Carriganore, Waterford hosted the Irish Life Health All Ireland Schools Cross Country 2018 Finals today where 958 athletes represented 242 Post Primary Schools. The successes today were down to the training commitment of each athlete but more importantly to the amazing coaches who volunteer their time and energy every week to bring out the best in these athletes. Congratulations Pat Hogan, Marie Roche, Ita Hanrahan and Ger Casey. Joe Deasy without your fantastic pictures always, we would not have such a trove of memories.
With the rain turning to drizzle Aisling Healy running for St. Flannans ran a super race with 83 other athletes and finished 6th in the minor girls (2000m)
Well done to Roisin Cahill who ran a great race under very testing conditions for Colaiste Muire in 0:11:42.
In the Junior Boys Race (3500m) 100 athletes through sheer endurance and plenty of muck had coaches, parents and athletes all roaring their support. St. Flannans have an All Ireland Cross Country Champion in Dylan Casey 0:13:28 followed a second later by his brother Dean Casey 0:13:29. Their team mate Luke Griffin had a super performance and came 5th 0:13:39. Barry Conway, Jack Warren and Noah McConway helped St. Flannans to win the Junior Boys team event for the first time ever.
Team mate Luke Griffin (FergusAC)
Next came the Intermediate Girls and a fine performance by Laura Healy who finished 13th in 0:15:57.
The Intermediate Boys (5000m) found the underfoot conditions tough. St. Flannans team of Mark Hanrahan, Ben Deasy, Conor Shanahan, and Shane Harrison came 8th on the day.
Well done to Leah O’Neill who ran for Colaiste Muire and finished 23rd 0:11:26 in the Girls Senior (2500m).
