Day 1 Even Ages and Novice Cross Country Championships

Day 1 of the Laois Cross Country Championships found a new home in Kileshin on the land of Ian McDonald for the Even Ages and Novice Cross Country Championships. With weather warnings extending throughout the South East conditions were good underfoot, but the day got progressively worse as the Cross-Country programme developed. However, this did not dampen spirits as athletes were eager to get going in their first Cross Country race of the 2024 calendar.

St Abban’s were out in force again with several teams in the early age groups with the numbers continuing strongly throughout the mornings running. The action got underway with a fun run for those not old enough to compete. After this, the U10 girls got the competition underway completing 800m. Aoibhe Brophy led the field home, followed by Meadhb Kearney with Elise Milner close behind in 3rd. St Abban’s claimed the team victory, the second St Abban’s team finished in 2nd and St Michael’s took home the bronze medals. For many of these girls it was their first taste of Cross Country running and it was fantastic to see 17 of them cross the finish line in St Abban’s colours. In the Boys race, Conor Keegan led the field home and he was followed by James Coogan of Ballyfin AC. In 3rd place was Conor’s teammate Rian Bolton. St Abban’s also took team honours in a race where they dominated the team competition taking all 4 placings with 16 athletes toeing the line from the club.
The Girls U12 saw a clean sweep of the individual medals for St Abban’s. Roisin Kearney finished in 1st, Bailey Bolton 2nd and Penelope McMahon completed the podium in 3rd place. This was a very competitive team race with 6 teams representing various clubs around the county. St Abban’s claimed gold and silver team medals while St Michael’s finished in 3rd place. In the Boys U12, St Abban’s made up the first 5 across the line. Daire O’ Sullivan claimed the victory, followed by Edward McDonald and Sean O’ Doherty. They also claimed team gold, silver and bronze with a strong showing of green, white and gold across the U12 fields.
There was a great battle in the Girls U14 where clubmates Sinead Fitzpatrick and Laura Ayers went toe to toe throughout the race. Sinead prevailed on top on this occasion but there’s no doubt they will continue to battle throughout the Cross-Country season. Zoe Dunne finished in 3rd place to complete the podium with St Abban’s once again claiming all three team medals. In the U14 Boys Shane Kelly led a St Abban’s 1, 2,3 home, holding off Eoin Buggy and John Delaney. The U14 Boys also claimed gold and silver medals in the team competition.
Eliza McLoughlin claimed gold in the U16 girls with Oughaval and St Michael’s taking 1st and 2nd in the team prizes. In the Boys U16, Will Duffy and Riley Connolly had a great battle throughout the 3000m course which came all the way down to the final straight. Will eventually prevailed with the 2 St Michael’s athletes completing the podium. The team standings were neck and neck throughout the race and when the points were added up St Abban’s and St Michael’s were tied on 18 points. However, Nathan Hayes of St Michael’s finished ahead of the final St Abban’s scorer meaning St Michael’s claimed team gold, followed by St Abban’s. Both U18 competitions were won by St Abban’s athletes with Rachel Ayers leading from the gun in the girls and Finn Craig emulating this in the boys. St Abban’s also claimed gold in both team events, rounding out an excellent day of juvenile racing for the club.

In the Novice ladies race St Abban’s also filled the podium with Sharon O’ Hara claiming gold after a tough battle throughout the 3.5km course. She was followed home by Vivienne Kenny in 2nd place and Sarah Fleming in 3rd. In the team standings the tights packing Oughaval ladies team took the gold medals. In the final race of the day the Novice Men’s a big field gathered to take on the 5km course. Dan McLoughlin led the field home where he was followed by Ronan O’ Reilly and Kristian Redmond of Oughaval. The team competition was very tight with only 1 point separating the teams at the finish line. Oughaval came out victorious, with a total of 27 points while the St Abban’s team had to settle for 2nd on 28 and St Michael’s 3rd on 46 points.

Overall, it was an excellent day of racing in Kileshin with the worst of the weather holding off until later in the day. Attention will now quickly turn to Abbeyleix next week, where Day 2 of the Laois Uneven Ages and Intermediate Cross Country will take place. Well done to all the athletes on a great showing on the first day and hopefully we will see them continue to improve and enjoy their running on Day 2.
A huge thank you to Ian McDonald who provided the land for today’s race. Also, to Kileshin GAA and Kileshin FC who provided facilities for parking. A special word of thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the smooth running of the event. Finally, A huge thank you also to our 3 sponsors, Ger Kelly Plumbing and Heating, Danny Bolton and Denise Reid from 50 Shades Hair Salon.