Athletics: County titles for Peter Madden and Sareen Walsh

The County Novice B Cross Country Championships took place near Moyne last Sunday where favourable conditions awaited the athletes, plenty of grass underfoot and warm conditions.

Hats off to Moyne AC for having everything in place for these Championships.

In the Men’s race we had a great event. After the initial charge over the six-lap race, Ger Hanley of Mooreabbey Milers took up the pace going out on the 2nd lap. He pushed the pace over the next mile that saw the field break up into Indian file with the chasing athletes gradually reeling him in on the 4th lap.

Then going out on the 5th lap his lead was down to a few metres with Peter Madden of Templemore hot on his heels while the Templemore duo of Michael Gleeson and Ailbe Cummins along with Sean Healy of Moycarkey Coolcroo and Denis McCullough of Thurles Crokes giving chase.

Going out on the final lap, Peter had moved into the lead while the chasing pack was closing on Ger for the Silver medal. Peter increased his pace over the final 400m to come home a very worthy and convincing champion.

Peter was achieving the double, having won the County Novice B Road title in Fethard earlier this year.

The battle for the Silver was decided inside the final few hundred meters with Michael Gleeson edging out the long-time leader for the silver medal. However, Ger rallied again in the closing stages to win the bronze medal and a great reward for a very determined performance.

For the record, Ailbe Cummins was 4th, Sean Healy 5th and Denis McCullough 6th.

With three to score on the Club team Templemore were convincing winners with three, Peter Madden, Michael Gleeson and Ailbe Cummins, in the top four.

Congrats to Templemore on winning this Club title for the very first time, a historic first for the club.

Mooreabbey Milers showed their strength in depth when winning both the silver and bronze team medals. Their silver winning team consisted of Ger Hanley, Willie O Donoghue and Michael Bailey. Their bronze medal winning team consisted of Ewan Cunningham, Michael Fitzgerald and Liam Lewis.

In the women’s race we had a very poor turnout with only three athletes, all Clonmel AC, going to the start. Here Sareen Walsh of Clonmel came home a very convincing winner after a tough contest with her club mate Michelle Doherty over the three-lap race. Michelle won the silver medal with Jennifer Quinlan winning the bronze medal. Clonmel also won the team award and retain the Cup for another year.

The County Chairman, Owen Fanning, thanks Moyne AC for a brilliant course and having everything in place for a great day’s competition. He also thanked the clubs for supporting these Championships.

Dymphna Ryan pictured at the Home Countries Master Cross Country Championships in Dublin. Left to right - Rosemary Ryan, Dymphna Ryan, Michael Ryan Dundrum AC Chairman and Michael Moore

Dymphna Ryan leads Irish team to silver medals
The Irish and British Home Masters Cross Country Championships took place in ideal conditions in the Santry Demesne last weekend. In the women’s race Dymphna Ryan of Dundrum AC ran a fantastic race when winning the Individual bronze medal over 40.

Right from the start Dymphna was well placed in the chasing pack that also included over 35 athletes as well. Midway through the race Dymphna moved up close to the top of the chasing pack, so that she would be able to cover any sudden moves.

The pace was fast over a very good course where conditions were ideal for running. Then over the final stages of the race, Dymphna put in a determined effort and withstood a few late challenges to clinch the over 40 bronze medal, a fantastic achievement for this talented athlete. She also had the honour of leading the Irish women’s over 40 team to the silver medals, denied the Gold by the English team by just one point