Results – Woodie’s DIY Juvenile Even Ages Cross Country Championships
– Woodie’s DIY Inter County Championships Woodie’s DIY Inter County Championships
Great day of competition at the Curragh
Both athletes and spectators alike were united in their view that the course at the Curragh for the Woodie’s DIY inter county cross country championships, and the juvenile even age championships, was superb. The rolling countryside and cushioned underfoot conditions could not have been better. And for the young juvenile athletes the course was a fair one for them.
There was plenty of drama throughout the afternoon, but each of the twelve champions proved worthy winners.
Charlotte French O’Carroll broke free of the field by halfway in the junior race and was never pressed as she strode to victory. Twin sister Rebecca chased her home.
Fionnuala Britton tried hard to shake off the presence of Deirdre Byrne for the first of three laps in the senior women’s race, but could not shake her until the last lap when she finally got away. When she did break free she was in a class of her own as she moved effortlessly to a superb victory.Prior to her race in Tilburg she did not know where she stood, but, after two races, she is now in a very positive mood as she prepares for Toro.
Brendan O’Neill tried hard to break away from the field on the first lap but never opened more than a few metres. He did get away on the second lap, but going out the last lap John Coghlan closed down that lead. Instead of joining the leader he stayed about five metres adrift until he was ready to make his move, which he did half way trough the last lap.
O’Neill was clearly struggling in the closing stages and he dropped out soon after being passed, while Coghlan went on to claim the title. Afterwards it was revealed that O’Neill went over on his ankle during the race and had no option but to retire.
The senior men’s race was a closer affair with a group of five taking turns to break each other. Gary Murray, Mark Christie, Gareth Turnbull, Joe Sweeney and Vinny Mulvey were all involved in a titantic battle. Several times during the race it seemed all over but the group bunched up again and again.
The last lap was a real test of character and Murray passed that test with distinction, continually pushing the pace, until finally breaking clear for a well earned win.
Turnbull was the one who most looked likely to be dropped, but his tenacious nature brought him to an excellent second place finish.
