It was a cold but at least dry day when Michael, Emily & Packie collected me in Swords for the long drive up north to Coleraine for this year’s National Novice XC. The last race of the year promised to be run in more favourable conditions than the Dublin Intermediate the previous week and hopefully Clann Lir would be absent from the course today.

We got up to Coleraine in plenty of time and managed to find a pool table in the Students Union, which kept us occupied for a while. Paul Duffy continued his fine run of form on the pool table and when he got bored beating everyone, Packie took a turn giving us all a pool lesson.

The team assembled, we made our way to the course to catch young Sean Wall (Waller) in action in the Under 19′s race. Waller had a great race and worked his way through a very competitive field. It was a tough race for him aswell as the U19′s had to run 6k, same as the novice.

Next up was the girls (Stephanie, Lorna, Ruth, Susan and Helen) over 3k. Lorna Quinn (19th) came through very strongly and continued to show her fine running form. Ruth(27th) and Stephanie(28th) were next in, only a hare’s fart seperating them. Next up was Susan (45th) with Helen(56th) the final scorer. No medals today with fifth spot team place but Rathfarnam were seventh, so every silver cloud and all that…

Next up was the lads. There had been some controversy surrounding the start of a lot of the junior races and our own start wasn’t the most clinical. No chutes and little warning but that’s another day’s argument. 140 novice men went off like the hammers of hell straight into a bottleneck. If you don’t know cross-country, this is what it’s all about. Pushing and jostling are part of the game. Ahead of me I could see Liam and Colm in the middle of the melée and further ahead Michael and Paul.

When one lad got pushed off the course and was running outside the barrier, he decided to leap it, straight into Michael Cunningham’s path. Michael informed me later he nearly tripped the guy up when his spikes connected with him. It’s the quiet ones you watch out for…

The race was a bit crazy for the first lap as you fought for space around the wood at the back and people went through any space they could find. Leading the charge home for the club was Paul Duffy (77th), followed by Michael (81st), myself (93rd), Packie (99th – who fought the whole way, fair dues to ya Pack!), Colm (108th) and Liam (122nd).

The business end of things done there was only one thing on all our minds – refreshments. They actually had showers at this race ( and the water was hot!!) so the drive home wasn’t the usual mud-caked ordeal. Although there was an ordeal of other sorts when the hunger pangs hit half way between Coleraine and Newry. I was starting to know what they felt like in that movie Alive, when we found Kinder eggs in Michael’s car which he (wisely) decided to share. After a well-earned meal in the Carrickdale, we were on our way. Well done all. Next up Leinster Senior.

For results click here and racepix365 gallery here.

Report by
Ronan Merrick

Lorna the Longford lass shows ‘em how it’s done

Phoenix Park, Sunday October 11th – The magazine fort was the setting for Sunday’s Dublin novice cross country championship. Glorious sunshine and hard under footing at the famous Münich lap meant that each race went off like the proverbial clappers – and stayed that way for 3k/6k for the girls and guys races respectively. While meant for beginners, novice competitions represent a huge step up from Meet and Train or BHAA competitions, and the pace can be shocking for debutants to championship racing. However that didn’t bother our Lorna, who set the pace from the gun to get away from a possibly record turnout of over 70 girls and 12 teams. At 1k (3:15), she remained in a group of 6 hardy competitors who didn’t want to leave without silverware. After one lap (at the bell), she piled on the pressure and the only one able to live with this was Rathfarnham WSAF’s Carole Pauli. A tactical race between the two was looking on the cards when they turned back into the forest with 1k left. Lorna was having none of it though, running with an exuberance and confidence that surprised most of us. Turning the last corner with 350m left and the wind behind her, she finished like an express train to take the biggest victory of her less than 4 year old career.

Lorna also led the red and white to team gold, where we had all 4 girls in the top 10 thanks to brilliant displays from Louise, Mairead and Susan. Also representing the club with honour were Ann, Helen and Barbara; gaining valuable experience from the occasion. From the event, all girls will have discovered what it takes to succeed at championship level, and that you get nothing without hard work and dedication.

