Longford athletes show their quality as they feature among the medals at cross country

The National Intermediate, Masters and Juvenile B Cross Country Championships were held at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown on Sunday, February 15. Following the recent inclement weather and with some changes to race distances, the action took place on soft ground that cut up badly across the day.

Clearly undeterred by the conditions was Longford's Oran O’Neill who showed his speed and strength to claim a Gold medal win in the Under-13 1000 metres.

A superb run by Oran to lead home over 100 boys and all the more impressive when running one year up in age. Also running very well in the event was Diarmuid Brady at his first national cross country.

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The day’s opening race of the U11 1000m saw a brilliant run by Ailbhe McMullin who placed third of 160 girls to win bronze. Ailbhe was soon followed by teammates Maia Belton, Erin Murray, Isabelle Madden, Amelia McKenna and Ella Skye Belton who all had really good runs too. The girls combined to place an excellent fifth of 18 teams only four points off a bronze medal spot.

Rian McCaffrey put in a strong display to claim a silver medal in the U17 boys 3000m while Julie Taitt continued her fine recent form when achieving a top twelve finisher medal, crossing the line in tenth, in the U15 girls 2000m. There were good results too by Paidi O’Neill in the U11 1000m and Eamon McGinnity in the U15 2000m.

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The afternoon action saw the Masters categories attract big numbers with Ashley Ryan putting in a masterful display to earn a silver medal in the F35 age group and placing second overall of 158 women. There were strong performances too by Michelle O’Neill and Tara Gately over the course of 3000m of energy sapping running.

With Michelle and Paidi both running on Sunday, it was quite possibly the first time that a parent and child represented the club at the same National cross country event.

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Over 200 men lined up for the Masters 6000m, for the 35-64 ages, which provided a true test of endurance. Barry Sheil placed tenth overall and earned a silver medal in the M45 category. John Scott and Adrian Wrobel also positioned well in what was a highly competitive race.

There were sunshine and showers for the Intermediate men’s 6000m which featured Sean Farrell and Gavin O’Reilly with both putting in fine displays in their debut appearances at a national club event.

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