Fethard AC win Tipperary cross country team title for second year running

Fethard AC hosted the County Under 23 and Masters Cross Country Championships at Rice’s Farm, and it proved to be a hugely successful and memorable day for the club.

Competing on a challenging, true cross-country course, Fethard AC athletes delivered outstanding performances across all categories.

With multiple individual and team podium finishes, the highlight of the day was being crowned 2025 Best Cross Country Team, proudly taking home the Josie Garrett Cup for the second year running—a fitting reward for the dedication, consistency and participation shown throughout the season.

Jack Davey produced a superb run to claim the Under 23 County title, finishing in 33:29. Jack showed strength and composure throughout the demanding course, pulling clear of the field to secure a well-deserved gold medal and lead the Under 23 men with distinction.

Fintan Rice once again demonstrated his class with an exceptional performance, finishing third overall and taking first place in the Over 60 category in a time of 30:10.

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His result was a key factor in multiple team successes on the day. James Maher ran strongly to secure second place in the Over 45 category, crossing the line in 30:50, and contributing significantly to the Over 35 team victory.

Michael Power, back from injury, claimed first place in the Over 35 category with a solid run of 31:00, adding another individual title to the club’s tally.

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Aidan O’Brien followed closely, finishing second Over 35 in 34:06, rounding out a dominant Over 35 team performance.
James Denn put in a determined effort to finish in 35:24, handling the tough terrain well. Neilie Hall ran consistently throughout to finish in 37:40, later playing a vital role in the Over 50 team result.

John Hurley completed the 7k course in 37:47, contributing to the club’s team success and showing great grit on demanding ground.

The Men’s Over 35 team of Fintan Rice, James Maher, Michael Power and Aidan O’Brien claimed first place, while the Men’s Over 50 team of Fintan Rice, Neilie Hall, and John Hurley secured an excellent second place.
Matty Fleming delivered a standout performance in the Men’s Over 65 race, taking first place in a time of 21:04. His run was controlled and confident, earning him a deserved county title.

Mike Croome-Carroll put in a strong and determined performance in the Men’s Over 70 category, finishing in third place with a time of 27:58. His effort added yet another individual podium finish to Fethard AC’s impressive medal haul.

Carol Molloy led the women’s field with an outstanding run, finishing third overall and claiming first place Over 35 in 17:50, setting the standard for the Fethard AC women. Jessica Kennedy followed with a strong performance, finishing sixth overall and second Over 35 in 18:08, contributing to team success.

Tanya O’Brien ran well to finish in 19:56, completing the Over 35 team podium.
Paula Hendriksen put in a solid run to finish in 20:50, later helping secure a team bronze in the Over 45 category.
Áine Doocey showed great determination, finishing in 21:28 and taking third place Over 50.

Marie Carroll crossed the line in 21:45, maintaining a strong and steady pace throughout. Oonagh Burke finished in 22:16, contributing to the women’s Over 45 team podium. Theresa Coffey ran consistently to finish in 23:07, closely followed by Deirdre Royce in 23:17.

Lisa Williams completed the course in 23:30, showing strong endurance. Isobel Minogue finished in 23:47, earning third place Over 55 with a fine performance. Siobhán Maher ran well to finish in 25:21, while Teresa Hurley followed in 26:53. Lorraine Kennedy and Ann Tillyer finished in 29:25 and 29:36 respectively, battling bravely over the tough terrain. Susan Laste capped the women’s results with a strong run, finishing in 32:23 and taking second place Over 60.

The women’s teams also impressed, with the Over 35 team of Carol Molloy, Jessica Kennedy and Tanya O’Brien finishing third, while the Over 45 team of Paula Hendriksen, Oonagh Burke, and Áine Doocey also secured third place.

A huge well done to all Fethard AC athletes who represented the club with pride and determination. Special thanks are extended to the Rice family, the committee members, stewards, volunteers, bakers and everyone who helped in any way to ensure the smooth running of the County Masters Cross Country Championships. Their support and hard work were truly the icing on the cake for a fantastic day.