Glenmore post solid times in ‘virtual’ cross country
GLENMORE AC hosted their leg of the ‘Louth Virtual Cross Country Championships’ on Sunday last at the Bush track. THE beautiful November sunshine brought the club’s juveniles out in force to race the 500m course. Conditions were wet underfoot thanks to the recent spell of rain but that did not dampen the spirits of these young athletes.
U8 boys were first to take to the course for a brisk 200m ‘fun run’. Niall Rogan led the field home, closely followed by Aaron Finnegan, Colin Oliver and Thomas Cumiskey. U9 and u10 girls and boys took to the course next for their 500m race.
First home for the girls was Maeve Walsh demonstrating yet again that she is a powerhouse when it comes to cross country running. Sarah Devane was next home, followed by Lexi McDermott, Daisy Mae Caldwell, Niamh Cranny, Grace Mulligan, Fiadh Holmes and Aisling Keenan.
It was neck and neck the whole way through the boys 500m race for Conall Breen and Noah Lindholm, with Noah just pipping Conall at the line in a sprint finish. Oisin Gallagher followed them home in 3rd place, with Toby Fleming, Tadhg Hanniffy, Shay O’Reilly, Darragh Ryan, Finn Gleave, Jack Gleave, Ryan McCann, Gerard Feeley, Jay Carolan, Darragh Clarke and Phoenix Ryder competing the field in the biggest race of the day.
Three athletes competed in the U11 1000m race. Holly McCann completed the two-lap course in 1st place with Aine Finnegan coming through fast on her heels. Patrick Oliver was the sole participant in the boys race. He ran really well in what was his first cross country race.
Eleven athletes took to the start line for the u12/u13 1500m race. Aine Gallagher ran a fantastic first lap and lead the race for the first 700m.
She was overtaken by Sarah Duffy who steadily grew her lead over the remaining lap and a half. Sarah finished very strongly, with Lucy Fleming taking second place and Molly Anne Moore finished in third place. They were followed home by Eimear Finnegan, Aine Gallagher, Cliodhna Hanniffy, Sophie Cumiskey, Sophie Caldwell, Leah Dunne, Katie McCourt and Katie McEvoy.
Next up was the turn of the u14/u15s. Nora McBride led from the start of the the lap course to take first place with Gaia Ryder finishing in second place. Tiarnan Hanniffy also ran very strongly in the boys race to finish in 1st place with Daniel Connolly taking second place.
Ava Brady and James Dunne were the sole participants in the u16/u17 2000m race. They both covered the four-lap course with ease and were a joy to watch, especially for all the younger athletes.
The club would like to congratulate all the juvenile athletes who competed on Sunday, many of whom were competing for the first time.
Their hard work and dedication at training during these difficult times has certainly paid off.
Finish times have been submitted to the county board and results will be collated in the coming days.
Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Bush track from 7-8pm. New members aged 7 and over are welcome.