Dublin Novice Cross Country 3000m Women’s Individual Result 2009

Position Name Club Time
1 Lorna Quinn Sportsworld 10:03
8 Louise Nolan Sportsworld 10:31
9 Mairead O Callaghan Sportsworld 10:33
10 Susan McDonnell Sportsworld 10:37
42 Ann Sweeney Sportsworld 12:58
56 Helen Dixon Sportsworld 13:22
61 Barbara McIntyre Sportsworld 13:48

Dublin Novice Cross Country 3000m Women’s Team Result 2009

Position Club Points
1 Sportsworld AC 28
2 Donore Harriers 42
3 Clonliffe Harriers 70

The men’s team were represented by more experienced athletes, and were touted by some to be team medal prospects before the start. However illnesses, pre entered athletes not turning up without any prior notice and a competitive field full of well managed people coming up from the junior ranks put pay to this. Nevertheless, we came an impressive 5th out of 15 teams, beating many of the traditional cross country powerhouses. Around 100 athletes went to post, and our brightest prospect Paul Duffy led his team home. Hovering on the periphery of the top 10 for most of the race, the legs went in the final lap; but Paul can be very happy with his place well inside the top 20. Performances of the day for the men’s team were a joint effort between Mikey & Paul Mitchell, as both ran very sensible races to come through in the top 30 and 40 respectively.

The scoring was completed by Gareth who ended just outside the top 40. Colm wasn’t far behind, and while he found that the step up from IMRA races to this level is a huge one, he will find that our cross country practice on Saturday mornings will make things a lot easier. The karate kid Kildare man Colin McCarthy ran a fine race to end up in the top 60, with Donegal man Liam McFadden just behind. Mark Dunne was going well until he felt hamstring pain which forced his race to come to a premature end.

The day ended with a few celebratory pints in Rody Boland’s. Championship wise, next up in the Dublin Intermediates XC which takes place on the last Sunday in November in Tymon Park, which usually is an easier task than the novice for some reason. We may also have Sean in action in the Dublin U18s at the magazine fort next Sunday.

Dublin Novice Cross Country 6000m Men’s Individual Result 2009

Position Name Club Time
1 Dave Fitzmaurice Clonliffe 18:24
16 Paul Duffy Sportsworld 20:14
27 Mikey Cunningham Sportsworld 20:48
38 Paul Mitchell Sportsworld 21:21
41 Garrett Murran Sportsworld 21:26
46 Colm Kennedy Sportsworld 21:54
59 Colin McCarthy Sportsworld 22:20
61 Liam McFadden Sportsworld 22:30
DNF Mark Dunne Sportsworld N/A

Dublin Novice Cross Country 6000m Men’s Team Result 2009

Position Club Points
1 Clonliffe Harriers 20
2 Rathfarnham WSAF 41
3 Donore Harriers 53
4 Dundrum South Dublin 112
5 Sportsworld AC 121

Race report by Packie

And so to it, the last cross country endeavour for 2008. Following the harrowing experiences of Avondale and Abbeyleix, Ballyheise in the heart of Cavan was the location selected to host the National Novice XC.

Arriving at the arena in Ballyheise, we were confronted by a biting cold in the air and the sight of little kids bawling their eyes out, others with icepacks strapped to ankles and even one poor misfortunate being stretchered out with a neck brace and oxygen mask. It was clear we were a long long way from La Santa.

Sean Wall was the first of the Sportsworld participants to face the course. In the Under-19 race, a gruelling 6k race, in which young Waller admirably held his own, stepping up an age class to compete.

The ladies’ novice race was the next to feature Sportsworld runners. At a distance of 3k, this race went off with a ferocious pace around the course and the Sportsworld team quickly got into their stride. Lorna Quinn, Mary Finn, Crona Brady, Stephanie Bergin and debutante Catherine O’Neill all put in strong performances. Both Lorna and Stephanie also ran on the Dublin side while Crona wore the green and gold of Meath.

The men’s novice race was the last race of the day. The Sportsworld team of Ronan Merrick, Ed McEntee, Michael Cunningham, Colin Bolger, Paul Duffy, Paul Mitchell and Will Greensmyth faced into six laps of the course, by now well churned with knee-deep mud after the previous races. The Sportsworld gents dug deep and got around with some exceptional performances. Worthy of particular note is that of Ronan Merrick whose top form this season continued with a strong run to lead home the Sportsworld team, a performance benefitting perhaps from the extra sleep Mr Merrick gained from his alarm not waking him on time that morning. Colin Bolger returned to cross country racing with a fine run while Paul Mitchell in his first season of cross country running proved himself to be fully competent at conquering the hills of Cavan.

