Goggin makes running return with U17 Munster Cross Country win

Munster Cross Country Championships

A large band of Limerick athletes made their way to Conna in North East Cork for Day 2 of the provincial Championships and they certainly produced the goods.

Amongst the best included a Gold Medal for Dooneen’s Ellen Goggin. The Republic of Ireland underage soccer international returned to athletics and dominated the Girls U17 race to take victory by an incredible margin of 17 seconds from her nearest rival.

Clubmate Niamh Canty was 24th from a total of 42 finishers. It was a double at this age category for Limerick as Darragh Whelan, the U16 winner last weekend, added the U17 title this weekend when running out of age. His margin of victory was an impressive nine seconds.

Elsewhere Limerick AC clubmate Grace Power took Silver in the U15 Girls with the Dooneen duo of Eva McMahon and Grace O’Brien 5th and 6th with Lillia McInerney of Emerald 13th. Rian Kiely Keogan of Limerick AC was 12th in the Boys event.

Emma Sheehy of West Limerick took Bronze in the 750m U11 Girls and qualified for the National finals in Abbotstown.

Limerick was also the 2nd placed County team and qualified for the ‘nationals’. Oran Brosnan of St Marys Rathkeale was 4th from a staggering 118 competitors in the 750m U9 Boys race.

In the Senior contest, Jonathan Oakey of Limerick AC was 14th with Bilboa’s Sean Quirke 25th. Jessica Coyne from Limerick and formerly of Dooneen was 3rd Senior Woman but is now resident in Cork and represents Leevale.

Limerick Fancy Dress Halloween Night run

Karl Fiztmaurice bedecked in the colours of Man Utd won the second edition of this ‘race’ in a time of 16:18. Dooneen’s Oisin Bates was 2nd in 16:56 with James Quinn next in 17:04.

Starting and finishing at King Johns Castle it was an evening of fun and ‘pageantry’ as well as running. A total 801 finishers for an event in just its second year is likely to please the organisers on what was an enjoyable evening for runner and spectator alike.

Abroad

Congratulations to the Dooneen duo of Mike Griffin and Gary Stack who completed the New York City Marathon in times of 3:28:52 and 3:26:10 respectively.

It was particularly special for Mike who has now completed the ‘grand slam’ of all six of World Marathon Majors and acquired a sixth star for his efforts.

There was a lot of Limerick athletes in the Big Apple last weekend as clubmate Willia Gorman clocked 4:15:32 and Back to Boston’s John Kinsella was fastest from the Treaty County in 2:27.

Congratulations to Niamh McDonagh of West Limerick who raised over €4000 for Irish Cancer by completing the Dublin Marathon, her first, last weekend.

Fixtures

The Limerick County Senior, Masters and Juvenile mixed relays take place next weekend in Newcastle West.

The Border Half Marathon, now operating on a new route, from Clonlara GAA grounds, take place on Sunday 6th December at 9am.

This year also features an additional 10K event. With the Dublin Marathon now over this might be a natural end of year challenge and close to home. Entries through

Eventmaster

The Athletics Limerick St Stephens Day 10K, from Caherdavin Community Centre is now open for entries via Eventmaster. The Londis Centra Adare 10K 2027 on 28th February is now sold out.

On a sombre weekend for Irish Athletics with the passing of Ciara Mageean. Athletics Limerick wishes to express its condolences to all of Ciara’s loved ones.