All-ireland win for Mount Lourdes at schools athletics
THERE were fantastic performances by all our athletics at the All-ireland schools in Tymon Park, Tallaght on Saturday. Our runners raced for their schools against the cream of Irish endurance athletics and all our juniors will be be very proud of their efforts in this highly competitive setting.
There were outstanding individual medal-winning performances by Kate Kelly in her debut at this level coming 5th in the minor girls and Harry Mckenzie who came 4th in the inter boys.
It should be noted that both athletes are a year young in these age groups. Harry also gained selection for the Irish Schools XC Team in the SIAB international in two weeks’ time.
It was a historic debut schools win for Mount Lourdes minor girls. While Kate was 5th, not far behind was her ERC teammate Megan Mullany in a terrific 23rd out of 112 runners. The final MLE team scorer was Naoise Mckenna of Clones AC. The other ERC girls on the team were Kacey Gallagher and Moya Magee.
The first Fermanagh girl at junior level was ERGS Annabelle Mckenzie who had her best schools XC – placing in 32nd.
Not far behind Annie were Orlaith Kelly, Mallie and Ava Hennesy, Grainne Gallagher and Beth Buchanan representing MLE. It was Grainne and Ava’s first schools finals and they ran well with lots more to come. The MLE team came 8th place overall.
The inter boys’ race was an outstanding, competitive race with the lead changing hands several times.
Harry Mckenzie was in the front pack throughout and finished a brilliant 4th – securing his spot on the Irish school team. Harry is a year young and is eligible to race inters again next year.
Aoibhin Kelly was the sole Fermanagh runner in the senior girls and had a strong run.
The senior boys’ race was another high-quality, gripping contest and the St Michael’s team won a team silver.
Jamie Mcdonnell – in only his second schools XC All Ireland – had a terrific run to come 13th and 3rd-placed Ulster runner. Most of the St Michaels team are eligible for the senior boys’ race next year.