Munster Juvenile Uneven Age, U/20 & Senior Cross Country Championships.

Thanks to Sean as always for the write up and to Elaine for the Pictures (see Facebook)

I was always told that the three R's were the most important things in the world if one is to succeed in life. So what's a coach to do when he was always told that he was never any good at any of them, make up a couple of his own that's what so let me introduce you to resource and resilience. For resource I've got the greatest natural resource anywhere in the world, Irish youths and with them they bring a level of resilience which is humbling in its simplicity and empowering for all who witness it.

So it was again today from all our athletes including our Munster newbies U11s Emily O'Neill, Lilly Marchand and Sarah Long. Today may not have been their day but they can take great comfort knowing that many of our cross country Gods started out in exactly the same manner and now command a great deal of respect from all in Irish endurance running.

Speaking of cross country Gods Cian Hodgins is well on his way to such a mantle winning his third Munster title in a row and leading his team of Tom Walshe 4th, Ben Walshe 9th and Thomas Bergin 24th to their 3rd Munster title also.

Jennifer O'Leary running her first Munster Cross country race was sixth in a very classy race and will now go to the all Ireland's in Dunboyne with her Munster teammates hoping to take the All Ireland provincial title.

Also U13 our boys were in flying form. Diarmuid Moloney lead the team home in 4th with teammate Kevin Finn who was out of age in only his 3rd race for the club in 5th. Our two track stars Ruairí Walshe in 35th and Dillon Bergin 69th combined with Diarmuid & Kevin to finish just 4pts off the bronze club medal.

U17 Ailbhe O'Neill ran an excellent race for 7th and this track star will benefit hugely from the strength gained.

Also U17 our boys team of Luke Purcell, Seán Hayes, George O'Leary, Jamie Moloney and Shaun Himli were a very competitive 4th.  Three of the team were out of age and Luke in 19th will be especially delighted with his showing and will be a force to be reckoned with going forward.
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So roll on the uneven All Ireland's in Dunboyne in December. I do love cross country days.