Report by Tom Laffan

The UnEven age and Novice County Cross Country championships took place in Carraig Na Bhfearr today October 14th 2012. There was a fresh blustery breeze but with plenty of sunshine it made for a very pleasant day. The event was very well organised providing a fair but challenging cross country course for all athletes. A large number of club members competed today so a big well done to all those who competed. The day started with the Senior Novice championship race which had a field of over 100 runners. It was well contested race with our own Mark O’Sullivan taking a well deserved 3rd place finish.

The Boys U9 team of Callum McCourt, Conor Ryan, Jack Callanan, Callum Smith and Jack Cullen all ran very well to take 2nd County team place which for many is their first county medals. Callum McCourt finished in 2nd place and Conor Ryan in 4th place both winning individual medals. The Girls U13 team of Ciara McKeon, Alison Hathaway, Moira Barret, Laura Nicholson, Niamh Calnan, Aisling Cassidy, Grainne Mulcahy and Andrea O’Brien all ran excellent races today helping their team to win 1st county team medals. Individual medals were won by Moira (2nd), Laura (4th) and Grainne (6th). The Boys U13 of Conor Calnan, Naoise Ni Fhaitheartargh, Rob Downey, Tony O’Connell, Ciaran Murphy, Sonas McCaughley and Michael Laffan were in great form today with all competing very well. Some this team competed in XC for the first time and in doing so helped the team take 2nd place County team place. Conor Calnan won an individual medal finishing in 5th place.
The Girls U15 team of Aoibh Cassidy, Carina Crowley, Niamh Munday, Fiona Everard and Bethany Haigue were very impressive today with the whole team finishing in the top 9 places and all helping the team to take 1st county team medals. In doing so Fiona Everard won the County Individual title with Carina Crowley in 4th and Bethany Haigue in 6th place. We were very well represented in the Girls U17 race by Aisling Everard, Bella Sherlock and Mary Teresa Murphy. All three ran excellent races with Bella finishing in 3rd place, Aisling in 5th place and Mary Teresa in 12th. It was very unfortunate that we could not field a full team of 4 in the U17 girls race as they deserved a team medal for their efforts today.
Other athletes who competed and represented their club very well on the day were:- In the Girls u10 race Roisin DeBurca and Hannah Buckley. In the Girls U11 race Cora Ni Gallichoir, Lauren McCourt, Ellie O’Donovan, Niamh Sugrue, Jane Buttimer and Erin De Burca. In the Boys U11 Owen Downey, Tristan Chambers, Ruairi Harrington, Jack Payne, Andrew O’Leary, Keelan Crowley, Adam Kearney, Dylan Chambers, Liam O’Connell and Fionn Harrington. In the Boys U15 Killian Burke ran very well and in the Boys U19 race Thomas McCarthy finished in an excellent 8th place.
Thanks to all who helped and supported the athletes today.
Photos also by Tom