by Richard Hawkins
Cliona Stars for Cork in Derry Nationals!
The National Senior, U23, Junior and juvenile even-age Championships is the pinnacle of the Cross-Country season with National titles and selection for Euro-Cross teams on offer. This year, it was again a long trek from Cork as the event was hosted by City Of Derry Spartans AC. Conditions were challenging with bitterly cold winds and driving rain, the resulting mud and surface water led to difficult underfoot conditions. The talented Cliona Collins represented Carraig Na BhFear AC. Cliona had qualified as part of the Cork County U12 girls’ team, finished in a brilliant 37th place overall and 4th Cork scorer on the day. Unfortunately, Cork finished as 4th County team but Cliona will have gained valuable experience and confidence from the experience and no doubt will have many opportunities in the future for National medals. Congratulations to Cliona from all at the club!
Closer to home we had an excellent turnout at the annual Glenville 4-mile race hosted by Watergrasshill AC. Tadhg Crowley placed 19th overall in a time of 22:33 followed by Mattew Browne in 25:43. Orlaith Merritt (28:57) led home our female members followed by Edie-Mae Browne (29:18), Isabel Browne (30:11), Una Reidy (31:45), Orla Gorman (32:29), Cora Lynch (33:00), Anita Casey (33:50), Rebecca McCarthy (35:49), Aoibhe Dunlea (35:50) and Eanna O’Brien (39:50). Great running from all involved!
Rebecca Kelleher (1:46:55), Alan Davis (2:00:26) and Liza Davis (2:03:40) completed the Waterford Half-Marathon while raising money for the Irish Cancer Society. So far, over €3000 has been donated, great credit due for raising the much-needed funds!
Look Ahead:
We will field Men’s and Ladies teams in the National Novice Championships for the first time in Abbottstown on December 7th , best of luck to everyone travelling!
