Flying Fillies
In the girls U/12 race, Bronagh Kearns was up with the leaders from the start and going up the long steep hill she forged ahead to open a 10m gap. From here to the finish she showed great strength and stamina, romping home a clear winner and marking her out as a name to watch out for in Sligo. Not far back Megan O’Keefe of KCH was making up ground to take 4^th, while Ciara Farrell in 13^th place led the Thomastown team to the silver medals. Gemma Aylward also had an excellent run and was not far off the scoring six at the finish. 

In the U/14 race there was a battle royal coming into the finish, but it was Sarah Hennessy of St Josephs who proved strongest as she snatched victory on the line. Great running too from Eleanor Kennedy of Gowran in 6^th, while Chloe Laffan worked hard throughout to score on a Kilkenny team that won silver. Eimear Breathnach and Fiona Dennehy were both well placed but the absence of a 4^th team member lost them the opportunity for a team score. 

The U/16 squad were reduced to three as Laura Fennelly had a mishap on Saturday and was unable to compete, however some fine running by Rosanne Kennedy saw her score on a winning Kilkenny team. Sarah Dollard and Sonya Aylward both ran very well and continue to improve with each race. At the cutting edge of the race Ciara Everard was just pipped for gold, while Maria Kennedy of Gowran was well placed in 5^th. Sally Forristal of St Josephs had her best run in 12^th, while a flying finish by Mairead Power of Aghaviller saw her also make the scoring six. 

In the final juvenile girls race for U/18 athletes Leanne Foskin had to work hard to get up with the leaders after getting boxed at the start. However some determined running saw her finish 8^th overall, while Claire Walsh showed great stamina and resolve as she and Catherine Fennelly battled for high scoring places. Sadly Janet Moore had to pull up, after a severe knee injury on lap one made it impossible to compete. Happens the best of athletes and Janet will bounce back before long

Battling Boys
In the first race for boys in the U/12 age group Diarmuid Cody had famous hurling dad Brian on edge, as he ran shoulder to shoulder with the leader throughout. In the finish he had to settle for silver just ahead of Conor Fenlon of Gowran, but was rewarded with a team gold for his efforts as Kilkenny took the title. First into the fray for St Senans was Luke Morgan and despite giving away a year ran solidly to finish in the top thirty. David Walsh, William Walsh and John Vereker also put in good performances with the club finishing 6^th overall. Brian Muldowney of Castlecomer was the first Kilkenny scorer in 13^th place. 

In the U/16 race talented Aghaviller athlete Ciaran Phelan was also close to the front, eventually placing 8^th with team mate Tom Barry in 14^th. Aghaviller just missed out on a team medal in 4^th place. 

Colin Butler set off with intent in the U/18 race and was with the leaders in the early laps. The driving wind and rain as well as the tough course made this a hard race and Colin lost ground on the last lap but still finished in 12^th overall. A strong run by Peter Meggs St Josephs in 8^th and Robbie Kavanagh of Thomastown in 11^th saw the Kilkenny team take gold to round off a great day for the county.

Bronze for Adele
In the ladies 4000m intermediate race Adele Walsh was the leading county runner throughout, as she worked hard up the hills to finish in 8^th place and lead the Kilkenny squad, as with the help of KCH athletes Caoimhe Foley 10^th, Liz Nolan 17^th and Sinead Foley 20^th they won bronze in the inter-county event. The Harriers with additional help from Maureen Kennelly 26^th and Catherine Rice 28^th   also won team bronze in the inter-club race. 

In the men’s race over 10,000m, Niall Sheehan of Gowran was the top placed Kilkenny runner ahead of Mark Ginnity of KCH, Denis O’Sullivan of Thomastown and Paul Cody of KCH. In a close contest the county lost out by a narrow margin. Damien Walsh was unable to compete due to injury but should be back to contest the county novice in two weeks time. 

Well done to all the athletes who traveled to Mullingar and good luck in Sligo in the All Irelands on 27^th Nov.