Munster Express Online

With the autumn sun on our backs and a well laid out course in view the club embarked on what overall can be considered a very successful day of cross country running.
First up was the girls u10. With the crunch of the autumn leaves underfoot and the excited crowd cheering them on the St Senan’s duo of Caoimhe Phelan and Juliette Evans both ran very well from the onset. Both girls were well up all the way with Caoimhe finishing a very creditable third place, beaming with satisfaction as she crossed the line. Following in her footsteps Ben Wallis was in the leading group from the start of the boy’s u10. He was determined to show his parents that the interruption to their short holiday in Galway was worth the effort. And true to his words, he stormed home in fifth place, a meagre few metres separated the first five individuals.
The girls u12 saw Kilkenny as a county dominate with six of the county athletes in the top 12. Saoirse Allen representing St.Senan’s AC saw a return to form to finish 10th.
She was also a member of the Kilkenny team that won the county title.
The boys u12 consisting of two u12 and two u11 athletes – half of the team being new to athletics, produced the surprise of the afternoon when the club team finished a clear third place. The team was led home by newcomer Jack O’Neill in 15th, David Williams 18th, Tadgh Connolly 30th and another newcomer Naoise Gilmartin in 44th. All four boys were also on the county team that finished third. The boys were in high spirits afterwards, running the course another 100 times over in excitement.
Tara Ramsamamwy ran a truly magnificent race- returning from injury after seven months to finish in ninth place in the girls u14. Readers should understand that just a few weeks ago she was still struggling to run. Determination is a wonderful attribute. The boys u14 were a little down on luck with Josh Fenton, James Foot, Robert Finn and Ryan Cummins finishing sixth in the overall club competition.
The county was third with Josh, James and Robert making the cut.
The girls u16 ran as a trio with Aine Phelan having her best ever race at Leinster level to finishing 20th. Aine is going from strength to strength each year and she is one to watch in her own age group in two weeks time. Also coming back into form was Aoife Allen who came through strongly in the second half of the race to finish 29th. Nell Murphy is coming on nicely and should be in a good place for the Nationals. All three girls are on the county team that finished second.
Aaron Donnelly can move forward with confidence based on the boy’s u/16 race. Whilst his coach never had any doubt about his ability to improve as the season progressed, Aaron came into the race a little cautious. Keeping in contention with the leading group all the way, he finished in seventh place, a metre behind Luke Fitzpatrick KCH, the county champion.
In the combined u18, 19 and junior ladies race both Rachel Butler and Ann Marie Moloney ran well and were part of the county team.
In the boys race it was really nice to see Johnathon Crowley once more share the spoils as part of the Kilkenny team. Johnathon finished 25th followed home by team mates Oliver Mullally and Aaron Redmond. It was good to see Bronagh Kearns return to racing again after an absence. Bronagh competed in the Ladies Novice and has been doing some great running sessions of late.
Looking forward to the rest of the season we now have 18 athletes through to the National Even age championships on November 21st in Santry, Dublin.
Before that we have the uneven age groups Leinster’s in Kennedy Park on the 8th November. With more in age in that stage of the championships we hope to build on our success.
Well done to all those athletes who raced their heart out. Once you have done your best – you have done your job!
Fixtures
Nov 1 County B Championships and County Team Training Kilmacow 11am.
Nov 8 Leinster 11,13,15,17 and Intermediate championships Kennedy Park Wexford 11am.
Nov 21 All Ireland Even ages Santry Dublin – 11am.