National Masters and Intermediate XC

National Masters & Intermediate XC

(incl Rathcoffey 10k & BHAA ALSAA XC)

By ORLA COX

It was all about our O65 men as five of them took to the mud, hills, and trails of Avondale House in Wicklow for the National Cross Country championships. Ronan Ward continued his great cross-country season finishing 5^th in the O65 category. Vincent O’Neill finished well up the field in 9^th position. There were also great runs from Tom O’Flaherty (15^t)), Stephen Lynch (26^th) and Tom Turner who was 8^th in his O70 category.

The team consisting of Ronan, Vincent and Tom O’Flaherty were second in the O65 category so a national silver medal is on their way to them. What great ambassadors for the club.

Well done to everyone who raced on the day on what was by all accounts a very tough course. And thanks to those who made the journey to support them.

Rathcoffey 10k

Well done to Jason Reilly and Eanna Kavanagh who were ran in Rathcoffey 10k on February 8th. Jason finished third overall in an impressive time of 33:16. Eanna also had a great run, finishing in 34:58, seventh overall. Well done guys.

BHAA ALSAA XC

Storm Dennis was no match for the hardy runners who headed in the direction of the Airport for the latest BHAA XC. As usual there were races – 2 miles for the women and 5 miles for everyone else. The wind and rain obviously made for tough conditions, but the muddy ground underfoot just added insult to injury.

Grainne Butler was first club member over the line in the 2 mile race, finishing in 3^rd place overall. Gemma Treacy continued her excellent cross country season, finishing in 5^th place and 1^st O40. Next home was Brid Ryan in 7^th place and 1^st O35. Margaret Moloney then finished in 20^th place. Well done ladies.

Conditions had really deteriorated by the time the men embarked on their 5 miles of misery. Unsurprisingly we had fewer numbers out than usual. Gareth Horgan was first home in 29^th position. Next was Nick Devery in 47^th place, followed by Dermot Grogan in 66^th and Joe Delaney in 98^th. Well done guys – that was proper character building stuff!