Leinster titles for Conor and Sinéad as St Abban’s shine at the Curragh
Leinster Senior Ladies medallists, Lauren Tinkler (2nd), Abbie Sheridan (1st) and Emily O'Shea (3rd)
ST Abban’s enjoyed an outstanding day at the Curragh on Saturday with 43 athletes representing the club at Day 3 of the Leinster Cross Country Championships. Individual victories for Conor Keegan and Sinéad Fitzpatrick, two club team titles and senior bronze for Emily O’Shea highlighted a memorable afternoon.
The U/11 girls competed in a large field of 164 finishers. Síomha Brennan ran an excellent race in her first year of competitive athletics, leading the Saint Abban’s team home in 16th place. Fiadh Rose Kelly followed in 54th, Heidi Lalor 59th, Aoife Fitzpatrick 81st, Freya Healy 82nd, Marnie Delaney 84th, Charlotte McMahon 95th, Beatrice McMahon 100th and Hannah Condron 136th. This young group gained valuable provincial experience, with their effort and commitment doing the club proud.
There was a similarly strong turnout in the U/11 boys’ race, with 163 finishers. Joe Leonard narrowly missed out on an individual medal in 13th place, followed by Elliot Keyes in 26th, Daniel Donovan 77th, Conor McDonald 106th, Odhran Bolton 122nd and Harry Hovenden 157th. Well done to all six boys on taking on the challenge of Leinster competition.
Penelope McMahon produced an excellent performance in the U/13 girls’ race, finishing 4th and earning a top 12 individual medal. Sorcha Sullivan completed the club’s representation in 98th place.
The U/13 boys delivered a superb team performance, securing club gold with a low score of 53 points. Conor Keegan led the way with a magnificent individual victory, while Liam Doyle finished 8th, just 30 seconds behind his clubmate, to earn a top 12 medal. Edward McDonald in 21st and Dónal Farrell in 23rd fought hard all the way to the finish to complete the winning quartet. The team was backed up in style by Sean McDonald in 40th, Sean O’Doherty 41st, Tom Condron 47th, Ciaran Doyle 84th and Reuben Kelly 86th. Conor, Liam, Edward, Dónal and both Seans also collected county bronze with Laois, adding to a successful day and securing further representation at the National Championships.
Sinéad Fitzpatrick claimed the U/15 girls’ title in style, taking control on the first lap and remaining relentless in her push to the line. She led home a very strong Saint Abban’s team, with Bailee Bolton finishing 13th, Ella Murray 27th and Ellie Knowles 33rd. Together, the four girls secured Leinster club gold and their place at the National Championships.
John Conway represented Saint Abban’s in the U/15 boys’ race, finishing 27th.
Laura Ayres continued to show strong form in the U/17 girls’ race, placing 8th and earning a top 12 individual medal. Katie Harnett finished 22nd, Chelsey Dooley 29th and Mollie Kelly 35th. Their combined efforts secured 4th place in the club competition and qualification for the National Championships, giving the girls another opportunity to represent Saint Abban’s together.
Annabelle Lawlor ran an excellent race to finish 15th in the U/19 girls’ event. She fought hard to maintain her position and helped a strong Laois team secure county bronze, earning her place at the National Championships.
Saint Abban’s was fortunate to have such a committed group representing the club in the U/19 boys’ race. Kalem Buggy led the team home in 11th place, earning a top 12 individual medal, followed by Will Duffy in 18th, Eoin Mulkerrins 31st and Shayne Stynes 33rd. Their efforts secured club team bronze and national qualification, with Kalem also collecting county gold with Laois. The club is very proud of all four boys and the contribution each made to this success.
Emily O’Shea ran a magnificent race to claim senior women’s bronze. Keeping her powder dry, she judged her effort beautifully before making one decisive move into the medal positions. It was a performance full of patience, confidence and determination, rewarded with a deserved place on the Leinster podium.
In the senior men’s race, Cian Kelly produced a strong performance to finish 5th, with Stephen Hunter completing the club’s representation in 32nd place.
The championships also brought national qualification through club and county teams, ensuring that Saint Abban’s colours will be well represented at the next stage of the cross country season.
Particular thanks go to parent volunteers PJ Leonard, John Keyes, Sarah Rowan and Anne-Marie O’Farrell, who served as Leinster officials. Their contribution, alongside the support of coaches, families and supporters, helped make it a memorable day for the club.
John Delaney enjoyed success in university competition, helping UCD’s men’s A team win the annual Colours Road Relay against Trinity College Dublin.
John ran the second leg of the four by one mile relay at the UCD track, completing his mile in an impressive 4:30. The event provided a strong competitive outing ahead of the IUAA Intervarsity Road Relays, where Saint Abban’s will look forward to following his progress.
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