Shanahan takes bronze in Open Cross Country at Abbotstown
It was another busy week of athletics action across the Mid-West
Autumn Open Cross Country
Taking place in the ‘Sports Ireland Campus’ in Abbotstown, possibly the highlight of the day from a Limerick perspective was the 3rd place overall finish from An Bru’s Niall Shanahan in the Masters Men.
From a total of 84 finishers he was also 1st O45 male and as importantly has now qualified to represent Ireland at the British and Irish Masters XC International on the same course in Dublin next month. This will be Niall’s 3rd time representing Ireland.
John Kinsella of Back 2 Boston was 9th overall and 4th 045, also a great performance, while Niall O’Callaghan of West Limerick was 8th O40 and 27th overall.
The West Limerick AC U11 Girls team were an excellent 9th from 49 competing sides through great running from Fiadh Quaid, Emma Sheehy, Clara Galvin and Maisie Stokes.
Dooneen’s Ella Grace Osborne was 18th overall in the 4500m U20 event. Well done everyone who ran on the national stage.
Dromtrasna Challenge
Taking place in Abbeyfeale and in aid of Milford Hospice Thomas Holmes from West Limerick was 1st in 18:20 with clubmate Jonathan Scanlon joining him on the podium in 3rd.
Clubmate Kate Murray was 4th and 1st lady in 21:11 with Katelyn Barrett 2nd in 23:09.
Milford 4 Mile
West Limerick Juvenile Alex O'Sullivan placed 2nd overall in the Milford 4 Mile in North Cork in a time of blistering 24.46 with Clubmate Cormac Downes 3rd.
Parkrun
Despite fog and a slight touch of fog in the city the various Limerick events went ahead.
Highlights at UL included 2nd place for Dooneen’s Shane O’Sullivan on 18:08 with clubmate John Whitaker home in 19:09 on his 200th Parkrun.
Dooneen’s Nicole Campbell was an excellent Run Director ably assisted by her father Gerry.
At Mungret JJ Cremin of An Brù was 1st in 19:54 with Sineàd McDermott of Limerick Track 1st woman in 21:16.
Íosla Breathnach was 1st lady in Newcastle West in 25:31.
Abroad
Niall Harris flew the Dooneen and Limerick flag with distinction in northern Spain last Saturday night, running the Bilboa Half Marathon in a superb time of 1:20:09.
An Bru’s Yvonne Casey travelled to the ‘eternal city’ where she ran the Rome or Roma (In Italian) Half Marathon in a time of 1:57:46. Ben Fato Yvonne.
Fixtures
The big event next weekend is of course the Dublin Marathon where a vast number of Limerick athletes will be competing.
Ava Crean the reigning National Champion is out due to injury but Sòrcha Nic Dhomhnaillwill be amongst the favourites following victory in the Dublin Half Marathon.
The Limerick ‘Halloween’ Night Run takes place on Thursday 29th October at 8pm from King Johns Castle.
The Limerick County Cross Country Relays, Senior, Juvenile and Masters take place on Sunday 8th November in NCW.