KERRY TEAMS TRIUMPH in AAI Inter County XC C'ships 2012

The Woodie’s DIY Inter county Cross Country Championships were held in Tattersalls in Ratoath county Meath on Sunday 25th November. Alot of heavy rain fell in the days leading up to the championships and the day itself remained dry, but very cold. The course itself was flat, but due to the heavy rain the ground conditions were very muddy for both the Juvenile Even age events and the Seniors.
For the county it has been many years since we were able to field both a Inter county women and mens team. The teams were made up of:

Women: Laura Crowe, Niamh O'Sullivan, Deirdre Enrighat (all An Riocht) and Maria McCarthy (Farranfore)

Men: Cian Murphy (Iveragh), Arthur Fitzgerald & George McCarthy (Farranfore),  James Doran (An Riocht),
Rob Purcell (Gneeveguilla) & Darren Burke (An Riocht)
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The Womens Team had to endure 8Km, 4 laps of the course. They all ran superbly and came in 3rd county team, just behind Dublin & Cork.
Laura ran a very strong race to be first home for the team in 8th place. Niamh and Maria, following their success at the British and Irish Masters some weeks ago in Belfast really showed their strength and endurance in fighting off the young guns. They worked very well together and finished in 20th and 21st positions respectively. Deirdre Enright, new to An Riocht club fought a great battle to hold her 54th position, and really showed no matter what place you are it is a constant battle to fight for your spot. Well done girls a great achievement for the county.

In the Inter County Mens race our county team also had great success. They took team gold in their Grade. Been the final race of the day the course was now well cut up and then putting over 130 males on a 5 lap race was sure to be a battle. Those who have the strength and endurance were to be the winners of this race. First home for the Kerry mens team was Cian Murphy. Cian ran a great race from the start and showed great leadership to carry the whole team along. Cian came in 45th place. Following Cian home was our own Arthur Fitzgerald. This was Arthur's first XC race of the year as he was returning for a long break due to injury. Arthur finished in a well deserved 57th place. James Doran came in 73rd, followed by our own George McCarthy (80th), who showed his consistent improvement from last year. Robert Purcell was just behind in 82nd and Darren Burke fought very well to finish in 99th place.

In the Junior races we had Niamh De Hora and Jack O'Sullivan taking part. Well done to both of them who ran very good races and showed great strength. Keep it up.

Full Results can be found on AAI web page: http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=28937
Video of Mens Inter County XC Race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P9iDiSKUUk&feature=plcp