The AAI Uneven Age and Novice Cross Country Championships were held in The Curragh, Co Kildare on Sunday 11th December. Despite cold sleety weather, Bandon athletes produced some impressive running. There were two lots of siblings competing on the day, the Everards from Enniskeane and the Crowleys from Timoleague. Mark OSullivan at U19 level had his best performance yet in All Ireland competition over a distance of 6K. He finished in 13th place, unfortunately just outside the individual medal positions. However, he was the first Cork runner to finish and was part of the bronze medal winning Cork team. He also won a Munster bronze team medal. Aisling Everard finished in 25th place in the Girls U17 race. Gerard Crowley finished in 49th place U15 over 3.5K and was the fifth member of the Cork team which was third. Fiona Everard had a 17th place finish U15 in a 3.5K race. Carina Crowley was running U13 and finished 25th and won a Munster team gold medal. U11, GrΓ‘inne Mulcahy came in 25th place and was on the Cork team which came third. Ella Stack also competed well.
The second Clonakilty Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K took place the previous day Saturday 10th December over some very scenic territory with many ocean views. Tom Laffan ran the marathon and finished in 12th place with Tom Sheehan taking 60th position. Kevin Wilmot ran an impressive half marathon coming home in fifth place. Carmel Crowley was the second women to finish and overall was placed 15th in a time of 1.23. Also competing were John Donegan, Pauline & Emmett Callan, John O’Sullivan and Pat O’Sullivan and Louise Cavanagh. Eamon ODonovan won the 10k
National throwing Coach Dave Sweeney gave what were deemed excellent workshops in discus and javelin to a large number of Bandon AC members and coaches on Saturday 10th December at the Grammar School.
There will be a break from training for the Christmas period. Ages 12 and upwards are back on Monday 9th January and the younger group resume on Monday 16thJanuary. The annual Donagh Coughlan 5 mile Road Race takes place on Monday 2nd January. Full details can be found on www.bandonac.org. Check out Facebook for fit 4 life updates.