Saints are in the medals

ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY

THE annual Star of the Sea cross country got the winter season off to a start race on Sunday last in fine conditions in Greenanstown, Stamullen.

Representing Dundalk St Gerards AC were Abaigh Moonan, Enya Silkena, Grainne Moran, Ciara Cunningham, Leah Mooney and Conall Quinn. With representation from clubs from all over the region, competition was of the usual high standard.

First into action on the challenging course were Abaigh, Grainne and Enya in the girls U10 race. From the off the girls put themselves right in contention at the head of the pack. On the downhill finish Enya lead the field home to a great win with Grainne hot on her heels in second and Abaigh putting in a strong finish to make it a 1,2,3 and take the team gold also. In the U11 race Ciara Cunningham ran a fine race on the testing course showing great courage to finish just outside the medals.

Leah Mooney was in action in the U13 girls 1500m. With the distance a little shorter than she would like she took a while to get into her running. Gradually she picked off rivals throughout the race to finish strongly into third place with an excellent run. Conall Quinn who is moving to the club was in action in the U14 boys 2200m. In a good quality race he was right in the mix all the way. Despite lacking a bit of race fitness he showed he possesses all the required talent to finish in the medals making the podium in 5th place.

On Saturday evening Kate Smyth had an excellent run in the Blackrock 4 mile road race winning the junior girls category. Declan Toal continued his excellent recent form with a strong run for 14th overall and 4th in the over 40’s category. Coach Stephen Mulholland also ran a good race in 16th place overall and 5th in the over 40’s for North East Runners.