It is so difficult to pick who should be the feature from the Junior Girls group. So many of the girls have shone in different ways over the past 12 months. Ayana who is one of our new joiners has brought a vibe of fun, tic tocks but more importantly guts and determination when it gets tough. Kate who gets so nervous before a race but once the gun goes the nerves turn to a useful adrenaline. Sophia who seems so mild and gentle in training turns into a force to be reckoned with in a cross country race. Rachel who despite injury and niggles has remained focused and pushed hard for her team in Derry. Hannah who rocked up to the Brother Run and just decided to give Dublins a go, realised she had some work to do so what did she do, she worked and had a good XC season.
Sophie Kernan had a brilliant year. She got stronger physically and matured into her training this year. She took on the most gruelling of track events, the Steeplechase and made it her focus. Steeplechase is the greatest test of endurance on the track and Sophie ensured that anyone who had any doubt in a young girls ability to take on this beast, was firmly put to rest. Not only did she medal at the National Juvenile Track and Field Championships last summer she then stepped up for her club to compete at senior levelin the outdoor league. Of note she also donned her track spikes to run in the senior indoor league relay team, again ensuring that the club had a team.
So many girls worth a mention but one thing they all have in common is strength of character, determination, drive, a good work ethic, teamwork, friendship, fun and passion for each other for athletics and for Clonliffe Harriers. These young ladies show us constantly the importance of women in sport and dispell the myth that girls are weaker. These girls are legends and what they bring to today’s Clonliffe Harriers I’m sure would make the original Morton Marvels proud.
Well done to all our women and girls in Clonliffe.
Eugenia Bateson.
