryan who finished 14th in 14.07 followed by Aisling Maher in 16th with a time of 14.18 and Catherine Dunne 17th in 14.27. This trio finished 6th in the team competition while Liz Power in 18th in a time of 14.52, Breda McNamara 19th in 14.54 and Ber Spillane Leane 20th in 15.03 finished 7th in the team competition. Well done to all nine ladies on your fine performances and for keeping the club colours flying high.
As previously stated our men must be competing in one of the most competitive novice categories in the Country as it is nearly impossible to predict how things will turn out such is the depth of talent at this level. 36 athletes faced the starter and it was left to Richard Daly to lead the club challenge home and this he did with a great effort to take 12th place in a time of 22.13. Next to finish was Paddy Doyle who came in 19th in 23.42 with Brian Carroll just yards behind in 21st in 23.43. With a score of 52pts the lads just missed out on the bronze medal – only four points short of the mark – and with Patrick Bowe in 23rd in 24.08, Thomas Moore 29th in 2459 and Ray Power 35th in 27.28 to finish 8th in the team competition the lads have shown great commitment and continue to put in the efforts despite little reward. Well done lads.
The next event for this group of athletes and indeed other senior and junior athletes is the County Road Relays on 22nd March hosted by Dundrum AC. Photos
