When we think of Cross Country we think of great races, we think of mud, we think of rain, we think of winter sunshine, and an odd gust of wind. Well today, the first da of Juvenile Cross Country did not disappoint!!!
There was a line of wobbly tents dancing in the wind, struggling to hold shape, there was rain of biblical proportions and there was strong and determined athletes. So yes, Cross Country Arrived in style.
It was a spectacle of great juvenile athletics. Many of our newest athletes turned up for what was probably the worst day of racing ever but, they turned up and they ran. Guys, it does get better, that is a promise. Cross Country is addictive and brings out a strength you didn’t know you had. You were all truly amazing today!
Unfortunately results won’t be available for a couple of days and they will be shared with your coaches when the link is sent, we can also have it added to this post.
Our U9, 10, 11 and 12’s took on the shorter lap and ran hard showing great potential in what is only the first race of the season. It was incredible to watch how well they ran in such tough conditions.
The U13 girls and Boys both had fantastic races with athletes finishing in the top 20. Of note, Finn McGurrin had an impressive run finishing 3rd. Ava Fagan was first U13 girl finishing 7th. What was great was to see the teams pack in very close behind the leading scorer on each team. Clearly the experience they gained last year by both the boys and girls teams, and the hard training since, is developing some fine teams as we prepare for the Dublin Championships. I for one, am very excited to see how they will run in the Phoenix Park in 4 weeks time in the U14 Championships and even more so in the U13 championships. A very talented bunch indeed.
The U14 equally ran extremely well with Nessa Byrne deserving of particular mention who came 2nd in her race, again with the team packing in nicely behind her.
The U15 girls ran very well with 4 out there today. Kate Gill showed fine form in the lead pack for most of the race with Carragh coming in close behind her. Sophia Tennant who runs well over cross country had a fine run today as indeed to Geve Duncan on her first Clonliffe Outing.
U15 Boys – Brilliant Runs for the full squad. Connor Kenny took the win again with the full team packing in well. This team are also looking good for Dublin’s and will also be looking to qualify for Nationals.
One U16 Girl today, Ella O’Sullivan who ran her first ever race. Just to add to the horrific conditions, her race was run with the U17, U18 and U19 Girls so if that wasn’t enough to put her off I don’t know what was but……. she ran a really good race and did us proud. Such maturity and guts at that age, will only progress her – one to watch.
U16 Boy, Ryan Fagan had a stormer for his first race. Unsure of himself to start with he just kept in with the pack. He ran hard and worked well in the race. With about 200 to go, he realised that he had this and in what was probably finish of day, had a fantastic sprint finish taking about 6 places .
There were so many great performances today which shows that the hard work is paying off and the preparation for those competing at Dublin Championships is working.
Well done to each and every one of you today. It was the worst of conditions but the greatest of efforts from you all.
Special thanks to our parents who helped out today also. Without your help, we could not compete.
Eugenia Bateson, Juvenile Captain