All posts in Schools athletics

Clonliffe Harriers Efrem Gidey today did what only a couple of athletes have done in the past retaining the All-Ireland schools senior cross-country title. At Clongowes Wood in Clane, County Kildare Efrem was a runaway winner of the senior boys race over 6000m taking the title in joyous fashion as he was so far clear of the field over the final lap that he basically spent the final 800m high fiving the excited young crowd cheering him on.

Efrem had won the title last year over an exceptionally hilly and difficult course in the mud at Waterford IT.  Today could not have been more different in the majestic surroundings of Clongowes Wood College over a flat grassy surface. After taking the field around the first small lap in a fairly pedestrian pace Efrem stretch his legs and literary run away from the field full to come home the most comfortable winner of the schools in years. In retaining his title today he joins a select group of athletes that includes Mark Carroll one of Ireland’s best ever international athletes.

On the team front Ben Guiden in 20th place and Daniel Stone in 22nd anchored the Belvedere senior boys team to an historic senior silver the  highest ever  finish  at the All Ireland schools for the school . There are fine runs also in that senior boys race from Aaron Cullen in particular an excellent 11th position as he steadily makes progress and today represented a huge step forward after an injury blighted early season. A fine run also from Stephen Cashin in 25th position.

In the inter girls race Sarah Bateson had a good outing over the 3500 course improving her position from the 2018 All-Ireland finishing 32nd and gaining vital experience. Tess Loftus was the Clonliffe representative in the senior girls race over 2500m and again put in a commendable performance to place 61st.

There was a quality run indeed from Evans Foster in the boys inter race to a most impressive 14thh position closely by Callum Simpson in 22nd  Callum  unfortunately picked up an injury two weeks ago which has restricted his training over the last fortnight, Callum however has had a stellar season and battled on gamely today. With Dermott Buckley 25th, John Lawrence 46th, Alex Nuroth 66th scoring well the St Aidans`boys picked up a set of precious All Ireland bronze metals.

Finally the junior boys where Sean Boyne was the top club member in 22nd with Cillian Keegan 44th.

Well done to each and every one of the club’s athletes today. Great efforts all round after a long season.

Next up for the crew is the schools track and field season which for those in the West Leinster section starts in about 4 weeks time!

In the meantime Clonliffe will host the SIAB International Cross Country in Santry Demesne on March 23rd and yes help is needed! (Contact Noel Guiden 087959988 if available)

After battling through regional qualifiers and then provincial qualifiers the country’s top middle and long distance athletes will make their way to Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare this Saturday, March 9^th, for the Irish Life Health All Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships.

There is very strong Clonliffe interest with the Senior boys race in particular going to provide considerable intrigue. Efrem Gidey chases a second senior title following on his outstanding win at Waterford IT last year.  The Belvedere College senior team go into this race full of confidence having won the Leinster title for the first time in some 20 years in Santry last month and will have two Clonliffe athletes amongst their ranks, Daniel Stone and Ben Guiden.  Individual entries from the club also include Aaron Cullen and Stephen Cashin.

The senior girls race includes Tess Loftus on the Loreto on the Green team that qualified as Leinster bronze medallists. Whilst in the inter girls race Sarah Bateson will look to continue her fine form, which has included recent indoor PBs over both 1500 and 3000.

The St. Aidan’s team in the inter boys race go into Saturday’s All Irelands’ as Leinster champions fielding an almost all Clonliffe team of Callum Simpson, Evan Foster, Dermot Buckley, Alex Neuroth, John Lawrence, Cian Hill, Milan Binoy and Bryan Nnadi.

The St. Aidan’s junior boy’s team also include a number of Clonliffe athletes, Sean Boyne who has impressed enormously this season having placed 8^th in the Leinster Schools, Cian O’Hare and Cillian Keegan.

On the subject of St. Aidan’s Alan O’Neill has organised a coach to leave from the Clonliffe clubhouse on Saturday morning at 9.45 sharp. Alan has very kindly invited not just St. Aidan’s athletes and parents to travel but also other club members who are competing and indeed their parents and coaches. The bus is on a first come first served basis so the strong advice is to be in the stadium from 9.30 a.m. on Saturday.

The very best of luck to all of our athletes on Saturday morning.

Timetable for Saturday click: Time_Table_All_Ireland_XC_2019

On a perfect spring day in santry Clonliffe Harriers today hosted the Leinster schools cross country championships. The highlight of the day was Efrem Gidey’s win in the senior boys 6000 race. Efrem was in pole position from the start and after a lap began to pull away and with considerable ease moved up through the gears to take a very comfortable win. He now heads to next month’s All-Ireland finals looking a strong favourite for back-to-back titles. In the team event Daniel Stone and Ben Guiden fourth and eighth respectively leading Belvedere to a first Leinster senior cross country win in some 20 years.

