All posts in Juvenile xc league

Ulrik Nyberg reports of great performances from the Clonliffe juvenile athletes in breezy conditions in the Phoenix Park this morning. There were particularly strong efforts from the boys and girls running in this  event for the first time. All put in great efforts to impress their coaches who were delighted with the runs from the young Harriers. Top performers on the day with top 10 places included: Orla O`Sullivan U/13, Jonathan Fitzsimons U/13 and Naoise Cullen U/14

Of the older age groups Katie Halpin impressed with a very strong second half in the U/15s race to come through very well to an excellent 3rd place. The U/16s also look very strong, this was a mixed race of U/16s to U/19s, in the U/16 category Ella Brown lead the Clonliffe girls home in 2nd, Abbey Sheehy was close in 3rd with Sarah Bateson 4th and another solid effort from the ever improving Cara Curran Beggs placing around 10th or so.

Juvenile Captain Gladys Cooper reports: Clonliffe Harriers juveniles had their first outing  over the country on Sunday in Ardgillan Park in pretty poor conditions. All participants gave a great effort on the day everybody doing the black and amber proud. A couple of notable top finishers were Jonathon Fitzsimons who was first Clonliffe home in the boys under 12 placing well up the field and Katie Halpin who was 2nd in the girls U/14.

Roll on next competition..

The Dublin Juvenile Cross Country league starts on Sunday in Ardgillan. Clonliffe athletes from the U/9s to U/14s please meet in the car park at Ardgillan at 10.30 sharp.

Over the following weeks the league continues leading into the Dublin Championships even ages held as part of the Athletics Ireland Autumn Cross Country Classic in Abbotstown on October 16th and then the uneven ages held with the Dublin Junior and Senior championships hosted by Clonliffe in Santry on November 6th.

For race distances click: juvenile-cross-country-distances-2016

Ciara McDonnell reports: Today in Tymon Park, the final round of the league took place.   The course for the athletes was relatively flat so really it should have been a lovely way to end the League races.   However, Mother Nature must have thought it was just a tad too easy and decided to challenge the athletes somewhat by having in place a wind that could knock anyone backwards let alone allow someone run into it.   But our strong warriors went forward and, yet again, did Clonliffe Harriers proud.   And the rain held off so, for the spectators, it was yet again just a perfect race day.

In the main, the younger juveniles did not race today so results will start at U-11.   The older juveniles did not race either today instead spending the weekend in Santry putting in their final preparations for their All-Irelands next Sunday.

U-11 boys: Jonathon Fitzsimons  2nd

U-13 girls:Emma McDonnell   2nd, Aoife Hession 11th Holly Roach 12th

U-14 girls:Ella Browne  4th, Amy Hodson  6th, Vicky McDonnell  9th, Abbie Sheehy 11th

U-14 boys:Daragh Carter  8th

Kevin Loftus Reports: In the beautiful, lush surroundings of Ardgillan Castle the opening meet of the Dublin County Board Cross Country League took place.  Though wind-swept for the majority of the proceedings; the weather was next to ideal with but one scattered shower.  Both the Mourne Mountains and the misty sea were spectacles to behold on such a calm day; resulting in close to perfect conditions for both athletes and spectators, both equally weary of the dense clouds that loomed overhead.

In what was a fantastic opening to a long and winding season that lies ahead, there were too many stand out and note worthy performances of the day rendering a report of such nature too arduous; even for the likes of this budding reporter.  In any event, each and every harrier is to be commended for their dedication and commitment which was unwavering throughout the course of every race, which impressed coaches most highly.  Both seasoned and relatively new athletes enjoyed a terrific morning in the parklands; adding another race to their collection; both setting new personal bests and improving on results from pervious years.

It is a tremendous achievement by all of our harriers who participated today to know that they have given every last inch of their stride to their race, resting safe in the knowledge that they have proven their worth.  Their determination and effort is greatly appreciated by their club.  It is wonderful to note too that they conduct themselves so well, both on and off the race course with an air of professionalism and respect.  The support of athletes for their fellow harriers is always an uplifting sight to see, and from what was seen today we are fully prepared mentally to go all the way to the National Championships; only a mere eight weeks away for some.

For those members who are new to the club and who may have stumbled their way through their race today, it is of utmost importance that you take positive thoughts with you away from this today, that you have competed and finished in your first ever Cross Country race.  To those more experienced and learned in the field an equally celebratory well done to you.  Above all else the enjoyment by all of today’s races was all any of the coaches and mentors could have asked for.

We now take this time to thank the coaches and parents of athletes who so admirably travelled from afar to the extremities of the county to support and to guide.  The devotion of all our club members makes the club what it is and sets us apart with our sense of community from other clubs.  So to conclude, a massive well done and thank you to all who participated, officiated and supported at today’s event; and now let us continue to make strides on this remarkable success in the days and  weeks to come.

The first cross country event for the Clonliffe Juvenile athletes takes place in Ardgillan Park on Sunday next September 20th. This is the first round of the League and a nice season`s opener over a fairly testing course but over a shorter distance than the championships distances later in the season.

Course Map: Maps for Ardgillan Cross Country League 1 2015

Distances for season: Juvenile Cross Country Distances 2015

The club has arranged a bus to bring athletes to Sunday`s race, leaving the Stadium at 9.30am due back at 1.00pm. The cost of this bus is €4. per person. Gladys has give out slips which must be returned on Tuesday if you want to book a seat.

Ahead of the Dublin Juvenile Cross Country Championships (even ages) in two weeks time the third round of the league took place in the Phoenix Park this morning. Juvenile Captain Gladys Cooper reports: Under 9 Boys & Girls Great performance by both sets in particular Cian O’Hare 2nd, Daniel Coleman 3rd, and then Mark Isong closely behind.

Under 10 Boys & Girls: Another great performance with Jonathan Fitzsimons coming 2nd overall & Katie Edwards finished 8th

Under 11 girls: Once again good performance by all, all finishing in the top 20

Under 11 Boys: 5th Michael Coleman, 7th James McDonnell, 10th Oisin Finninwith strong runs from Gavin, Lorcan and Keith

Under 12 Girls: 8th Aoife Hession with good performances by Ava, Holly, Kirsten, Blaise, Mia & Ella

Under 13 Boys: 8th Cillian Forester, 9th Mark Kavanaghgood performances by Luke & Luchino

Under 13 Girls: 3rd Ella Brown, 4th Amy Hodson, 6th Amy Scott, 8th Abbey Sheehy good performances by Ella Bergin & Vicky McDonnell.

Under 14 Girls:Nice performance by 2 athletes – Rebecca Fitzsimons & Caitlin Butler

And finally our Under 14 Boys 6th Aaron Cullen, 9th Cian Bolger

Good representation from our club, well done, Gladys