National B Cross Country, Westport. Co. Mayo
Gold for Darragh Joyce, Caoimhe Slevin 4th.
Having opened their indoor seasons last weekend, a group of 14 of our dedicated juveniles set their sights on National honours at the National B Cross Country this weekend. Making the journey to Westport was a feat in itself, and we are so proud of these athletes (and their parents) for their dedication.
Opening up the competition a team of six girls lined out in the picturesque Westport House for the u11 event. Meadhbh Hall and Annie Ely worked together throughout the race, fighting all the way to the finish line to finish 14th and 15th in a field of over 100 athletes. Next across the line, moving up in age Poppy Shanahan fought hard to finish 40th and Órlaith Costigan overcame a fall halfway around to cross the line in 45th. Aoibheann Doyle didn't let the girls open up any space and finished in 56th with Daisy Lyons close behind in 65th, both girls stepping up from u10. With a cumulative 114 points, the girls narrowly missed out on a club medal. Meadhbh, Annie, Poppy and Órlaith were all part of the Tipperary team that came third and the girls were delighted to receive bronze medals on the day.
Next up for the club was Darragh Joyce, and what a run! Darragh took off well from the start line, and settled into an early lead. He stretched the field as he ran the undulating 1000m course and was 30m clear with 200m to go. Running with absolute ease, Darragh demonstrated his class, taking a stunning victory in 3:29. Darragh also led home a Tipperary team that finished 4th.
Saoirse Joyce lined up next and got out to a fast start. The 1500m loop was winding and tested the u13 athletes. Saoirse ran a strong race and finished in 69th position overall, in a time of 6:36.
Another club team tested their skills in the fourth race of the day. With all four boys racing out of age, the 1500m course stretched out in front of them. Matthew Esmonde led the team home, finishing in 23rd position. Next across the line was Tom Renehan, in 54th. Darragh Maher and James Ryan crossed the line in 74th and 87th respectively. When the results were calculated , the boys club team finished 11th. Matthew Esmonde was part of the county team that finished 2nd, earning him a national medal.
Finally, Muireann Casey and Caoimhe Slevin lined out in the girls u15 2500m. Caoimhe Slevin put herself in contention from the off, fighting with the lead pack as they passed through the first loop of the course. She found herself in a tough battle over the closing stages, and ended up in 4th in the final standings. A superb performance to take an individual medal. Muireann, having fought back from injury throughout the cross country season put in a very strong run (in one shoe!) to finish 44th.
Congratulations to all of our fantastic athletes on their performances over the day. It was wonderful to see the green and gold of Moyne so well represented throughout the juvenile programme.