Find runs also in the senior boys race by Aaron Cullen in 10th place and Stephen Cashin grabbing the last qualifying place for the All-Ireland finals in an excellent 15th position. Good runs also today by Jordan Byrne, Thomas Balthazar and Ryan Sheridan.

In the senior girls race the Clonliffe athlete all battled away with Katie Halpin the star performer as she once again moved up from the intermediate level to senior to finish in a fine 24th place. Next in was Ella Brown followed by Tess Loftus and Aimee Warren. Tess was on the Loreto on the Green team that took Leinster bronze and will now also head to the All-Ireland finals.

In the intermediate girls race Sarah Bateson ran another battling race after a slightly dodgy start to comfortably qualify for the All Ireland with an 11th place finish.

The inter boys race saw once again a great inter school and inter club battle between Callum Simpson and Evan Foster, these two athlete are possibly the most improved athletes in the club this year. Callum was slightly stronger to take fifth place with Evan Foster a hare’s breath behind in 6th. Good runs also by Niall Carbery, John Lawrence,  Dermot Buckley and Alex Nuroth to name but a few. Callum, Evan,  John and Dermot were all on the Aidan’s team that took Leinster inter gold.

In the junior Girls race Lara Gallagher put in a fine performance to take a top 20 position, 18th with Orla O’Sullivan also running a fine race to finish in 25th position.

Sean Boyne had a good run in the Junior Boys race. Official results not yet to hand.

Congratulations to all of the club’s athletes on their efforts throughout a long cross-country season. The best of luck to those who will take their place in the lineup for the All-Ireland cross country on March 9th.

A huge thank you to all of the club members who gave up their day to help with the course building and marshalling of the event. It was a great success which simply would not have been possible without the input and dedication of all you Harriers. Nil desperandum.

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 13th Clonliffe Harriers will for the fifth successive year host the Leinster Schools Cross Country in Santry Demesne, thanks to the assistance of Fingal County Council. Many of the club’s athletes will be running for their schools having qualified through the Leinster regions will battle it out for places in the All Ireland Schools which takes place on the 9^th of March.

Attached is the timetable and course map: Irish Life Health Leinster Schools 2019 TT and Map

Thanks to those who have confirmed that they are in a position to give up their time tomorrow to help out. Course builders will be needed from 8 a.m. on the morning.

If you have not volunteered and are available it`s not too late! We then need volunteers to assist with the marshalling of the event. We will need approximately 20/25 people if at all possible.  No previous experience is required as full on the job training will be provided. All that is needed is you to attend for a briefing at 11.30 a.m. and to be in a position then to stay until the last race.  The volunteers will be issued with all required equipment i.e. a high vis vest! Rates of pay are generous: a cup of tea, a sandwich and a big thank you!

Once again please do not assume that others will be available on the day so if you have any availability please give up your time to support your club and your young clubmates. Text Noel Guiden 0879599888 or e mail noel.guiden@behans.ie asap.

The West and North Leinster qualifiers took place in a double header at the Phoenix Park today. With the West Leinsters off first in the morning those athletes ‘enjoyed’ the worst of the weather with persistent rain and a heavy mist throughout. The Clonliffe athletes in the West Leinster’s were confined to the senior boys race where Efrem Gidey was as expected a clear winner.  Daniel Stone finished 2^nd and Ben Guiden 4^th.

In the afternoon with the rain easing somewhat the North Leinster’s commenced. The girls races were ran first and the first of the Clonliffe athletes in action were in the junior girls race where Lara Gallagher continued her excellent cross country season with had a fine run to 8^th place and booked her place in the Leinster qualifiers in Santry along with Orla O’Sullivan who also had a very good run to finish 12^th.

The inter girls race saw Sarah Bateson have another really good run winning the battle for 3^rd place. As the lead two Irish international athletes battled it out ahead a group of six athletes including Sarah settled in for the battle behind.  Sarah used her finishing speed to perfection to finish a very strong 3^rd closing in on the leaders. Fine runs also in this by Aoife Hession 15^th, Alana Fitzsimons 17^th, first year inter Naoise Cullen 21^st, Ella Cooley 22^nd and Vicky McDonald 38^th.

Katie Halpin stepped up to seniors for her school to great affect finishing in a fine 10^th place with Amiee Warren a few places behind in 14^th place, both through now to Leinsters.

On then to the North Leinster boys where first Clonliffe athlete into the fray was Cian O’Hara running for St. Aidan’s to finish in 11^th place with Sam Murray in 17^th.

In the junior boys race Sean Boylan again had a very classy run to 3^rd place with a fine run, in possibly his best race to date, by Jack Woods in 4^th, Cian Keegan 8^th and Jakub in 23^rd place.

The inter boys race proved to be a very happy hunting ground for Calum Simpson who put in a brilliant performance to take his maiden victory. An equally fine run in this race by Evan Foster in 4^th place. Dermot Buckley was 9^th, John Laurence 13^th and Alex Nuroth 17^th.

