Munster Juvenile Even age, Novice and U23 cross country
Our juvenile and adult members made the trip to Turnpike, Two Mile Borris in Co.Tipperary on Sunday for the Munster Cross Country.
It was a beautiful day for cross country running and the course was excellent.
Our juvenile members ran in the even age events. Amy Lenihan was first up in the U10 race. Eavan Lyons, Katie Lenihan and Ciara Lanigan ran in the U12 race. Garvan Lyons and Tristan Kirwan ran in the U14 race. We are very proud of our juvenile athletes who ran very well on the day and mixed it up with the best runners in Munster.
The adults had the Munster Novice and U23 races in the afternoon. Kate Downes was up first in the ladies 4k race. This race was very exciting with Evelyn Maher of Templemore AC timing her surge at the end to perfection and pull away for the win. Well done to Kate on her own run.
Next up were our men’s team. We were well represented with a team of eight athletes taking on the 6k course. Liam Harris of Togher AC was the winner passing the 5k mark in under 15 minutes. Karl Lenihan continued his excellent cross country form and finished very strongly in 4th. He was followed by Niall O Callaghan 8th, Mike Sheehy 21st, Killian Lynch 23rd, Garry Carroll 25th. Sean Cunningham 33rd, John Whittaker 47th and Kevin O Donoghue 63rd.
We knew we were in with a chance of a team medal while we waited for the official results. When the waiting was over we were crowned Munster Novice Champions for 2021. An added bonus was that we were also the second county team behind Cork.
Well done to all involved and what was a historic day for West Limerick Athletic Club.
Autumn open cross country
Niall O’Callaghan and Aogan MacDomhnaill were in action at the Autumn open cross country on Sunday the 17th of October. After a 2 year absence the very popular Autumn Open XC hosted by athletics Ireland took place in Abbotstown’s state of the art facility. This will be the same course and location for this year’s European XC on December 12th. What a great dress rehearsal as participants and spectators were able to get a taste of what’s to come. As for the event itself we were spoiled with the amount of great talent on show for all age categories and races. This event always attracts some fine athletes. This was also the qualifier for the Irish Masters team selection to face Northern Ireland later in the year. Niall O’Callaghan placed 14th in the M35 category in a time of 26:29. Aogan had a fantastic race to place 24th in a time of 27:30. Both men have now been selected to run for Ireland. Congratulations from the club.
Brandon Bay 5k,10k and half marathon
Some of our athletes headed to Brandon bay on Saturday the 23rd of October to run a number of events. The Brandon Bay 5k, 10k and half marathon is a unique race which is held completely on sand. Well done to everyone who took part.
In the 5k Mary Folan Ryan placed 2nd place overall in the women’s category in a time of 23:09. Damien Roche ran a superb race in a time of 23:09 and Ide Curtin ran a time of 28:40. In the 10k Mary Ita O’Connor ran a fantastic race in a time of 54:19. In the Half marathon Mike Sheehy placed first in a time of 1:19:09 and Eddie Osullivan ran a brilliant race in a time of 2:00:10.
Streets of Galway 8k
Aogan MacDomhnaill travelled to Galway for the streets of Galway 8k on Sunday. Aogan ran an excellent race and finished in a brilliant time of 28.11.
West Limerick A.C men’s Novice team at the Munster Cross country championship.
West Limerick A.C Novice men’s team crowned Munster Champions.
Niall O’ Callaghan and Aogan MacDohmnaill at the Autumn Open cross country in Abbotstown.
Ciara Lanigan, Eavan Lyons and Katie Lenihan at the start line of the Munster U12 girl’s cross country.
Garvan Lyons and Tristan Kirwan who competed in the boys U14 race at the Munster cross country.
Mike Sheehy of West Limerick A.C after receiving his First place prize at the Brandon Bay half marathon