All Ireland Even Ages Cross Country Championships - 23rd Nov 2014

Post date: Dec 06, 2014 7:9:47 PM

The Even Ages All Ireland Cross Country Championships were held at Dundalk IT on 23rd November last. Youghal AC had nine athletes in action and seven medals were won. The course was tough with some difficult climbs and narrow in places. It was freezing but luckily dry.

It was great to have a Girl’s U12 team including Emma Landers, Avril Cashman, Eva Murphy, Robyn Buckley and Hazel Nolan representing the club. For four of these girls it was their first All Ireland race. Avril Cashman featured in the Cork medals in Waterford last year running up U11. Three of these girls will also run on the U11 team in Santry on 7th December. The team came 9th overall which was a very good result. Emma Landers had an outstanding race to finish just 2 places outside the individual medal placings. Indeed she was ahead of seven Munster and six Cork team members. Avril Cashman also ran well to finsih 38th, Eva Murphy likewise in 112th, Robyn Buckley in 145th and Hazel Nolan in 165th. Well done girls! It was also great to see such a tremendous spirit and comradeship displayed by the girls.

Ciaran McNamee ran on the Cork team in the U12 race. He also ran well to finish 66th and won the 7th Cork team medal. Cork came 3rd in the inter-county division. This was Ciaran’s second appearance at an All Irelands.

Lucy O’ Keefe ran strongly up an age in the u14 in a very crowded race. She finished in 46th which secured the 5th Cork medal for her. Cork came 2nd in the inter-county section. Lucy will also wear the Munster jersey in the u13 race in Santry. Jake McCarthy race the race of his career moving through the field to the top 20 on the first lap to finish in a sprint finish with another Cork team member to secure 12th position and a bronze individual medal. This was Jake’s first time featuring in the top twelve individual placings and well deserved after a very good season. Jake was the first scorer for Cork who came 2nd and was the 3rd scorer for Munster who also came 2nd in the inter-provincial section. Jake had a grand tally of three All Ireland medals.

Next up was Fearghal Curtin who ran up an age in the combined U18 and Junior race. This was a very big and competitive field. Fearghal ran a strong race to finish 22nd overall and 12th in the U18 race. He won a bronze individual medal, a silver Cork team and Munster team medal. Fearghal was young in this field and this will stand as good experience for him. Fearghal will also run on the Munster and Cork teams in Santry in the U17 race.

Well done to all these athletes and to the coaches and parents for displaying such support. More photos available at www.youghalac.com/photos