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Three Dooneen athletes braved the wintry conditions in Kilbeggan at the National Cross Country finals in Kilbeggan on Sunday last, with several regulars falling victim to the foul weather. A very large crowd did turn up on the day and while it was cold and windy the rain held off for most of the events, although the underfoot conditions did deteriorate with each race.
The field breaks from the gun at the start of the junior race in Kilbeggan.
With team places at stake for the Irish team in the European Championships in Santry on the 14th December, there were high quality fields in the senior and junior grades, but the numbers competing in the younger age groups was also very high. Several top class athletes returned from the USA for this event including the winner of the men’s event ex Iona now based in Arizona, Andrew Ledwith (Fr. Murphy’s AC). Povidence based Mary Cullen (Nth SligoAC) won the women’s event comfortably with Rosemary Ryan in 8th position in this race. The junior women’s race was won comfortable by one of Ireland’s brightest prospects Ciara Magean from the Ards Peninsula in Co. Down.
Cathal O’Connor who stepped up to a new level at junior grade for the first time, following his return to form in Tralee recently was hoping for a big result. After a very good start where he held the lead in the early stages, he took a more conservative approach thereafter as the race settled. The lead runners, who had the benefit of specialist coaching and international preparatory sessions in Belgium, began to dominate and in the end para Olympic champion from Belfast Michael McKillop (St Malachy’s AC) was the clear winner. Cathal finished comfortably in 16th place, with some gas left in the tank. A more aggressive approach early on may have brought greater rewards, but the talent finishing behind him was a good indicator of the high quality in this field.
In the u18 race Shane Lynch put in a brave effort and was well up with the leaders in the early stages, but in the end finished down the field in the pack. Brigitta Murphy the new find of the season ran a great race finishing in 35th place eventhough she was out of age in the u14 girls event. She will take huge encouragement out of this performance and will now go forward to the u13 finals in two weeks time without anything to fear. Well done to all.
Shane Lynch battling in the mud u18 race.
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Shane Lynch in the middle of the pack u18 race.
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Markham, McBrearty O'Connor and Flynn
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McLoughlin, O'Connor and O'Heir
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