Tipperary students do their school proud at Munster athletics competition

The South East Munster Cross Country Schools Competition The South East Munsters, which act as a qualifier for the Munster Schools Cross Country, took place on Thursday, February 8, in Waterford. The conditions left a lot to be desired, with rain making the ground very sticky and uncomfortable to run in.

The Ursuline first team, the Minors, consisting of Orla Pamplin, Leah O’Connell, Sarah Kelly, Ella Maher and Lauren Sheehan, finished in fourth place as a team. Orla led the race at times and eventually finished in a very credible sixth place, followed by Leah, Sarah, Ella, Lauren and Phoebe, who can all be very proud of their performances.

The Junior team, led by Eleanor Kiernan with Emma Murphy, Millie Kearney, ÉadaoinCarroll, Sarah Delaney and Aisling O’Donoghue, just missed out on team qualification. Eleanor qualified as an individual due to an outstanding run, which saw her lead the race to finish in second place overall. Emma Murphy ran a fine race followed home by Millie, Éadaoin, Sarah and Aisling.

One of the performances of the day was from Doireann Lynch in the Intermediate race. This is her first race at this level, over an unforgiving course. Her placement in ninth out of the 28nfinishers marks her out as one to watch out for in the future.

In the final race, the Senior 2500m, Orla Ryan led by example in qualifying for the Munsters with her 13th-place finish. Aoibheann Fogarty had a good run to finish in 18th place. Isabelle Carr had a real baptism of fire in her first X-Country at this level, and her 22nd place brought

the team home in fifth position overall.

Cross country is a difficult and demanding sport. Great credit is due to all of our girls who stood on the start line to compete in these conditions on Thursday. Well done to you all.

Special mention to the supporters who were really vocal in their support and most helpful in looking after the girls pre and post-race.

Contributed to School Days in the Tipperary Star by the Ursuline Secondary School.