County Senior Cross Country Championship
The County Senior Cross Country Championship took place last Sunday in Garrenylease, Kilfinane. The men’s race was 10k with the Ladies race 7.5k. There was a great turnout in both the Men’s and Women’s races. The conditions were very soggy underfoot due to the inclement weather overnight which made the course very challenging for the athletes. The course involved running through 7 fields passing a few spectators on the way. The course provided the athletes with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful village of Kilfinane. The course was 2.5k per lap so the women completed 3 laps and the men completed 4 laps.
The women went off first and of course it was Rosemary Ryan of Bilboa AC who romped home first to great applause. Rosemary is hoping to make the Irish team for the European championships in Santry later this year and based on this performance would certainly appear to have a great chance of achieving this goal. Rosemary is a popular athlete and all at Kilfinane AC are delighted for her and the progress she is making. Tracey Roche of Doneen AC was in second place and Molly Ryan of Bilboa AC was third. West Limerick ladies won team title.
In the men’s course, the race was won by Limerick AC athlete who has dominated Cross Country this season, Lebeta Debela. It will be interesting to see how this young mans career develops. The sky would appear to be the limit. In second place was Pat McCartan and in third was Aoghan Mac Domhnaill of West Limerick. Kilfinane AC runner Terry O’Brien came home in fourth place with Michael Halpin fresh from completing the Dublin City Marathon also completing the course. Great credit is due to both men who ran great races in difficult conditions. The team prize went to West Limerick.
Finally special thanks to the O’Donnell family who hosted everyone with fine spread of tea and sandwiches afterwards – Mrs. O’Donnell had a big warm fire blazing and lovely homemade cakes which everyone enjoyed. A big thanks to all the participants and there respective clubs for making the journey to Kilfinane for our maiden cross country event. Hopefully it will be the first of many. The event passed without incident this despite the bridge leading up the O’Donnell house having collapsed the night before.
Dublin City Marathon
The Club would like to congratulate Adrian Hennessy, Michael Halpin and Pat O’Sullivan who recently completed the Dublin City Marathon. Particular praise must go to Adrian who finished in 337 place in 3 hours and 2 minutes. Considering close to 13,000 competed in the race this is a marvellous achievement. Well done lads keep up the good work.
