Apparently the JFK Park on the outskirts of New Ross is a picturesque and tranquil location in the Sunny South East….however the Dunboyne AC juvenile athletes were greeted to a gloomy wind and rain battered scene fresh from a horror movie. The Leinster Un Even Ages Cross Country Championship were being held by United Striders AC for the first time on Sunday the 8th of November 2015, with four strong panels making the southbound journey to Wexford in search of glory.
The under 11 girls panel consisting of Aideen Reilly, Laura Gavin, Serena Gavin, Eriin O Toole , Aleah Kelly, Kate Stewart and Sophie Dolan were first too the off in the pounding rain and seemed unscathed after a gruelling race which saw an impressive Sophie take silver as she pushed the leader all the way home. New girl Aleah also finished with a individual medal in a very talented field, the two girls earning a position in the provincial team for the national championship. Eriin and Laura also ran out of their skin to earn the team the Leinster Club title and help the Meath camp to gold in the inter county competition. These girls are improving with every race and fight hard for each other and will be one of the favourite for the All Irelands in Dungarvan in December.
Our under 11 boys team made up of Adam Smyth, Adam Vaughan, Ciaran McCormack and Mathieu Keiffer were the next bunch of our athletes in action on Sunday, with the conditions really getting the better of them as they managed to finish eight in the inter club competition helped by a strong run from Adam Smyth who led the boys and county team home. With two of the boys under age this was a big ask for the lads, however such races are character building and better days are on the horizon.
Our under 13 girls came in their droves with a total of nine athletes wearing the club singlet in search of further provincial glory. Abigail Knox, Chloe Frazer, Holly Conlon, Lucy Eglington, Doireann Ni Fhlatharta, Kalya Ryan, Niamh Sherlock, Katie Greene and Aoife McCormack were our next warriors in battle with the elements and battle they did, all the way to the finish line. Kayla Ryan had her best performance ever for the club where she showed her true potential as she earned a individual medal as she was first club and county athlete home and collected her first Leinster call up in the process. With good runs from, Rachael, Chloe and Aoife the girls were good enough to make the podium when they won bronze in the inter club competition.
Having watched the youngsters in the club come up with the goods, there was now extra pressure on the under 13 boys to retain their Leinster crown, and with the course now a mud bath it was not meant to be easy. Conor Leane led the charge for the Dunboyne AC Brigade as he led the race from start to finish building up an incredible lead as he went on to be probably the most impressive race winner of the day. His better looking twin was also in flying form, despite getting a bit ruffled at the start he reached into his reserves and clawed his way back through the field to earn an individual medal. Eoin Richards and Ross Lyons were the other half of the quartet, and these two also emptied the tanks as they they helped retain the Leinster Title. Meath also retained the inter county crown with the help of these boys.
This was one of the most memorable days at Cross Country for the club in many years and a huge well done to all. Thanks to all the coaches and support who made the journey despite the horrific weather.
