Strong showing from St Abbans athletes in Emo
The St Abban's Masters Ladies team who competed in Emo
The Laois Masters, Junior and Juvenile Development races took place at Laois’ premier cross country venue, Emo Court, on Sunday last. The picturesque setting, along with a beautiful morning for running made for great competition across the day.
St Abbans were very well represented in the Juvenile Development Races. These races are designed for athletes who have not medalled individually at Day 1 and 2 of the Laois Cross Country.
It offers a great stepping stone for athletes who aren’t always in the medals, to get on the podium and provides further opportunities for athletes who weren’t lucky enough to make medal winning teams in the early cross-country rounds.
Will Duffy was the winner of the Junior Men’s race which was run with the Masters event. Duffy was at the front of the pack early on and held on strongly over the 6km to take victory.
Colin Coyne was the overall winner of the Masters Men’s race. Colin bounced back strongly after his Dublin Marathon the previous weekend to take the victory. Tom Kenny finished in second place overall.
With a strong showing from St Abban’s athletes across the field, they took both the O35 and O45 team titles. In the Women’s event, Mary Doyle led the St Abban’s charge finishing second overall, followed closely by Sinead Kelly in third. Both ladies combined with Deirdre Delaney to take gold in the O35 team event.
The women also claimed gold medals O45 category. The O45 team was led home by Caitriona McDonald in second, with Karen Kavanagh and Carmel Byrne backing her up the ladies took home the gold medals.
Well done to all of the athletes who were in action on Sunday. Most will be in action once again next weekend when they will travel to Kilbeggan Race Course for Day 1 of the Leinster Cross Country Championships.
A final word of thanks to all in St Michael’s AC who provided the course and ensured the day ran smoothly.
The final Laois Cross Country Championship of the year, the Senior Championship will take place on Sunday 30 November hosted by Ballyroan Abbeyleix and District AC.
