Moyglass County uneven cross country championships 14th October 2018

Ray Ban’s , sunshine & music ? Not what you expect at the county cross country in Moyglass but on this beautiful autumn day that’s what greeted us at the county uneven cross country championships. 
Being only a stones throw from Coolmore which is the worlds largest breeding operation of thoroughbred’s in the world the Magniers could have done worse than to view some of the classiest thoroughbred’s in the country right on their doorstep. From Newport’s Aimee Hayde , Dundrum’s Shane Bracken and our own four classy U15 boys of Tom Walshe , Seán Hayes , Jamie Moloney & Luke Purcell. Add in Last years All Ireland bronze medalist Ben Walshe and teammate Diarmuid Moloney and The always classy U17 winner Ted Collins and the €5 entrance fee seems like a true bargain. 
Our U11 girls had a tough day at the office with Anna Paxman first home in 11th position. Jane Quigley in 28th had a fine race and was closely followed by Kara O’Carroll & Anna O’Dwyer . 
The U11 boys are a much more experienced team and being led in 2nd place by Ruairí the youngest member or the very talented Walshe brothers they were always going to do well . Mikey Ryan taking a break from captaining Éire Óg ran exceptionally strong also for fourth position . They were backed up strongly by another Éire Óg man Aodhán Tucker and Silvermines man Jack Quirk Jones and took the team silver medals. 
The U13 boys race had a very strong lineup. The race was won by the pre race favourite Dundrum’s Shane Bracken but Ben Walshe kept him honest with a great run in second position. One of our newest cross country stars Diarmuid Moloney of Ballycommon was excellent in fourth position especially being out of age. 
The Nenagh U15 boys completely dominated their race with a 1,2,3,4 finish. Tom Walshe the eldest of the wonderfully talented Walshe trio led them home with Seán Hayes 2nd, Jamie Moloney 3rd and Luke Purcell 4th. We rested their teammate and captain Cian Hodgins today as they will have a long season but the team is strong enough to rotate these early races. This team won last years All Ireland schools cross country and their early season form is very promising indeed. 
Lucy Mulcahy was our sole U17 Girls competitor and her good early season form continues with a solid 5th place finish .
Ted Collins showed his versatility as this 800m track star won the U17 boys race over 5000m in comprehensive fashion. This 6’3” 15 yr old is starting to come good again after an almost 2yr growth spurt has kept him from fulfilling his full potential but keep an eye out for this young athlete on the track this year. 
Going back to the first paragraph I could give you one of my extremely interesting “back in my day “ speeches but if music , tents and Coffey stalls are the future then who am I to argue especially with results like these. So next Sunday we’re in Beaufort outside Killarney for the even age munster championships. Our U10, 14 & 16 boys teams should all do well plus with some very strong individuals I for one can’t wait. With only seven sleeps to go , it’s like Christmas every week.