Laois Masters, Junior and Juvenile Development Cross Country, Emo 26/11/23

The picturesque setting of Emo Court was the venue for the Laois Masters, Junior and Development Races. Despite the consistent rain in recent weeks, the underfoot conditions were very good which made for excellent running. The programme got underway with the Development races which are aimed at athletes who have not been individual medallists in the County Championships held earlier in the year. St Abbans had a good showing in these races, with the club to the fore in the Boys U10. The team of Isaac Fitzgerald, Rian Bolton, Brenin Haughney, Reuben Kelly 3rd, Sean McDonald, Ben Farrell, Aaron O Connor, Sean O Doherty 1st and Mason O Doherty Moore claimed all three team medals. In the Girls U10 the team of Amelia Flanagan, Lily Knowles and Grace Conway finished in 2nd place. Lily also claimed an individual medal when finishing in 2nd place. Similarly in the Boys and Girls U12 the club had athletes battling all the way to the line. Harry Brennan led the field home, followed closely by Cathal English which helped the team to first place. Cathal and Harry were joined by Oran MCCarthy, Charlie Conway, Dara Murphy, Rory O Doherty and Kyle O Brien. The Girls U14 race was next with the team of Zoe Dunne, Leah Dunphy and Hannah Dagg combining to take bronze team medals. Numbers dwindled for the club across the older age groups with many of the athletes ineligible for these races. Eoghan Mitchell did take bronze in the Boys U16 race after a tough battle around the 2500m course.  
After the Juvenile programme had been completed it was the turn of the Masters Women and O65 Men. The St Abbans team of Siobhan Burke, Claire Phelan, Karen Kavanagh, Caitriona McDonald, Collette English, Margo Dowling, Sinead Kelly and Carmel Byrne all gave their best effort to help the team effort. Siobhan led the team home and took the victory in her own category. Club veterans, Dick Mullins and Paddy Harding finished 2nd and 3rd in the O65 category in the same race.
David McEvoy was the winner of the men’s race pulling away from Colin Coyne in the latter stages of the 6k event. The team of David, Colin, Conor Barry, Patrick Dunn and PJ Leonard should be in the running for the overall team competition. Many thanks to St Michael’s Ac and Portlaois Ac who jointly hosted the successful event in Emo.
The final day of the Laois Cross Country calendar will take place on 17th December with St Abbans Ac hosting the Laois Senior Cross Country.