Laois Senior Cross Country

Laois Senior Cross Country

Mulhare and Kelly claim Titles in Laois Senior Cross Country

The elegant grounds of Emo Court were the fitting venue for the 2024 hosting of the Laois Senior Cross Country on Sunday last. Spectators were treated to an excellent course, fully visible from all angles with athletes also enjoying the brilliant underfoot conditions. Mary Mulhare returned to defend her Laois Senior ladies title from 2023, however Jack Fenlon was unable to defend his men’s crown to due Christmas exams taking place in Villanova.

The ladies race took place over 5km, with Mary Mulhare immediately stamping her authority on the field. She led from the start, keeping clear of the chasing pack which consisted of the McDonald sisters. The St Abban’s girls were just behind as athletes navigated their way around the two and a half lap race. Mary led the whole way home to add another Laois Senior Title to her fantastic career accomplishments. Next home was Kate McDonald, who led a 2,3,4 for Ballyroan/Abbeyleix and District with Breda and Niamh just behind. Emily O Shea led the St Abbans team home in 6th place. Niamh Quinn was second home for the club in 8th place and she was tracked closely by Caitlin McDonald in 9th place. Siobhan Burke completed the team in 11th place which saw St Abbans finish on team total of 34points. Kelcy Hooper’s 13th position completed the Ballyroan/ Abbeyleix team and saw them claim the Sean O’ Reilly shield for 2024 with a total of 22 points. St Michael’s completed the podium in 3rd place with 51 points.
The Men’s race was more of a contest early on but had a similarly convincing winner once the 10km course had been completed. Jack McMahon from Ballyroan/ Abbeyleix was the early leader with a pack of four developing on the first lap. Jack was joined by clubmate Cian McDonald, four time winner Colin Maher and Cian Kelly who had won the race on one occasion previously. Cian McDonald took up the running for some time over the second and third laps before Cian Kelly eventually took control with about 4km remaining. Kelly stretched his lead the whole way home and with a very strong finish he was well clear of the chasing pack as he crossed the line to take his second Laois Senior Cross Country title. Colin Maher held on for the silver medal while Jack McMahon recovered well to take the bronze medal. In the team race St Abbans stormed to victory with a total of 37points. Cian, Brian Kelly, Colin Coyne, John Fenlon, Stephen Hunter and David McEvoy completed the winning team. A real battle had developed for 2nd and 3rd place in the team competition with Ballyroan/ Abbeyleix and St Abbans’ second team. It was Ballyroan/ Abbeyleix who emerged on top by the smallest of margins 1 point. Ballyroan/ Abbeyleix finished with 87 points while St Abbans’ second team finished just behind on 88. Oughaval completed the team standings in 4th place. This brought the curtain down on the 2024 Cross Country calender with athletes now turning their attention towards road racing or competing in indoor championships after the turn of the year. A huge thank you to all in Emo Court for facilitating the event and to St Abbans AC who hosted the final Championship event for 2024.

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