The last cross country race of 2008 behind us then as we take a brief sojourn over the Christmas season to recover. More cross country pleasures await in January and February…I can’t wait.
Report by

William Greensmyth

Women – 3,000 metres
Lorna Quinn brought our Novice ladies team home in 12th place and a time of 13.44, next in 13th place Mary Finn time of 13.50, Stephanie Bergin time of 14.06 and Crona Brady time 14.15 well done ladies, Great running.

Men – 6,000
Ronan Merrick led sportsworld mens team home in a time of 25.32, followed by Colm Bolger 25.44, Michael Cunningham 25.47, Ed McEntee 25.54, Paul Duffy 27.19, Paul Mitchell 27.28, Will Greensmyth (Welcome back from injury) 28.50.

Well done to all

Senior Women Tramore on 23/11/08 8,000 meters
Well done to Aoife Brady who ran a fantastic race to finish in 17th place in a time of 32.17. Aoife also score 2nd place for the Meath Team. Well done Aoife great run in a highly competitive race.

Boys under 16 – 3,000 meters.
Sean Wall is still surprising us all he finished in 31st place and was the fourth scorer on the Dublin Team. Well done Sean, very proud.

Report By
Orlagh Fleming

The 26th October saw the annual meeting of the Leinster Novice & Master races in Avondale, Rathdrum Co. Wicklow & gave the chance for the up & coming sportsworld stars a chance to shine. The race was held in the scene grounds of Avondale house in weather of all seasons & there were some fantastic performances put in by all of sportsworld runners especially Crona Brady & Ronan Merrick.

First race of interest to sportsworld was the novice Women of Crona Brady, Stephanie, Ciara Foster, Susan McDonnell & Claire O’ Reilly. The girls ran particularly well & were unlucky to miss out on the medals by 3 points. Susan, Ciara & Stephanie were together through out most of the 3K course & worked great as a team to finish 14th, 26th & 28th overall. However Crona stole the show to claim 5th place & based on this performance it will not be long till she will be running along side her sister in future races to come.

Next up the Novice Men were given there chance to shine. The race was 3 laps of a 2km course incorporating in what can only be described as a very steep hill that seem to go on forever. This hill will give me nightmare of years to come & most who saw it were left speechless by its length & steepness. However Ronan Merrick marked his come back to form with an outstanding 11th place. Ronan went to the front of the race early on & held his place with the leaders for one lap before dropping back a few places. Michael Cunningham also ran well & marched on to claim 21st spot overall. Michael is also coming back from injury & was delighted with his placing. Other notable performances were Paul Mitchell & James Shanahan who finished 44th & 45th respectively. Sportsworld claimed 6th overall in the team competition.

The masters women was the last race of interest to sportsworld. The girls ran really well & claimed 2nd spot with 22 points overall. Rachel Morgan ran a steady race to claim 5th place not to far behind Pauline Curley who won the race for Tullamore Harriers. Helen White & Kathleen O’ Callaghan completed the team & finished 7th & 10th overall. Well done to all who ran

Race report by Paul Duffy.

Two sets of photo’s for you all

Dublin Novice Cross Country 2008

Dublin Novice Cross Country 08

And video!!

The girls start. The loudest starting gun ever, “and can people please keep the course clear”.

The men’s start

And the finish (thanks to jakub for providing the pedal power)

Although the races were short, it was a very chalenging course, with steep descents and hills on evert lap. However, as usual there were medals aplenty for the girls: The Novice team of Louise Nolan, Ciara Foster, Kim Masuda and Anne Delaney won bronze in the team event, and Louise and Ciara also got bronze medals as members of the Dublin county team.

Lucy Darcy, Helen White, Sandra Armstrong and Breda Browne were 2nd placed team in the Master’s event, with Lucy running a very strong race to take second overall.
Eanna Cunanne came 3rd in the Novice Mens Event and Ronan merrick and Eanna also got Bronze Medals for the Dublin County Team.

The girls team got silver medals in their event. The scoring team members were Stephanie Bergin (8th), