Leinster Even Ages Cross Country Championships Report

The Leinster even ages cross country were held yesterday in Dunboyne, we had 10 athletes competing in the Leinster events and a further 11 athletes competing in the U10 open race hosted by Dunboyne AC. The weather conditions were tough with the worst of the weather being experienced by the older age groups in the afternoon. The under 10 open race proved to be a really competitive event with over 80 athletes in both the girls and boys races, the girls team consisting of Sophie Quinn, Laura Kelly, Ava Fay, Matilda Ruhan, Aoife Casey, Molly Keane, and Hannah Bailey ran a great race finishing 2^nd in the team even. The boys team of Kyle Witter, Fionn Drummond, Harry O’ Connor and Mark Wallace finished 5^th in the team event, Kyle Witter having a great run finishing 15^th.

We only had 2 girls in the U12 event, Lili O’ Conor and Saoirse O’Kane ran a good race, finishing 61^st and 62^nd respectively out of a field of 138. Tom Kilgannon had a good run also, running up an age group finishing 45^th in the boys event.

Karen Hayes was our sole competitor in the girls U14 event, again Karen was running up an age and found the going tough but finished strongly. Darragh Casey, Fergal Kilgannon and Harry Bailey all ran well in the boys U14 event.

The best performances of the day came in the boys U16 and girls U18 events. Alex Hunter led home the Ratoath team to 3^rd in the Club team event, Alex finishing 9^th with Philip 10^th, Peter Kilgannon 16^th and Brian Kiernan 39^th. The boys also secured the bonus of a gold medal in the Counties event with Alex, Philip and Peter all scoring as part of the Meath team. They can now look forward to the All Ireland which will be held in Santry on the 17^th of November. Well done also to Ciaran Crowther who finished 21^st.

Deirdre Healy continued on her winning ways with a great win in the Girls U18 4000m, Deirdre looked comfortable all the way and eased to victory in a time of 15:59. Deride has also secured qualification for the All Ireland next month and We wish her and the u16 lads the best of luck. Thanks to Dunboyne AC who again hosted a great event.

The Leinster uneven ages championships will be held in Adamstown, Wexford on November 10^th, all qualifying athletes from the club will be contacted this week.