Louth Senior Cross Country Championships & Juvenile Relays Unleash a Day of Athletic Prowess!
A week-long respite from storms ended abruptly just as the Louth Senior Cross Country Championships & Juvenile Relays got underway at DkIT and a day of consistent rain ensued. But, what is cross country without mud, rain and perhaps a few tears?
The DKIT grounds, with muck more plentiful than any music festival, posed a formidable test for the seasoned athletes who had to contend with sharp, slippery turns that no spikes could hold up to and challenging hills that knocked the wind out of everyone.
The day kicked off with the Juvenile relays, where DDAC’s youthful talents demonstrated exceptional skill in the U12, U14, and U16 boys and girls categories, each navigating a demanding 4x500m relay.
In the U12 boys category, Sé Callaghan, Cian O’Neill, Dylan Foley, and Kealan Gaughran ran a strategic race, earning a hard-fought 3rd place bronze.
The U14 Girls, comprising Clodagh Johnston, Beatrice Cunningham, Ciara Ashwood, and Bonnie Breach, exhibited tenacity and teamwork, securing another 3rd place bronze.
Meanwhile, in the U16s, the formidable team of Clodagh Fox, Aine Carroll, Cian Byrne, and James Traynor showcased their mettle by clinching 2nd place silver. Despite fierce competition from Dundalk St. Gerards, Dunleer A.C., and Ace.A.C, DDAC’s young runners emerged triumphant.
The Senior Women’s 6K event was nothing short of a battle against the elements. Mary Leech and Yasmin Canning led the charge both working off each other, navigating the challenging course with finesse, with Leech securing a commendable 6th place overall in a remarkable time of 26:52, contributing significantly to the team’s 3rd place.
Yasmin Canning displayed remarkable resilience, finishing closely behind in a strong 27:06. The rest of the DDAC women, a formidable force comprising Andrea McArdle, Helen Dillon, Andrea McCabe, Jenny Gregory, and Catherine O’Neill, showcased impeccable teamwork. Andrea McArdle and Helen Dillon crossed the finish line together at 31:36, contributing significantly to the team’s 3rd place. Andrea McCabe, with a strong performance at 34:05, navigated the challenging terrain with determination. Jenny Gregory faced the elements with a gritty resolve, completing the course in 39:13, while Catherine O’Neill showcased endurance with a commendable 41:15. Each athlete left an indelible mark on the sodden DKIT grounds, displaying not only their running prowess but also a collective spirit that defines DDAC.
In the Men’s 10K, a formidable contingent of DDAC warriors fearlessly embraced the daunting challenge. Colin Leonard, a standout force in the race, showcased exceptional prowess as he held on tenaciously with winner Darragh Greene of Dunleer A.C. and second-placer Declan Toal of North East Runners.
The three athletes engaged in a captivating battle, only spreading out in the last lap of the race. Colin’s extraordinary performance led him to secure a remarkable 3rd place overall with a blistering time of 36:21, making a significant contribution to the team’s 3rd place finish.
Following closely, Stephen Kelly demonstrated remarkable endurance, completing the challenging course in 37:45, while Rodney Thornton exhibited strength with a time of 38:30. Matthew O’Shea, the youngest DDAC contender in the seniors race, showcased his immense potential for a strong cross-country future. His recent standout result in the National U20 Cross Country in Gowran underscored his skill and determination. In this race, Matthew displayed sheer grit, crossing the finish line in 38:38, leaving an indelible mark on the sodden DKIT grounds.
Dave Gallagher powered through with a commendable time of 39:56, displaying both strength and resilience followed closely by Simon Gregory in a flat 40:00 showcasing formidable finishes and respectively, contributing significantly to the club securing 3rd place team. The team’s collective effort, further supported by Johnny Breen (40:22) Stephen Duggan (40:26), Shane Larkin (45:17), Brian Martin (45:56), Martin Duffy (48:37), and Frank Cruise (62:23), stood as a testament to the camaraderie and strength that defines the essence of DDAC, despite several of these athletes still feeling the lingering fatigue from the Dublin Marathon.
And lastly, in addition to the thrilling battles on the local cross-country scene, DDAC’s reach extended to the sun-soaked landscapes of Lanzarote, where a group of dedicated athletes participated in the Lanzarote 10K.
Fiona Kenna displayed exceptional strength, finishing with a commendable time of 42:12 and securing 3rd place in her category. Mary Kinsella, Paddy Murphy, and Mike Staunton embraced the challenge, showcasing their resilience with finishing times of 49:05 and 55:16, respectively.
Under 16 team silver medallists in the Cross Country Juvenile Relays (from left): Clodagh Fox, Aine Carroll, Cian Byrne, and James Traynor.
