Stephen Bateson reports: A large squad of 23 athletes and 5 officials from Clonliffe Athletes headed to Albuferia Portugal at the weekend to take part in the European Clubs Cross Country Championship and the Open races. A squad of 6 athletes represented the club in the U20 European Championships, with a development squad of 10 ladies and 5 lads taking part in the Open races.
The event took place on Sunday 8th with the teams arriving on Friday. A storm on Saturday disrupted preparations but thankfully a break in the weather on Saturday afternoon opened up at 3:00 pm allowed the teams to prepare on the course for a glorious hour of sunshine.
Sunday saw a much improved day weather wise and following an early breakfast the team made its way to the course.
The Men’s U20 team of Matei Ursachi, Harry Bogan, Liam Arthur and Aaron Murray gave a gutsy performance in today’s Euroclubs Cross Country. This was the 3rd year in a row that Clonliffe had been represented at this event. It was a tough day at the office with bright opening unfortunately not producing the desired result. Matei was best in 38th, followed by Aaron Murray in 61st, with Harry Bogan in 62nd and then Liam Arthur in 67th. The team scored 161 points and finished in 16th place of 20 teams. The other Irish team, Donore Harriers were unlucky not to secure a team medal however due to an unfortunate turn on events their leading athlete suffered a fall within sight of the finish. In the end Donore Harriers had to settle for 4th place.
In the open race U18 boys Clonliffe’s Edy Blacque secured an impressive victory with the ever improving Josh Chalmers battled all the way to 2nd. This was a combined race and Sophie Kernan was 3rd U 18 girl with Ayana O’Callaghan in 5th and Mae Rose Mason in 8th.
The final race of day was the Open U20/Senior race saw European U20 Athlete Tom Breslin finishing in 2nd and Lorcan Benjacar in 7th. In the ladies U20 race Hannah Walsh was 3rd, Rachel Ardiff 4th, Paige Elliot was 7th and Rebecca Finn was 8th.
The U20 race Men’s race saw Jack Quinn finishing in 5th with Tadgh Cowley 9th. The U23 men Tom Breslin 1st and Lorcan Benjacar 2nd.
In the overall open competition the club finished 5th with 2 number 1st finishes, 2 seconds and 2 thirds.
Overall a very successful day for the club and the future of the Junior Athletes in Clonliffe Harriers AC.
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146364500@N04/albums/72177720331956719