Silver for Noah Commins at 123.ie Munster Schools Cross Country Championships.
Conditions were ideal for the 123.Munster Schools Cross Country Championships in Carriganore on Friday last. The ground was firm and while there was a cold wind blowing it was a clear crisp day and the hilly course provided a challenge for all the athletes. There were eight races in total and competitors had to qualify from their regional championships in order to take part.
First off were the minor girls. Isabelle Gaffney West Waterford AC and St Augustine’s was first home in 16th place just missing qualification for the All Ireland by one place. Kyla Flavin finished 46th with Sarah Gaffney 50th. The St Augustine’s team finished in 5th place in the team race.
Oisin Whelan Qualifies for First All Ireland
Oisin Whelan St Augustine’s and West Waterford AC ran a very strong race to finish 7th in the minor boys 2500 and qualify for his first All Ireland Championship. In the same race Rory Donnelly finished 51st.
In the junior girls event Charlotte Norman of BlackwaterCS and St Catherine’s AC finished in 6th place to win an individual medal and qualify for the All Ireland Schools Championships. Kate Kelly St Augustine’s finished 21st.
Good Run by Noah Commins in the Junior Boys Race
The junior boys was a testing race run over 3500m. From the start a group of four broke away including Noah Commins West Waterford and St Augustine’s. Soon the four were whittled down to two Noah and Kevin Finn Nenagh Olympic and Nenagh CBS and these made it a one two for East Munster schools with Kevin taking gold and Noah the Silver. Owen Morrissey finished 34th and Kevin McNally Finisk Valley and Dungarvan CBS finished 55th.
Fia de Paor and Grainne Moore Qualify for the 123.ie All Ireland Schools
Competing in the Inter Girls 3500m Fia de Paor St Augustine’s and West Waterford AC put in a strong performance on the hills to finish in 8th place and secure a place in the All Ireland Championships. Aoibhinn Ryan St Augustine’s and KCK finished 14 and also qualified for the All Ireland with Lauren Cliffe 30th and Sarah O’Riordan 37 the St Augustine’s team finished in 4th place. The Ardscoil girls team finished 8th.
Dubhalta Mac Murchadha Meanscoil san Nioclas crossed the line in 45th place a very good run from someone who doesn’t usually run cross country.
In the senior girls race Grainne Moore West Waterford AC and St Augustine’s put up a very strong performance to finish 15th and qualify for the All Ireland Schools Cross Country. The Ardscoil girl’s team finished in 5th place and to round off the day Kyle Moloney St Augustine’s finished 34th in the senior boys race.
Well done to all the athletes who competed on the day and a big thank you to all the officials from the local athletic clubs who ensured the fixture ran off smoothly.
123.ie All Ireland Schools Championships in Carriganore on Saturday March 11th
Carriganore will once again play host to the All Ireland event on Saturday March 11th with the first race off at 12noon. This will be a bigger event than the Munster Championships as we expect a lot more spectators so we will need more stewards for parking and crossing points on the course. If you are available to help out on the day please contact Mary Ashe.
