- The qualifying for the Leinster School`s Cross Country finals, to be held in Santry on February 21st got underway on Thursday the 25th. In the Phoenix Park the West Leinsters took place on a dry course but, as always a very strong head on wind to be faced for half of the 2k loop. Ben Guiden continued his good form in the senior boys race with a 3rd place finish. A good run also by Daniel Stone placing 4th in the inter boys race.
In Rathnew, County Wicklow the East Leinsters took place. Ian McAlweeney was a fighting 5th place in the inter race. Thomas Baltzar was also running well placing 7th in this race. A solid run also in the inter girls race by Ella Brown in 8th place, to also qualify for the Leinsters, well inside the required top 15. Tess Loftus found the going tough in the senior girls race placing 22nd and with her team outside the top 3, will be looking to indoors rather than the mud of Santry (bet she can`t keep the smile off her face!)
Today the North Leinsters took place, also in the Phoenix Park with ALSAA “unplayable”. Some excellent performances once again from the club`s athletes with sean O`Leary`s win in the senior boys being the stand out. A great run in one of his best races todate by Stephen Cashin in a battling 7th place. Daniel Lacey after a period of inaction due to injury was comfortable in 10th, cian Bolger 13th, Jordan Byrne 14th and Alex Murray 16th.
In the inter boys race Daragh Carter was a very good 4th, Callum simpson 19th, Dermot Buckley 20th, Evan Foster 30th, Aaron Nnadi 37th and Alex Nuroth 39th.
In the inter girls race there were again quality runs from the Harriers: 6th Sarah Bateson, 7th Jena Cida, 8th Aoife Hession, 15th Alana Fitzsimons, 22nd Vicky McDonnell. Likewise the girls battled away gamely in the junior girls race where Naoise Cullen was 14th and Ella Cooley, after a fine run, was 17th. In the first race of the day Orla O’Sullivan was an excellent 10th place.
Next up the Leinsters in Santry on February 21st, hosted by Clonliffe and yes help needed. (to sign up e mail noel.guiden@behans.ie)