The last Cross Country Championships of the year was held on a cold but dry Sunday of 15th December in Dunboyne, Co. Meath was the National Novice and Juvenile Uneven ages. The weather and the course held up well with the course naturally sticky in some areas but still providing plenty of running with Dunboyne AC proving wonderful hosts of the event. Full Results on Athletic Ireland Website.
In the U11 1500m Bots race we had brothers Isaac & Ryan Vickers competing. No stranger to Cross Country at such a young age, but it was their very first National event. The boys were representing the Kerry County team, with Isaac also running for Munster. Isaac got off to a great start, bursting out of the tunnels with great speed. With over 200 participants it was a race to be up front before the course narrowed in. Isaac was in great position ant well up in the top 30 group. Pushing on and negotiating the twisting course with ease. With 400m to go their was a battle on for the final top 12 positions and Isaac was in the mix. Isaac fought hard right to the finish line and deservedly won himself an individual National medal finishing in 12th place. Ryan, donning the Kerry singlet ran very well, and produced a great sprint finish at the end. Considering he was out of age he ran very well. A great experience for both brothers.
Shauna McCarthy was competing out of age in the U17 girls 4000m race. By now, with six races completed the course was getting very soft in some patches but Shauna navigated through these patches very well. Again with over 100 competitors, Shauna was in the top thirty after the first 1000m lap. As the race progressed the heavy sections began to take its tool on some of the athletes. Shauna slowly fought her way through and was placed thirteenth with 1000m to go. In the final 400m's their was a battle on for individual medals,but Shauna upped the pace and powered her way to cross the line in 11th place. A well deserved individual medal and also part of the Munster team to win Bronze. A great finish for all three athletes who trained very hard throughout the season.
Thanks also to their dedicated coach, Maria McCarthy for her guidance.
In Newmarket on Sunday 15th was the Annual 5k, hosted by Duhollow AC. A large field with over 300 competing in what is known to be a fast course. Well done to the following club members who competed.
Dermot Dineen 17:53,
Mary Daly 18:36,
Brendan Lynch 18:44 and
Caitriona Barry 19:56.
Club Training:
All Training and classes have finished for the holiday season. Back again in the New Year.
Athletic's Fixtures
Thur. 26th Dec.: Farranfore St. Stephens 2K & 5K, Farranfore
Wed 1st Jan: Beaufort 10 K & 5K, Beaufort 12 noon
Sun 5th Jan: Munster Indoors Junior / U23 & Juv. Combined, Nenagh
Sun 19th Jan: Munster Juv. Relays & Pole Vault, Nenagh