Meath Community Games Cross Country Report

The Meath Community Games were held in Oldcastle last Sunday; we had a good turnout out from the club with the following athletes taking part on the day, U8: Chloe Kenny, U9: Niamh Murray, Laura Kelly, Kyle Witter, Eoin Kane, Sam Bergin, U10: Aimee Doherty, Abbey McHugh Fionn Drummond, Tom Kilgannon, U12 Shauna Coffey, Ciara Coffey, Karen Hayes, Zara Kane, Rachel Doherty, U13: Fergal Kilgannon, U14: Cormac Butler, Pierce Butler, Conor Sheeran and U16: Peter Kilgannon. The tough course at old castle was in great condition considering the recent bad weather, and even with a cold sharp wind blowing, spirits were high amongst our athletes. Chloe Kenny got us off to a great start with a great run in the girls U8 500m finishing 3^rd, this was Chloe’s first cross country and one she will remember. Kyle Witter put in a strong run in the boys U9 event taking silver with Sam Bergin finishing 7^th and Eoin Kane 8^th, this was a good run from Kyle who is one to watch for the future. Niamh Murray competed well in girls U9 but unfortunately had to pull up with a stitch.

Aimee Doherty had a great battle with her neighbouring club rival Doireann Ni Flaherta from Dunboyne in the girls U10 event, both girls fought hard with the lead changing hands throughout the race and were only separated on the sprint finish in with the Dunboyne girl just edging it. Abbey McHugh who only joined the club recently had a great run for her first time out finishing 6^th.  
Tom Kilgannon put in a terrific performance with a very strong run winning the boys U10 event, he was followed home by Fionn Drummond who also had a strong run finishing second from a very competitive field.

Our biggest contingent of the day was in the girls U12 event with 5 girls competing from the club. In a large field of over 20 athletes Karen Hayes put in a great performance, Karen was second coming into the closing stages of the race, but had the strength to finish strongly passing out the Summerhill girl on the run in to take the gold. Karen was followed home by Shauna Coffey 5th, Ciara Coffey 6th, Rachel Doherty 8th and Zara Kane 10th. Ciara Coffey who was competing out of her age had her best run of the season, despite losing her shoe on the way around she continued on and was in 4^th position until the closing stages of the race. Karen, Shauna & Ciara have all qualified for the National Finals which will be held in Athlone in May.

In the boys U13 event we had only 1 athlete competing, Fergal Kilgannon put in a good run finishing 5^th from a strong field, Fergal has also qualified for the National finals in Athlone. Cormac Butler, Pierce Butler and Conor Sheeran all competed well in the boys u14 event. Peter Kilgannon who is still recovering from a cold did not let that affect him winning the boys u16 race in a convincing manner.

Thanks to all parents and athletes who travelled on the day, and thanks to St. Brigid’s Athletic Club who did a great job as usual hosting the event.