Under 13s win Leinster Cross-Country

Charleville Castle grounds proved once again to be a spectacular setting for top class cross country running last Sunday on a day when even the sun turned up for the Leinster Uneven Age Cross Country Championship. The Harriers organising committee, headed up by the indefatigable John Cronin and Adrian Curley aided by a small army of hard-working volunteers, approached the organisation of this event with military precision resulting in a very enjoyable and efficiently run day for the large numbers of competitors and supporters who turned up. There were many stars on the day but top marks must go to the girls u/13 Tullamore team which won the Leinster Championship title. This race saw the team headed home by Keelin Guilfoyle who ran an excellent race, ranking 15th midway through the 1000 metres but picking off athlete after athlete to finish in 5th place, a great finish particularly given that Keelin can still run at this age group next year. Keelin was then followed home by Noelle Cocoman, who put in her best performance ever, to finish 15th and an in form Nadine Donegan in 18th. Cara Todd did very well to finish 23rd, with Ciara Galvin, in a somewhat controversial decision at the finish line, being placed 40th although she appeared to finish much higher up. Michelle Keegan battled well to 47th with Alison Mooney coming in 77th. These results ensured an overall 1st place for the Harriers team. So many congratulations to the girls and their coaches Damian Lalor and Tom Godley. Liam Brady is an exciting talent and he showed his class by taking 1st place in the Boys u/19 2000m. Liam stayed with the leading pack through most of the race and then killed off the opposition on the final hill of a gruelling race with a fierce drive which left him finishing well clear. This young man has great strength and endurance and must be really looking forward to the All Ireland Finals. In other races Zoe Murray ran a really superb race to finish 4th in the girls u/11 800m. With 146 competitors it took a lot of skill to navigate the course safely and successfully and Zoe ran a very strong race to place so well. Zoe was followed home by Niamh Rafter in 18th, Shauna Sweeney - who ran an excellent personal best - in 20th, Claire Rafter in 23rd, Muireann McDaid who was one of the early leaders, finished a fine 27th with Sarah Bracken in 37th. These girls were followed by a group including Sarah Guinan, Jane Whitaker, Katie Dunne, Ciara McDaid and Geraldine Keegan. The Harriers placed 2nd overall. The Boys u/11 saw Eoin Mulligan lead early on in the race and then do well to hold on at the end to finish 4th, with Cormac Izuchukwu fighting to 16th followed by Eoin's younger brother Ciaran finishing well in 36th followed closely by Christopher Whittle in 39th. These last three did very well given that they will run at this age again next year. In the Boys u/13 Barry Mooney, a wonderful all round athlete, did very well indeed to keep running to the very end and place 4th, followed by Chinnie Izuchukwu just outside the medals in 13th, Glen Cunningham doing well in 32nd and Mark Whittaker 62nd with Gerard Godley in 77th. The Harriers team came 3rd overall. The Girls u/15 race saw a very exciting race with the leading pack including Nicole Cuskelly and Eileen Rafter run a very tight race. Nicole finished 5th followed by Eileen in 6th, both girls doing really well against stiff competition. These girls were followed by two fine athletes Anna Redmond, 15th, and Sinead Rigney in 22nd. Just behind these was Aoife Dempsey after another fine run in 25th with Ciara Izuchukwu 38th, Kate Maxwell in 59th and Ciara Murray in 73rd. These placings ensured the Harriers team again won 2nd overall. The Boys u/15 saw Harry Flynn run a good race, he lost a few places right at the very finish but was still placed 19th, with Aaron O'Leary Doyle doing well in 38th and Cormac O'Donovan doing particularly well, given that he was very badly spiked, to finish a brave 45th. David Whitaker, Kevin Beirne and Dylan Cleary all ran well to finish 55th, 62nd and 70th respectively ensuring another 2nd place for the Club. Finally the boys u/17 saw Luke Dunne and Stephen Flynn both run a very difficult 4,000m. Their recent efforts at training showed on the day and they both ran well. Training is on Tues/Thurs at 7 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 11a.m. All are welcome.