IN PICTURES: St Abban’s Athletics Club shines at Leinster Cross Country Championships

TAP NEXT OR ARROWS TO SEE MORE PICTURES

St Abban’s AC enjoyed another strong showing at Day 2 of the Leinster Juvenile Uneven Ages, U23 and Senior Cross Country Championships in Kilbeggan last Saturday, with almost 60 juveniles representing the club. Eight athletes qualified individually for the National Championships, while the Girls U15 and U19 teams also secured their places for the national event in four weeks. FULL REPORT BELOW PICTURE.

The Girls U11 ran over 1500m with Ava Brophy leading the way, finishing an impressive fifth. She was backed by Meave Kearney in 19th, Fiadh Rose Kelly in 67th, and Meabh Murrin in 96th, with Charlotte McMahon, Lucy Kelly, Heidi Lalor, Kate Brennan, and Ellie-Ann Lalor completing the team. The club finished sixth overall in the team standings.

In the Boys U11 race, Conor Keegan claimed second place with Rian Bolton close behind in eighth. Joe Leonard (43rd) and Ciaran Doyle (88th) completed the scoring for St Abban’s, with Conor Boran, Daniel Donovan, and Ollie Fitzgerald also competing. The team narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth, while the county team finished eighth.

The Girls U13 ran a 2500m course, with Bailee Bolton finishing third and leading the team home. Penelope McMahon was 34th, Aoife Lawlor 70th, and Sorcha Sullivan 110th. The club and county teams both finished sixth.

The Boys U13 team was tightly packed, led by Sean O’Doherty in 34th, Liam Doyle 37th, Paudi Murrin 49th, and Edward McDonald 51st. Additional runners included Dara McDonald, Sean McDonald, Reuben Kelly, Conor Kennedy, Donal Farrell, and Callum Kenny. The club placed sixth while the county finished seventh.

Success continued in the Girls U15 race, where Sinead Fitzpatrick finished second and Laura Ayers fifth, earning individual medals. Ellie Knowles, Ella Murray, and Mollie Kelly completed the team effort, securing club gold and county silver. Cathal English represented the Boys U15, finishing 42nd over 3.5km.

In the Boys U17 race, Kalem Buggy (11th), Will Duffy (13th), Eoin Mulkerrins (27th), Jake Kelly (46th), and Luke McCaul (65th) competed strongly. While St Abban’s scored well for the county, earning gold, the club team placed fourth behind St Michael’s, who took bronze.

The Girls U17 race saw Rachel Ayers finish seventh, Anabelle Lawlor 16th, and Aine Carter 23rd, earning second place for both club and county.

St Abban’s final athlete in action was Stephen Hunter, who ran in the Senior Men’s 9000m, finishing 55th.

Congratulations to all athletes, particularly those who qualified for the National Championships in Abbotstown, with Day 1 of the Nationals (Senior and Juvenile Even Ages) scheduled for Sunday, November 23 in Derry.