History made in Tipperary Novice Cross Country Championships - First-ever title for club

Fethard AC are county novice cross country champions after a historic day for the club. All those with a love for cross country running were so looking forward to the championships and all roads led to Galbally on Sunday last for the first of this year’s county calendar of races.
The course was relatively flat, with a little drag over one section and a little muddy in parts, but considering the rain that had fallen the past few weeks the ground was in very good condition.
Great credit must go to Mooreabbey Milers AC on setting out the course, to all the volunteers and to the Tipperary County Board for making this such a great event.

For Fethard AC it has been many years since we fielded two competitive teams at these championships. First up were the women and for many of these athletes it was their first venture on grass and they handled this like pros. They were ably led home by Edel Roche in fifth position, just missing out on an individual medal. Next home was Paula Hendriksen in eighth position, but who is clearly beginning to reap the benefits of her training. We then had Carol Molloy running strongly to finish in 18th place.
These three combined to secure silver medals for the club and they were well supported by Marie Carroll, also making her debut in this event. These were fantastic performances from all four women.

HISTORY-MAKING MEN
Next up it was the men to take on the course and a very strong pace was set by Clonmel’s Conor Flaherty and our own Louis Rice. A clear gap was beginning to emerge between these two athletes and the rest of the field and after two laps the Clonmel man made the break. Louis gave everything to bridge the gap and eventually came home a gallant winner of the silver medal. This was such a terrific performance from Louis, who has worked so hard on his fitness, and is a just reward for his efforts.
Next home we had Emmet McNamara, making his club debut and putting in an excellent effort to finish fourth. Next we had our most experienced athlete Fintan Rice in ninth position, no stranger to cross country and he showed that in abundance. Our fourth man home in 14th place was James Maher, running strongly and ably backed up by John Needham, and our club chairman John Hurley, all of whom gave great efforts. Our scoring four of Louis Rice, Emmet McNamara, Fintan Rice and James Maher combined to win the Tipperary Novice Country Championship, an historic achievement and a huge credit to everyone involved with the club.

After the races, in his presentation of the medals and trophy, County Board chairman Owen Fanning said he felt really proud as a Fethard AC member to make the presentation to fellow members on this historic occasion.