St Joseph’s brigade battle through the mud to produce great runs

THE extremely difficult surface proved a challenge to the St Joseph’s CBS brigade, but not an insurmountable one, as they produced some great runs at the All-Ireland Schools Cross-Country Championships at WIT in Waterford last Saturday.

The facilities may have been first class, but the one word to describe the sloping fields of Knockanore by the banks of the Suir was mud.

Ranked ninth going into these finals, the Joeys produced a wonderful effort in the Intermediate (under-17) 5,000m race and a fifthplace finish delighted the plucky Newfoundwell sextet.

Peter Meegan’s inspirational 18th place helped Frank Mc Clean (45th), Tom Cummins (52nd) and Neal Hodgins (68th) to persevere on the muddy slopes, but unfortunately Tadgh Donnelly picked up a muscle injury at the 2,000m mark when lying in seventh place.

With victory going to Belvedere College, St Joseph’s can now reflect on a very satisfying season - fifth in Ireland, second in Leinster and number one in North Leinster - which no doubt will encourage further improvement.

Add in Esosa Victor’s fine 35th place in the Under-15 final earlier on in the day and things are looking up for the Joeys.

Peter Meegan, who finished in 18th place, battles through the mud.