The highly regarded and enduring Ras na hEireann took place on Sunday, marking the end of the season’s cross-country competition and Boyne AC athletes rose to the challenge in style.
Nestled amidst the gorgeous fields of Lawlesstown, Dunleer, the long, steep slopes that would put every athlete to the test were concealed by their beauty. It was an athletic contest for the courageous and fit, and Boyne AC athletes certainly enjoy a challenge! with Eight athletes bursting to start!!
Coach Alan Fay kept a close eye while he warmed them up and calmed them down, making sure each athlete had a good day. His calm demeanour really impacted the athletes, and he was constantly available to offer supportive words or guidance.
First up in the under 9s girls race was Stella Gow and Ruby Winters (pictured above). Both girls ran a very quick 500m race considering their age group did not escape the daunting hill. Stella is recognised for her great sprinting abilities, and Ruby, at the age of six, seems to have the stamina of a Grand National horse! Two athletes with exciting futures in athletics.
Boyne Ac had one representative in the U11 girls’ competition. And what a race that ended up becoming. Caitlin Hughes took control of the race from the moment they started. She led the field out of the starting area and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the 1000-meter race. It was a fight to the very end as the approaching hills made every effort to slow them down. A well-earned third-place medal, and one can only speculate about this athlete’s potential.
Next up representing the Boyne Ac Club was Malachy Brodigan and Conor Hughes in the boys under 11 race. The tough course was over 1000m and had one of the largest entries of the day. Boyne Ac is really proud of both boys for their incredible effort, as they finished just seconds outside of the medals.
In the girls’ u13 race, Isabelle Winters (seen in action below) was the sole Boyne Ac athlete. Isabelle remained unfazed despite the massive group of runners and the intimidating terrain. She maintained her position in the front pack throughout and performed admirably, narrowly missing out on a medal. Isabelle is recognised for her abilities in both middle and long distance running and is looking forward to the Indoor Championships next month.
Shauna Rice was running out of age in the U17s category but maintained her composure and finished in a well-deserved ninth place despite the difficult route which stretched over 3000 metres and involved many hills to test any athlete’s fitness.
Seamus Keenan, the final runner of the day for Boyne AC, is no stranger to 5 km races and he enjoyed the challenge of the tough and hilly course. Throughout the 4,000m, Seamus remained with the lead group. Sadly he missed out on a medal this time, but this talented athlete still has a lot more to offer.
One of Boyne ACs’ most accomplished and dedicated athletes was competing in the men’s National 60-meter sprint in Dublin. The powerful Sean Stratton put on an amazing sprinting exhibition that resulted in a new personal best of 7.09.
Sean is studying Engineering and has a full scholarship to DCU. This may well be a result of his commitment and constant diligence in his athletics. There to support him on Sunday was his Dad, David, who has taken Sean to every training session and competition and couldn’t be prouder.
Ken Meier has coached this young man since he was ten years old and he too couldn’t be prouder of his achievements. Next up, Sean is heading to the Ulster Seniors and we wish him all the very best.
