Training pays off for young athletes
WEST Muskerry AC had big numbers competing in the County Even Age Cross Country Championship on Sunday in Liscarroll. All the athletes gave it their best on the day – their training is paying off and they can only get better with every race they run.
In the girls U12 2,000m, Eabha Ni Chonaola ran superbly. Eabha battled hard over the course and was in sixth place with 300m to go. She dug in and upped her pace and was in a battle with four others with 100m to go. Eabha finished in a very strong second and she also captained her team to the bronze medals. Her team were Rebecca O’Neill, Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Grace Duarte, Anna Lucey, Olivia Moynihan, Cliona O’Brien, Grace Nash and Katelyn Cronin.
There was also get running from the boys and girls U10 1,000m. Most were up an age but used the race as a practice for their own age group next week. They were Michael McElroy, Darragh Manning, Sean MacSullivan, Tristan Mullane, Isobelle Lucey, Isla Yore, Emma Purcell, Aisling Ring and Milly Bullman.
In the Boys U12 2,000m it was the first race for most of the team and they showed great team spirit right to the end. They were Conor Nash, Finn Yore, Rory McElroy, Conor Hourihan, Ronan O’Neill, Dan Lyons, Ronan Duggan, Mark Andrew Dineen and Ciaran O’Sullivan.
In the Girls U14, Lucia Duarte had her best race to date. Her hard work at training is paying off. She battled her way up through the field and picked athletes off all the way to the finish. Lucia finished a fantastic ninth place. Her team who were all up an age were great, finishing in fourth place. They were Fern Mullane, Kate Downey and Emily Cronin.
The boys U14 packed very well and finished very strong. They were Jamie Hourihan, James Lucey and Sean Lucey.
The girls U16 team have been together for a few years now and are improving with every race they run. They finished in fifth position and are looking forward to their next race to improve again. They were Brigin Kelleher, Rachel Kelleher, Lisa Kingston, Aoife Downey, Siobhan O’Leary and Aoife Lucey. The boys U16 ran equally well in their 4000m and they were Darren Moynihan and Paul Downey.
In the Junior and U18, Eimear O’Leary, Tadhg Manning and Sean O’Sullivan ran very well in a very competitive race. They are looking forward to improving in their next race.
There was also a great team out in the Novice mens who finished in fifth place. They were Henry Browne, Patrick Lynch, Richard Lucey, Aidan O’Brien, Michael McSweeney, Sean O’Lionaird, Jeremy Kelleher and Jim Lucey.
Next Sunday, October 13, West Muskerry AC are hosting the County Cross Country Championships in Caum Carrigadrohid. All are looking forward to another great day.