The Cross-Country purists were glad to see the rain come this week which made for more testing conditions than previous weeks of racing. The testing course or weather didn’t deter our small band of 24 juveniles who all committed themselves against top opposition in the Munster Un-even age championships hosted by Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C.
Our team of 4 U9 girls were first heading to post in the opening race, their first taste of Munster championship racing for some and it must be said they are a determined group of girls who all tried their very best. First home for the club was Anna Concagh in 63rd, following her in was Poppy Lyons in 72nd, Doireann Quinlan closely behind her in 79th and Eva Maher in 81st. These girls came in 9th in the team event. Next to face the starter were the U9 boys of who all put on a great display of running and it has to be said make for a promising group of athletes for the future. First home for Moyne was Darragh Maher in 27th place, Senan Phelan was next in 51st, Geoffrey Morrisey in 56th, Fionn Phelan in 71st, Daniel Delaney in 85th and Leo Cullen in 90th. The boys also finished in 9th place in the team event!
Caoimhe Slevin (104th) and Grainne Daly (112th) represented the club in the U11 race covering 1,500m. The girls applied themselves very well braving out the distance. Equally the boys U11 took on the 1,500m loop where Bill O’ Neill led the club home in 99th position, close behind him was Cathal O’ Reilly in 106th and Gerard Delaney rounded out the Moyne boys finishing in 129th.
The 3 girls of Aisling O’ Reilly (39th), Ruth Phelan (72nd) and Olive Spillane-Leane (80th) performed very well in the testing conditions covering the 2,500m distance at U13 level. Well done girls, great running.
Alana Spillane ran a brilliant race in the girls U15 to finish in 21st position. To add, Adam Spillane- Leane (41st) and Adam Phelan (44th) all performed very well over the 3,500m course. It was here Moyne A.C came home with their first medal of the day where Adam Spillane-Leane was 6th scorer on the Tipperary U15 Team who finished 3rd in the County event, well done Adam!
There was more good news to come, Mary Cussen also scored on the County U17 team who finished 3rd in the County event. Mary ran so well and grinded it out as the weather started to deteriorate. Mary finished in 40th position.
Last, but not least, it was the turn of Aaron Moore and Michael O’ Mahony in the U17 event. This was a combined event with the U19s and the Juniors all in the same race covering 5,500m. Aaron and Michael were well up for the race and it was clear to be seen that both boys were well positioned in the race early on and worked well off the older boys throughout. Both toughened it out as the going got tough and were rewarded for their efforts. Aaron finished in 18th place following him was Michael in 25th thus making the County team who finished in second place. Two fine performances from the boys.
Many congratulations to those who scored for County teams today, they will go on to represent Tipperary in the All-Ireland un-even age championships at the end of season.
To add, those who represented the club both today and last week in the Munster even ages and didn’t medal will have another day out at Munster grade next weekend in Castlelyons, Co. Cork at the Munster B Championships. It’s envisaged to field teams in as many events as possible.
Well done to all who competed today, experience at this level is paramount for growth and development as you navigate in becoming a better athlete in the future. Thank you to the coaches, parents, and supporters for your support today, much appreciated.
