All-Ireland B Cross Country Championships. Dundalk
While many of our athletes are now well under way with their indoor seasons, this weekend marked the end of the cross country season, with the Juvenile B Cross Country Championships. This event was held on the grounds of Dundalk IT, on a challenging course made all the tougher by heavy underfoot conditions.
Moyne A.C. were delighted to have a big group of athletes make the journey to compete in this championship in what was a brilliant experience for all involved. This was a first all-Ireland for many of these athletes. The day got underway with the girls U11 race, where the team of Annie Ely (15th), Meadhbh Hall (32nd), Doireann Quinlan (85th) and Lily Murphy (88th), competed in a huge field of 129 athletes. The girls combined to finish 11th of the 20 teams, and Annie, Meadhbh and Doireann formed part of the Tipperary team that finished 6th.
Next up was the U11 boys, and they again toed the line among well over 100 athletes from all over the country. The boys went out hard and found themselves in a good position as they headed toward the halfway mark. Matthew Esmonde fought for a medal as he battled through the muddy conditions. His determination was evident as he rounded the final bend in excellent position and crossed the line in 2nd place. An outstanding achievement at this level, well done Matthew! Matthew was followed over the line by teammates Darragh Maher (53rd) and Tom Renehan (55th), who ran close together for much of the race. Darragh Joyce was unfortunate to suffer a fall close to the halfway point, and we wish him well as he recovers, great credit due to Matthew, Darragh and Tom as they checked in on their injured team mate at the first aid tent shortly after the race. Team Spirit.
As the day went on, the underfoot conditions got more and more challenging, and the older groups had inches of mud to get through. In the U13 girls, Caoimhe Slevin led home the Moyne contingent in 56th place, running a brave race throughout. Saoirse Joyce was next across the line in 85th and Helen Renehan followed in 111th place. In the boys equivalent, Moyne had just one athlete, and Michael Doyle finished 96th, and formed part of the Tipperary team.
The final athlete of the day was Kate Delaney, who ran in the girls U17 race, completing two laps of the course in very challenging conditions to finish in 15th place. Kate had a tough battle all the way round and had a strong finish to pick up places over the last 500m.
Well done to all the athletes who took part in this competition and I'm sure the experience will stand to them as they compete in their indoor championships in the coming weeks.
123.ie Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships.
Well done to Jack Renehan who came 86th in the 123.ie Leinster Schools Cross Country Championship in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on Monday. Jack was also a member of the St Kieran’s Kilkenny team who placed 3rd place in the Junior Boys competition. Jack will go on with his school mates to the All-Ireland Schools cross country championship on the 9th of March.
Varsities Indoor T&F Championships. Abbotstown.
Another great weekend for Katie Bergin running in the colours of UCC at the Intervarsities Indoor T&F Championships in Dublin on Saturday last. Taking home three bronze medals and two pbs not a bad days work, a week out from the National Senior Indoor Championships. Winning the 60m heat Katie ran a huge pb of 7.56s and then set another pb in the final 7.55s. winning bronze. She also won bronze in 4x200m relay and UCC won bronze finishing third in Women's Team event.
Next up are the National Senior T&F Championships in Abbottstown on Saturday and Sunday next where the cream of Irish athletics male and female will compete, this is Olympic year competition will be razor sharp as athletes have been running in indoor events all over Europe in preparation for next weekend. Katie is entered in both 60m and 200m. Best of Luck.
Indoor Championships - Entries.
Thanks to Helen Slevin for taking on the role of Competitions Secretary in the club for the coming year. Parents are reminded to give in their child's entries for the upcoming indoor championships in the clubhouse this Tuesday (13th Feb) before or after training. It is the responsibility of parents and coaches to ensure juvenile athletes are entered in upcoming indoor and outdoor competitions.
Couch to 5k Fit for Life.
Thursday 29th February is fast approaching, this is the date set for the final night of the eight week programme. The group sessions continues on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6.30pm.
Volunteers in Sports Award 2023.
Congratulations to Paddy Doyle on receiving The Volunteers in Sports Awards 2023. This Award is in recognition of Paddy's outstanding work and commitment to the sport of athletics over the years. The awards ceremony will take place at The Crown Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown on 29th. February 2024. Congrats Paddy.
Tipp FM Sports Awards 2023.
The Tipp FM 2023 Annual Sports Awards will take place in The Talbot Hotel, Clonmel on Thursday night next 15th. Feb. at 7.30pm. Katie Bergin will receive her July '23 award. Enjoy.
Athletics Ireland Level One Coaching Course.
Well done to Triona Murphy and Dylan McLaughlin who completed the Athletics Ireland Level One Coaching Course over the past two weekends in Clonmel. We encourage club members to take part in these extremely informative courses. Details of courses can be found on the Athletics Ireland website.
Split the Bucket.
Congrats to Geraldine Moynihan who won €162 in this week's split the bucket draw. The ticket was drawn by Helen Cunningham.The ticket was purchased in Quinlans Pub. Envelopes are available in the clubhouse, Quinlans pub and Tigh Maighne or join online today at moyneathleticclub.com. The draw takes place each Friday after training. We thank you for your kind support.
Featured Image: Katie Bergin; UCC and Moyne AC, winning threee bronze medals at Varsities Indoor T&F in Dublin last Saturday.