Weekly Notes Ending 23/02/2018

Munster Schools Cross Country Championships

​A Munster Schools competition of any kind is always very competitive but Munster Schools cross country day is as tough as it gets . All the big powerhouses in schools sport arrive with great expectation. A look at the trophy afterwards has all the usual names St Flannan’s, St Augustine’s , Glenstal Abbey and of course Br Dooley’s beloved North Mon from Cork but Nenagh CBS added another chapter to Br John’s sporting legacy when the first year boys of Sean Hayes ( Puckaun), Luke Purcell (Newtown) , Cian Hodgins ( Nenagh), Tom Walshe (Nenagh) , Philip McIntyre (Nenagh), Aiden Dwyer (Youghalarra), Eoin Moloney (Portroe ) & Jamie Moloney (Ballycommon) won the minor boys title for the first time. 
As expected Cian Hodgins & Tom Walshe went with the leading group with Sean Hayes , Luke Purcell & Philip McIntyre not far behind in the second group and Aiden Dwyer just behind. With 800m to go Cian hit the front and bringing Fennell of St Augustine’s ,Dungarvan with him. In a very close finish Cian just got out sprinted to finish second. Tom was a close fifth and with Luke 13th, Sean 14th , Philip 15th & Aiden 34th they ran away with the team title beating St Flannan’s by 47pts with St Augustine’s third. 
 These boys will go into the All Ireland’s in a couple of weeks as one of the favourites for the team title so roll on the nationals which will also be held in Waterford. 

Not to be outdone the junior girls from St Mary’s Nenagh we’re equally as fabulous. The Cunneen twins from Dolla are a formidable duo at many sports and are now carving a name for themselves in the toughest of all , cross country. 
 Niamh was second in the east Munster’s but was not going to be outdone in the Munsters. Running in third for most of the race she hit the front on the last hill and won in a very exciting sprint finish. Her twin sister Ellen had a fantastic race to finish sixth. Sarah Murphy in 44th completed the team on the day to help them to a third place finish and qualify for the nationals. With Ailbhe O’Neill to come into the squad for the nationals they also will be one of the favourites for the team title. 
In the senior girls Lucy Mulcahy running for her school Presentation Thurles had an outstanding run in 10th position to help Pres to a 3rd place finish in the team competition.