The final race of the programme was the senior boys race over 4,500m where again running an excellent race was Stephen Cashin to finish a fine 2^nd.  A great return to form by Ryan Sheridan saw him take 4^th place and then the St. Aidan’s group of Jordan Byrne 8^th, Daniel Lacy 13^th, Alex Murray 14^th and Manny Okoye 20^th.

Next up on the schools cross country calendar is the Leinster Schools which will take place in Santry hosted by Clonliffe Harriers on Wednesday February 13^th.

The Leinster regions got underway this morning on a fresh bright day in Avondale Park with the East Leinsters. The prize: qualification for the Leinsters schools Cross Country in Santry on February 13th.

The Clonliffe athletes competing were mainly in the senior age group. Ella Brown had a very positive run to a 7th place finish with Tess Loftus 12th. Ian McAlweeney was 6th, chased all the way home by Thomas Baltzar 8th. All four successfully making it through and can look forward to a home race in three weeks time. Also safely through was Ronan Donohue in the juniors.

(Pictured:East Leinster, Thomas with Ian preparing to swoop)

Thursday sees a Phoenix Park double header of West and North with a sizeable number of the club`s athletes competing.

The 2019 school cross-country season is underway. At St. Clare’s in Glasnevin the DCU invitational took place this afternoon on a fresh and dry day. Although a number of the club`s athletes skipped today`s races mindful of the Belfast International XC to come this weekend there was still a sizable contingent of Clonliffe athletes in Action.

First into the fray was Lara Gallagher in the junior Girls race, Lara putting in a fine run to record her best finish to date an excellent 4th place. 4th place also in the junior boys race for Sean Boyne with Jack Woods 15th and Jakub 30th. Also running was Ronan Donohue.

The inter boys race featured a fine turnout of young Clonliffe athletes most of them wearing the red and white of St Aidans. In this race Callum Simpson continues to impress as he placed an excellent 6th closely followed by Evan Foster 9th,  Niall Carbury (Mount Temple) 11th, Dermot Buckley 14th, John Lawrence 21st and Alex Nuroth 24th.

The final race of the day was the senior boys over 4500m where Daniel Stone running for Belvedere placed 7th with Ryan Sheridan 8th.

Next up on the schools front are the regional qualifiers next week with the East Leinsters on Tuesday in Avondale Park and then a double header on Thursday in the Phoenix Park with the West Leinster’s in the morning followed by the North Leinsters later in the afternoon. At stake are places in the Leinster Cross Country finals which will be hosted by Clonliffe Harriers in Santry on February 13th.

At another sun drenched day in Morton Stadium the Tailteann Games took place today. It was a hot day making it tough for the distance runners. The athletes competing today were in the U/17 ages were representing their schools in this inter provincial Meet. For the four Clonliffe athletes it was a proud day for them, their families and schools. All four truly gave of their bests and that in truth is the essence of a competitor.

Alex Murray was the first of the four to race in the 1500 SC and a great effort he put in saw him take superb silver. Next in was Sarah Bateson, who has come such a long way in a year, from 2017 not making it out of North Leinster to now representing the Leinster Schools, give it her best shot in a difficult race to battle all the way to 8th. Next up in the 1500 where Aaron Cullen recorded a new pb (4.06 TBC) in taking an excellent bronze medal for Leinster and finally Daniel Stone who was with the lead group in the 3000 until the final tour of Morton Stadium to place 4th.

Fantastic achievements by the four of them.

The Schools season came to a conclusion today in Tullamore for the Irish Life All Ireland Track & Field Championships on a warm humid day.

From the Clonliffe group first into action and taking an excellent silver was Jonas Norvaisas in the minor boys shot with a best of 14.28m. Next up our two inter girls 3000 athletes, both putting in great efforts with Jena Cid turning the tables on Sarah Bateson today as Jena took 5th place in a pb of 10.50.80 with Sarah 6th (11.05.75). This is also where Clonliffe unfortunately says “Adios” to Jana who after a great 10 months with us heads home to Barcelona tomorrow.

In the inter boys 3000 there was bronze for Daniel Stone (9.11.80) with Alex Murray also bagging bronze in the inter 1500 SC (4.40.15).

Super Sally Somula went one better taking a great silver in the minor girls 100 (12.57) and later in the long jump was just out of the medals in 4th after a 4.93m best.. Jack Woods will have gained great experience from his All Ireland venture as he placed 9th in the minor 800 (2.22.57).

In a hot inter boys 1500 Aaron Cullen put in another great performance to 6th place in a tactical race in 4.20.53 .

Finally then the senior 5000 where Efrem Gidey joined a distinguished list of Clonliffe winners to add the title to his All Ireland Schools Cross Country title. Efrem winning in 15.22.03 to complete an excellent campaign.

So schools out! Fantastic stuff from all our athletes throughout the school year and now we have Dublin Clubs and Nationals coming quickly down the tracks. So onwards and upwards.