The clubs cross country season kicked off today with the Dublin novice Championships held in beautiful autumnal sunshine in the Phoenix Park. Thankfully underfoot conditions were excellent despite the heavy rain of recent days, meaning that the pace was fast from the gun. In the men’s novice championship prerace favourite Efrem Gidey more than justified that tag as he ran beautifully over the 6000m course to take a very comfortable win well clear of second-place. Stephen Cashin had possibly the best race of his young career to date to finish an excellent fourth after a race long battle for third place. Next in was Greg Hosssney in 30th with Daniel Lacey 31st. These four were well backed up by the rest of the team: Paul Keenan, Patrick Hayes, Jarlet Jordan, Niall Sherlock, Shaun Connaghan and Dave Reilly. The team with 66 points took bronze, behind 1st Raheny 43 points and 3rd Donore 53 points.
The Clonliffe novice women also put in a strong performance with two of the team placing in the top 10. Alannah Cooley ran a fine race to place 7th with Laura Tuite not far behind in 10th. Next in was Elaine McLaughlin in 26th and Clodagh Galvin 27th. Good batting runs also by Hannah Browne in 52nd and Yvonne McDonagh 65th. The team placed outside of the medals in 5th place.
A good start to the season with several of these athletes now looking forward to the Autumn Cross Country Classic in Abbottstown on October 20.
