The Dublin (uneven ages) Cross country Championships took place just before the Intermediates in perfect conditions in Tymon Park on Dublin`s Southside this morning. The highlight was a superb U/17 title from the boys team won in great style with three in the top four. Other highlights included an individual win by young Jonathan Fitzsimons in the U/9s and team bronze medals from the boys U/15`s and girls U/17`s.
The first medals of a very successful day from the club`s athletes came in the boys U/9 race where Jonathan Fitzsimons had a storming run to win the Dublin title. The U/13 girls also put in a great day`s work where Aoife Hession was in the top 12 to win Dublin bronze. The U/13 boys also battled away lead home in 14th by Ben Guiden, good runs also by David Tuite, Luciano and Matthew.
The U/15 girls team included three athletes from the U/14 team making the step up in age to help the cause and the whole team put in a great effort lead home by Sophie Higgins who placed 12th to qualify for the National final, fine runs also by Hannah, Lauren, Aimee and Cliona to cap a very solid team performance.
Likewise in the U/15 boys there were a number of the U/14`s well and truly stepping up to the mark. Joseph Hession battled all the way with a fighting last 100 to take individual silver, Kevin Loftus was next in, placing 5th, running his finest race to date, followed in 7th by Alex Hogan and the final scorer was young Daniel Craig to secure team bronze. These four were very well backed up by Luke Guy, young Stephen Cashin, who only turned 13 a week ago, and Keith Hodson.
In the girls U/17 race there was an heroic performance by Laura Tuite, only three weeks after having her tonsils and with only a couple of jogs under her belt, she battled all the way to finish as the teams 3rd scorer. With Hope Saunders leading the team, and another great run by Alanah Cooley stepping up a year, and a solid run by Stephanie McCaul team bronze was just and fair reward for the girls.
Finally the U/17 boys put in a very classy team performance with Cathal Doyle finishing 2nd followed by Sean Carrigg 3rd and Josh Stubbs 4th and Brian Flanagan 11th the guys finished well clear of DSD to take Dublin gold. These four received solid backing from Ross Kearney, Mario Bowden and Paul Courtney. (report will be updated when official results come to hand)
Next up for the Clonliffe juveniles is the Nationals in Waterford on December 15th.
Gallery:
