Athletes didn’t have far to travel for the National Championships this year, with the event taking place in Gowran Co Kilkenny. After one of the wettest October’s in memory and November not much better, conditions were very difficult with several testing patches throughout the course. First up for St Abban’s A.C. was the Boys U12 team who finished in 10th overall after the tough 2km course was completed. They were led home by Eoin Dowling in 51st, Shane Kelly 80th, Daire O'Sullivan 90th and Cathal English in 93rd completed the scoring members of the team. Harry Brennan, John Conway, Rory O'Doherty and Paidi Murrin completed the team and all left everything on the course. There wasn’t long to wait for the next athletes with the Girl’s under 14 toeing the line over 3km. Katie Harnett was first home for the team in 54th, Zoe Dunne was next in 95th, Laura Malone 114th and Leah Dunphy 124th completed the team. This was good enough for 13th club and with some members of the team affected by illness this was a very gutsy performance from each of these girls, especially given the conditions. In the Boys U16 race, Will Duffy who has been in great form over the cross country finished in 17th place. Will set out with the lead pack early on, but like many found the going tough in muddy conditions throughout the 4km event. He came home in a pack where positons one way or another were up for grabs all the way to the line. After a return from injury, Rachel Ayers took to the start line in the Girls U18 and Junior combined event. Ran over 5000m, Rachel worked hard throughout and finished 31st overall and 13th in the Girls U18 event. In the Boys U18 and Junior combined event, Finn Craig finished in 70th overall and 32nd in the Boys U18. Following the Juvenile programme Cheryl Nolan took to the start line of the Senior Women’s Race over the new 9km distance. Given the underfoot conditions and the additional km on last year’s event, this was a real test of strength and endurance. Cheryl set out with the leaders early on and as the group separated, Cheryl found herself inside the top 10. As they entered the final 2km loop Cheryl was in a battle for 8th and 9th place. She gave it everything on the day coming home in 8th place. In the final event of the day, Will Fox finished in 31st position in the Men’s U23 race which was ran in conjunction with the National Senior Championships.    

A huge well done to all of these athletes competing at the pinnacle of the Cross Country Championships. A special word of thanks to all of the club coaches and parents who help in the preparation of athletes for these events.