KCH athlete Eoin Everard ran the perfect race to claim the National Novice cross-country title for 2011 at the Curragh last Sunday.
A large field of some 250 athletes lined up to compete in the prestigious race. In the early stages of the four-lap race, which was fast and furious throughout, Everard was content to sit in with the leading group and was running very smoothly. As the race progressed Kevin Seaward of St Malachy’s pushed, but had Everard sitting on his shoulder and the Belfast athlete was unable to shake him off.
Then on the last lap, with about 600m to go, Everard eased into the lead and opened a 15m gap which he maintained to the end despite the best efforts of the second place Seaward. Thos Hayes of KCH had a great run to finish in 14th position. Conor Rochford from St Senan’s also ran well to finish in 26th position.
Sean Caulfield of St Senan’s (91st ), Eamonn O’Connor (85th ), and David McPherson (123rd ) were the scoring athletes for the county team, which finished in eighth place. KCH were also eighth club.
The day started and ended with individual victories at the National cross-country championships which took place in Kildare.
A total of 157 athletes faced the starter for the boys’ u11 1500m race and Castlecomer AC athlete Conor Clarke crossed the line in first place to take the National title and gold medal. This was no easy victory as Clarke, who seemingly had the race under control, had to dig in to fight off a late challenge and was the winner on the line by virtue of a head dip. Clarke also led the county team to silver medals. St Joseph’s AC took fifth place in the club competition.
Bronagh Kearns, St Senan’s, finished in eighth position in the Girls u-19 race and also led the county to silver medals. Aine Kinsella of St Senan’s, Joanna Whelan of Gowran, and Laura Walpole of Thomastown made up the team. St Senan’s finished fourth.
In the Novice Women's 3k race, Maria Griffin of St Joseph’s AC was the top Kilkenny athlete, finishing in 16th place. Just as the day started with a victory for a Kilkenny athlete so did it finish with another victory, this time in the Men’s Novice 6k race.
