STEPHANIE IS ALL-IRELAND CHAMP
WHAT a fantastic end to 2016 West Muskerry AC had on Sunday last, December 11, when eight athletes competed in the All-Ireland Uneven Age Cross Country Championships. Medals were awarded to the first 12 across the line, the first three county teams and the first three province teams.
Stephanie Cotter was on top of the world when she competed in the U19 4,000m race. From the minute the gun went the speed of the athletes was unbelievable.
Stephanie fought hard in the first lap to catch up with the lead group and then settled into her own pace at the back of the group.
With 800m to go, a group of four broke away and with 600m to go Stephanie made her move, took the lead and opened a gap of five metres.
With 250m to go, she had opened this gap to 15 metres and there was nobody going to overtake her. She sprinted home and was first across the finish line and crowned U19 All-Ireland Champion. She also captained the Munster team to the silver medal.
Shannon Cotter was also in top form. She competed in the Girls U15 3,500m. She was running up an age but she battled really hard throughout the race. Shannon received her reward when she was awarded the individual eighth place medal. She also helped both the Cork team and the Munster team to the Gold medals. A fantastic achievement.
In the Boys U15 3,500m, Tadhg Manning also ran superb. After a bad start he had to battle his way up through the field in the first lap. He fought really hard to hold his position. With 250m to go he gave everything he had and finished strongly. His efforts helped Cork secure the bronze medals. A name to watch out for in the future.
In the Girls U17 4,000m, Caitlin Hurley and Jennifer Cotter both improved on previous performances. They both planned how they were going to run the race as both were running up an age and they stuck to their plan and it worked really well for them. Their efforts paid off when both girls helped Cork secure the bronze medals.
In the Boys U13 2,500m and the Boys U17 5,000m, Colm Gellispie, Sean O’Sullivan and James Downey all running out of their age ran superb races.
The competition was extremely high in all age groups but all three battled it out with the best in Ireland and did themselves, their club and their county proud. Unfortunately, Cork were just out of the medals on this occasion but watch out for these names as future stars in the making.
A very special thank you to the five business who sponsored some running tops and gear bags for the fourteen athletes who competed at the All Ireland Cross Country Championships this year.
It is hoped this will inspire the younger athletes to set their goals high as with some hard work and a few sacrifices they too can reach this level.
The sponsors are Riverside Park Hotel, Follain Jam, Macroom Opticians, Deasys Pharmacy and Michael Twomey Butchers.
A huge thank you to all the athletes, parents and coaches who helped make our club so successful. West Muskerry AC wish all a very happy Christmas and here’s to 2017.