County senior cross-country
Hard-fought individual victories for Niamh Richardson and Brian Maher of KCH, and team victories for the women of St Joseph’s AC and the men of Gowran AC, were the highlights of the county senior cross-country championships.
The races were held on the excellent Bramblestown Course in the winter sunshine, and special thanks for this to Gowran AC and the generosity of the O’Donnell family.
In the women’s 3k race, Maria Griffen of St Joseph’s forced the pace from the early stages, closely followed by Niamh Richardson of KCH. After the first lap, it was difficult to pick a winner.
On the second lap the KCH athlete pulled away to win. But Griffen battled all the way and ended a close second, joined by Mary Doolin of St Joseph’s in third place.
The team race ended with KCH and St Joseph’s even on 20 points, but as St Joseph’s fourth place athlete Anita Barry finished eighth, one place above Sinead Foley from KCH, the team victory went to St Joseph’s. Frances Mulally (seventh ) was the other scoring athlete for St Joseph’s, and Caoilte Malone and Anne Marie O’Grady were the other scorers for KCH. Aoife O’Connor of Thomastown had a great run to finish fifth overall and lead the Thomastown team to the bronze medals.
Men’s 10k
The men’s 10k race was set to be an intriguing battle up front.
Coming into the race, Brian Maher looked to have a race on his hands – with Eoin Everard recently crowned national Novice Champion lining up at the start – and the Gowran athletes Tommy Evans and Niall Sheehan in great form. Sure enough, it was this group who broke away from the field in the early stages.
On the second lap, Niall Sheehan dropped off the leading group and KCH were looking good. Thos Hayes and Eamon O’Connor were going well for KCH, and David McPherson and Paul Cody were going well, but Paul Deegan was well placed and young Sean McCormack was going really well for Gowran.
David McPherson of KCH had to withdraw due to injury, but Brian Maher was pushing on with Everard in close pursuit. The die was cast when Eoin Everard went down on his ankle and was suddenly out of the race.
KCH now had Brian Maher first and Thos Hayes fourth, but Paul Deegan (Gowran ) in seventh was well ahead of Eamon O Connor (KCH ) in eighth. This was how it finished with Brian Maher crossing the finish line to win a record breaking seven county titles in a row.
St Senan’s were third, and special mention must be made of the great performances by the young athletes Conor Rochford, Eamon O’Connor, and Sean McCormack who all finished in the top 10.
Christmas Day charity fun runs
Christmas morning charity runs are open to all ages and running abilities.
Go along ready to run and earn a few bob for charity.
KCH: Starting at Kilkenny Castle at 11am. All proceeds for St Vincent De Paul.
Gowran AC: Starting outside Gowran Church at 11.15am.
St Senan’s: Christmas morning run at 9am.
County athletics board fundraiser
Conor Clarke Castlecomer, hamper; Ciaran Madden, €100; Tom Moran Castlecomer, DVD player; Dara Nolan, Johnswell, brandy; KCH coaches, whiskey; Peter Connellan, Thomastown, biscuits; St Joseph’s, chocolates.
