Hannah

The first athletes into action was Hannah Irish in the U/8 race and what a cracking run she had. Dressed in striking black and amber shorts (like father, like daughter) she worked her way from 15^th to 3^rd, with a great show of strength and determination. A super run Hannah, well done.
Next up was our U/10 team and they showed that are going to be a force to reckon with in the future. Both Tara Lacey and Devala Kearns led the charge with great running from Michelle McDonald too. Clare McEvoy and Caroline Walsh also fought hard and continue to improve, with the team taking silver for a great result. 
The U/12 team, were next to face the tough hill and biting wind as they set off on the 1200m course and once again we had a battling performance. Bronagh Kearns showed how important it is not to give up until the line is crossed as she scooped individual silver on the run in. Good runs too from Gemma Aylward, Sarah Molloy, Orla Butler, Karen Costelloe, Rachel Cashin, Aoife Butler and Aoife Dennehy while Ciara Kennedy was unlucky to pick up a knock having been very well placed. The team were 4^th overall. 
In the U/14 age group Chloe Laffan, Eimear Breathnach, Catherine Molloy, Fiona Dennehy, Aisling Aylward and Lydia Meyler were in against some strong competition. Chloe was best in 11^th place but even with the rest of the team packing well they were outside the medals. 
The U/16 race saw another team winning silver medal performance, with Laura Foskin always well placed, while Rosanne Kennedy worked her way through. Sarah Dollard and Sonya Aylward continu to improve and this is another team with lots of potential.
The final ladies race was in the U/18 age group and Leanne Foskin was a class apart as she opened a large lead on the field, extending it all the way to the line. She also led the team of Clare Walsh, Catherine Fennelly and Janet Moore to team gold. Well done girls.

Super-Hugh-Man

First of the boys into action was Hugh Morgan and what a brilliant run he had, storming down the steep hill before battling into the lead and stretching away all the way to the line. Probably the performance of the day, this is one tough cookie and a great example of how putting in the effort in training, pays off on race day. A great example to all, well done Hugh. Meanwhile team mates Eoghan and Gerard Wallis and new recruits James Cooney and Dylan McDonald also ran very well. 
In the U/14 age group Luke Morgan again showed great stamina and a fierce competitive spirit as he pulled back the early leaders and was only pipped for gold on the line. Good running from team mates David Walsh, William Walsh, John Vereker and Alan Cooney saw the team take bronze. 
The U/16 race saw Daniel Davis in action and having won last week it was expected that he would be well placed despite giving away a year. On this occasion though it was not to be for Daniel as he finished in 10^th place. 
Finally in the U/18 race it was Colin Butler who stole the show with another impressive run. Now training with a good squad at UL in Limerick, Colin is gaining in strength and confidence and this was his fourth cross country win in a row. He will be a huge addition to the Kilkenny county team this year and is one of the club’s brightest prospects for the future. Well done to all our athletes on a great county performance this year and keep up the hard training leading into the Leinster championships in two weeks time.

Halley’s Comet

The last race of the day was the O/40 6000m, four laps of unrelenting torture for the weird and the weary. St Senans had five athletes in action and it was Nicholas Halley who went with the early pace set by Lar Lacey of St Josephs. Rocky Mernagh of St Josephs and Robert Duggan, St Senans were well up with Gerry Madden the next to show. Lacey gradually pulled clear and it was Richie Reynolds of KCH who gave chase. Further back there was little to separate the next three with Bill Doherty holding a slight lead, while PJ Irish and Bill Lacey were keeping the wind of multi-marathoner Willie McTiernan of KCH.  At the finish Lar Lacey was well clear, with Reynolds in silver and Nicholas Halley in bronze. Team gold went to St Josephs with 12pts ahead of St Senans on 14pts.

Results

1.Lar Lacey St Jos. 2.R.Reynolds, KCH. 3.N.Halley, St Sen. 4.R.Mernagh, St Jos. 5. R.Duggan, St Sen. 6.G.Madden, St Sen. 7.B.Doherty, St Jos. 8.M.Walsh, Gow. 9.W.McTiernan, KCH. 10.PJ Irish, St Sen. 11.B.Lacey, St. Sen. 12.M.O’Keefe, T’Town.