The third Cross Country Championship took place on the farm of Morgan McMahon in Bushmount, Firies on Sunday 13th Oct. We would like to thank the McMahon family for the use of their land and also to PJ & Julie Walsh for helping with setting out the course and providing parking facilities. Following some very heavy rain the night before ground conditions were heavy with a lot of surface water which made running very challenging. But this is cross country running and you need to adapt to the different kinds of terrain.
Results on Kerry Athletic website: kerryathletics
First race of the morning was the Senior & Junior Women. The seniors had 5K (4 laps) to run. From the whistle a number of ladies opened up a large gap, but this was soon reduced as they found the wet and muddy ground too heavy to handle. Mary Daly soon found her rhythm and began to take the lead into the second lap. She soon opened up a good gap for second placed runner Niamh O'Sullivan of An Riocht. Mary fought on and held the lead to win the Senior Women's title. Running with Mary was Emer Bevan, Siobhan Riordan & Grainne Tierney. They all ran well to take silver for the team. We done to all four ladies.
Next up was the Senior Men's 10K (8 laps) and Junior Men 5K (4 laps). David Culloty competing in the Junior Mens race did well to finish in third place with a sprained ankle. We hope he gets a speedy recovery.
In the Senior Mens, the field was small, but some very talented runners were competing for the title. With 8 laps over such a tough course it was never going to be about making a good time, but more pacing ones self through out the race and not loose any positions. Arthur Fitzgerald was first home for the club in 6th place, George McCarthy was 7th with Dermot Dineen 10th & Brendan Lynch 12th. Their combined totals secured silver team medal. Congratulations to Conor O'Mahony (An Riocht AC) for winning the race a second year running.
In the Juvenile Relays we had a great turnout with teams in almost all age categories. We had medal winners in the U11 Boys 3rd, U12 Boys 2nd, U14 Girls 2nd, U16 Girls 1st & U16 Boys 1st. Our U10 Girls were super to finish 5th. U12 Girls were 7th and well done to Saoirse Teahan running for the very first time. Well done also to those who competed for the very first time in Farranfore Colours. It was not easy running 500m over a muddy course. Thanks to our coaches Maria, Dermot, Brendan & Jerome for all their support.
Next Sunday (20th Oct.) is the Munster Novice / U23 & Juvenile Even Ages XC held in Limerick Racecourse. Those competing must contact our club secretary on
085-1909509 to register. Closing date is Wednesday 16th Oct.
Table Quiz Fundraiser
Our Table Quiz Fundraiser, held in Sherwood's Bar & Restaurant Farranfore was a great success. A special thanks must go to Jim O'Shea for putting it back on after so many years in absence. Jim produced some fine questions with a few twisters thrown in. A special thanks also to all our local sponsors and Sherwood's for the use of their facilities and providing the refreshments.
Club Training:
Juvenile U8 to U16 Tuesdays from 6-7pm at GAA Grounds Farranfore. €2.
Maria's Strength, Endurance & Flexibility Exercise Classes from 7pm at the Sports Hall in Farranfore. Class is designed for all abilities from secondary school upwards. €5 per class.
Maria's Strength, Endurance & Flexibility Exercise Classes from 7pm at the Sports Hall in Farranfore. Class is designed for all abilities from secondary school upwards. €5 per class.
Athletic's Fixtures
Sun 20th Oct: Autumn Open Cross Country, Abbottstown Dublin
Sun 3rd Nov.: County Masters & Juv. "B" XC , Killarney
Sun 10th Nov.: Munster Juv Uneven Age, U/20 & Senior Cross Country, Conna Cork
Sat 16th Nov.: British & Irish Masters Cross Country International, England
Sun 17th Nov.: Munster Masters & Juvenile Inter-Club Relays XC, Beaufort Kerry
Please contact club secretary, Mary, 085-1909509 to register for competitions in advance
See Kerry & Munster Athletics website for full fixture lists & timetable for event