The County Novice Cross Country Championships took place today in Newport and it was great to see the Club very well represented in both races.
In the women’s race over 4k, the pace was strong from the start but as the race settled after 1k, Anne Marie Halpin was running well in the top 10 as she was part of the chasing pack. Over a demanding route she kept that pace going and gradually moved up through the field and was well positioned going out on the final lap. She maintained that strong effort when finishing a very good 7th. Then we had Sareen Walsh also running a great race, especially over the final mile when finishing 9th. Then we had Brid Hearne making her Club debut over Cross Country and she too should be delighted with her performance which saw her finishing strongly in 10th place. Marian Flaherty also ran very well when finishing 15th and it was great to see Marian back running again after a lengthy lay off due to injury. Our team of Anne Marie, Sareen and Brid combined very well to win the bronze medals and a first County medal for Brid.
In the Men’s race Paul Minogue made his intentions known right from the start as he produced a whistle to tape winning performance. He went right from the start and soon had the field in Indian file and by the 1st km he had built up a sizeable lead. Then going out on the 1st of the 5 big laps he was full of running and he made every step a winning one to come home a very clear and convincing winner. This was a very good performance by Paul who has had a very good road season. It was great to see him carry that form into the demanding Cross-Country scene. Then we had good performances from Donal Ryan when finishing 32nd with Barry Horgan 35th, David Lorigan 38th, Alan O Shea 42nd, Donie Casey 45th and Lima Kiely 46th. It was debut time for David Lorigan and Liam Kiely over Cross Country, and it was great to see both athletes acquitting themselves so well.