Dunboyne Juveniles Impress at Even Ages All Ireland Cross Country
Sunday the 22nd of November saw the first of the National Cross Country Juvenile events for 2015 as our even aged Dunboyne AC athletes had the short journey to Santry Demense, Dublin for the Glo Heath All Ireland Championship. The weather was perfect for running, with the underfoot condition surprisingly firm as our youngsters arrived on this testing course.Every year we tell parents that any finish in the top forty is a fantastic result, best explained by telling them that if the top athlete in every county was to finish ahead of their little star that there would be 32 top performers racing ahead down the home straight.
Our under twelve girls coming to the end of another fine season had seven athletes in action for both club and county. Kayla Ryan and Aoife McCormack yet again came up with the goods, both with top forty finishes to put the club and county in contention for a place on the podium as they battled with the elites from the four corners of our fair isle. With further fine runs from Rachael Norman, Niamh Sherlock, Aleah Kelly, Kate Griffin and Lucy Eglington the girls were gutted to hear that they just fell short both in the club and inter county competitions. Dunboyne AC finished a very respectable fifth as the Royal County finished a frustrating fourth when all the finishing places were totalled.
Our first medal winner of the day was the ladies favorite, namely Ross Lyons who was in action on provincial duty for the first time. Ross ran a smart race as he climbed his through the field way to a top thirty finish which helped the Leinster Team win silver and gave him a chance to stretch his legs before the un- even All Irelands in Dungarvan in a fortnight.
Also in action on the Leinster Team was Doireann Ni Fhlatharta who was running outside her own age group. Doireann struggled all the way around the course but still managed a top forty finish and earned another provinicial medal as this Leinster Team also won silver.
Our last athlete in action from the Fit for Youth group was Nicola Duffy who was on county duty in Santry, still on the comeback trail she worked hard as she manoeuvred the now muddy course as she helped Meath to a respectable 7th place on the inter County stage.
Well done to all and roll on the Un Even Ages All Irelands in Waterford in December where we are expecting medals at individual, clubs, county as well as provincial level…no pressure.
SUMMARY
Under 12 Girls Dunboyne AC 5th- Meath 4th/ Kayla Ryan, Aoife McCormack, Rachael Norman, Aleah Kelly, Niamh Sherlock, Kate Griffin and Lucy Eglington
Under 12 Boys- Leinster/ Ross Lyons 2nd.
Under 14 Girls- Leinster/ Doirenn Ni Flatharta 2nd
Under 16 Girls Meath/ Nicola Duffy 7th
