Delight in Fethard AC as Marie Carroll wins her first Tipperary novice medal

County Tipperary Cross Country Novice B

Moycarkey Coolcroo were the hosting club for the Novice B Cross Country Championship held on Sunday last, November 5 at The Turnpike Two-Mile Borris. Fethard AC had two teams competing on the day.

The Women’s team comprised of Paula Hendriksen, Carol Molly and Marie Carroll with the men’s team made up of Fintan Rice , James Maher, John Needham and John Hurley.

With conditions very heavy underfoot due to the recent rain the trek around the long course was always going to be a test of the runners strength and endurance the women’s race got underway at 12pm with Paula, Carol and Marie getting down to the task at hand.

The women settled into the 3k distance nicely battling their way through the soft turf and showed tremendous endurance strength as the race progressed. All three women can be very happy with the combined placings of 4th place for Paula, 8th place for Carol and 10th place for Marie which saw them secure third place in the team event.

Congratulations to the ladies and a first Novice medal for Marie Carroll, a proud day indeed for Marie.

The men’s race started shortly after with Fintan Rice, James Maher, John Needham and John Hurley taking to the line.
Again this was a battle of physical and mental ability. We had Fintan Rice using all his experience over the cross country going off with the lead group as he fought for a podium position. Fintan was well supported by teammate James Maher as they challenged the early leaders.

After two laps of this tough heavy course the gap widened as four broke away leaving Fintan and James in 5th and 6th place and though they tried so hard to bridge that gap in the closing stages they came home in those positions.

Just behind we had John Needham in 9th place. John ran very solidly throughout this difficult race and all three combined to win silver team medals for the club.

We wish John Hurley a speedy recovery who unfortunately pulled up injured.

Congratulations to all who competed on Sunday last it was another successful day for our club.

Coaches and supporters were very thankful for our new gabazo when a heavy shower came in.

Thanks to Moycarkey Coolcroo for hosting and the many volunteers of the Tipperary County Board as without them these events couldn’t happen.