Sean Cotter (Inter Boys- Calasanctius College), Ciara Sheppard (Inter Girls- Calasanctius College) & William Fitzpatrick (Inter Boys- Gort Community College) at the Schools All Ireland’s X Country 

In what ended up as an unusual sequence of events the Schools X Country National Championships were held in Waterford on Saturday before the Connachts Schools has been held (next Tuesday 13th March).

The Schools South Connachts were held in Galway a few weeks ago and since then there have been several attempts to hold the Connachts; however, through “licensing” issues and Storm Emma, they have been postponed 3 times. As a result of the frequent cancellations, only 5 of our athletes managed to make it to the All Ireland’s despite several qualifying from the South Connachts (Galway’s) to the Connachts. 

Although not quite as rough weather as that day back in February in Killcornan, Clarinbridge, it was nonetheless a day with “biting” winds and poor underfoot conditions.

In the first race of the day, congratulations go to our only Minor girl entry Carla Noone (St. Raphaels), who had a fine race to come in 50th place in a field of 83 runners. 

It is almost the end of the X Country Season and what a fantastic finale for the Inter-trio above. Ciara fought a tough battle in the Inter Girls race to finish in 50th place, in a race that lost 12 finishers. Well done Ciara. In the Inter Boys, William ran up at the front from the start of the race and  held his position throughout to finish just shy of the medals in 13th place. Another fine day for William, who recently won the All Ireland’s Juvenille B X Country in February. Sean who has another attempt next year as an Inter Boy, charged up the field from a 30th place for the first half of the race, where he steadily gained places to finish in a remarkable 21st position. 

Caron Ryan (Senior Girl- St. Raphaels) with 65 competitors to challenge, had an equally good race to cross the line in 27th place. 

These athletes along with the remainder of Craughwells’ Endurance groups have shown tremendous courage, patience and tenacity this season, and their efforts have been awarded.

Once I have the accurate results from the South Connachts I will update and include in article.