Kerry athletes to the fore at Munster cross-country event
KERRY athletes were to the fore at the South Munster Schools Cross-country event at the CIT pitches at Bishopstown.
There was a record entry of over 700 athletes and, although underfoot conditions were heavy after the recent rain, the day provided a number of impressive performances and exciting finishes.
The first race of the day saw Fiachra Clifford of Intermediate School Killorglin take the silver medal behind All-ireland champion Feargal Curtin from Midleton CBS. St Brendan's, Killarney, were third in the team race, six points behind Douglas CS.
Colaiste na Sceilge, Caherciveen, packed well to win the Junior Boys event while one of the best performances of the day came from Cillian O'donovan of the same school who was an easy winner of the Intermediate Boys race, leading his team to the second place medals.
Laura Hallissey of Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine, Kenmare, led by example when winning the Junior Girls race as her school defeated Bandon GS by three points with Colaiste na Sceilge in third.
The most exciting finish of the day came in the combined senior/intermediate girls race. Louise Shanahan of Scoil Mhuire – still in the intermediate grade – used her track speed to good effect to just pip Brigid Dennehy, Colaiste na Sceilge, on the line, although the Kerry athlete had the consolation of taking the senior title despite losing a shoe over the closing stages.
Intermediate Killorglin were the team winners here with Niamh Clifford (3rd), Niamh Gleeson (8th) and Niamh Joy (11th).
All the successful athletes will now go forward to the Aviva/munster Schools' Championships at the same venue on February 9.
- John Walshe
