With near perfect weather conditions and a perfect cross country running course - some sharp hills and plenty of sticky muck!!
 |
| Farranfore Maine Valley AC Maria McCarthy & Caitriona Barry |
Our own club athletes Maria McCarthy & Caitriona Barry were part of a strong Kerry Senior Women's team competing in the 8Km Senior Women's race. 56 athletes competed the 4 lap course.
Laura Crowe of An Riocht was first home for Kerry. She ran a very strong race to take 3rd place and qualifies for the European team. Shona Heaslip also from An Riocht was in 19th place (5th U23).
Our own Maria McCarthy finished just behind Shona in 21st place. Team Manager, Niamh O'Sullivan completed the the top 4 team finishers finishing behind Maria in 22nd place.
Caitriona Barry did very well to finish 44th.
The top 4 placings were good enough for the ladies to finish 2nd overall in the county team standings. They took Gold in the B division so have been promoted to division A for next year. Dublin were 1st with Donegal 3rd.
This is a massive achievement for Kerry Athletics. The team was made up of 5 county clubs. A special thanks to the organisation and management skills of Niamh O'Sullivan in producing such a strong team.
The 9 Kerry Team members were:
Niamh Clifford, Grace Lynch, AnnaMeria Costello, Maria McCarthy, Karina Teahan, Caitriona Barry, Shona Heaslip, Laura Crowe & Niamh O'Sullivan.
Senior Women top placings
1 Fionnuala Britton
2 Michelle Finn Leevale AC (Cork Team)
3 Laura Crowe An Riocht AC (Kerry Team)
Senior Men Top Placings
1 Paul Pollock Annadale Striders AC
2 Mark Hanrahan Leevale AC (Cork Team)
3 Michael Clohisel Raheney Shamrock AC