The UnEven Age  All Ireland Cross Country championships took place in Santry Park, Dublin on December 7th 2014.  This was the 2nd weekend of the National Cross Country Championships and the host club Cloniffe Harriers did great work in presenting a very well organised venue for all to enjoy. Most of the athletes knew what to expect of the venue as last years championships was held at the same venue. The course was run over a combination of a short and long loop with a one gradual climb of around 200m for all to master. The ground conditions were soft in places but it still provided a fast course for all to contend with. Twenty two athletes and their supporting family and friends made the trip to Dublin.
 
The juvenile races day started with the U11 races and we had three boys , Callum McCourt, Joseph Buttimer and Eoghan Cassidy competing on the Cork team. The 3 boys competed in a packed field of 174 athletes and all ran great races. Callum who was always challenging those at the top of the field finished in a strong 17th place and scored on the Cork and Munster teams helping them win Gold. Jane Buckley running out of age competed for the Cork team in the Girls U13 race and she finished 67th out of a strong field of 156 athletes. Niall Desmond and Fionn Harrington were on the Cork teams in the boys U13 race. Fionn who the week before finished 4th in the Munster B’s took his good form to the nationals and finished in a very strong 30th place. Niall Desmond who is a recent arrival to cross country running also carried his good form in the Munster’s to the nationals by finishing in 10th which is an excellent result for him. He won an individual medal but he also helped the Cork and Munster team win Gold.
 
It was great to have two U15 teams  competing at a National Level. The Girls U15 team of Niamh Callanan, Laura Nicholson, Michelle O’Dononvan. Moira Barrett and Grainne Mulcahy  who notably were all running on the Cork team ran well as a team to finish in 6th place. Moira, Laura and Niamh scored on the Cork team helping them take the bronze medal. Laura also scored on the Munster team. The Boys U15 team of  Naoise O’Fhaitheartaigh, Conor Calnan,  Christain Buttimer, Michael Laffan, Killian Coghlan and Matt Devine finished in 10th place. Naoise finished in 39th place helping the Cork team win Gold.
 
Fiona Everard, Carina Crowley , Aoibh Cassidy, Alice Symington  and Lilly Carey competed in the U17 race over a 4000m course . They finished in 6th place with Carina who was competing out of age finishing in commendable 19th place. Carina and Fiona scored on the Cork team winning silver.
 
Well done to all athletes and coaches– it’s a great achievement to qualify for a National Championships as they worked their way though Country and Provincial championships. We look forward to  next years cross country season. Thanks to all for their support over the 2014 season and Happy Christmas to all.

Report by Tom Laffan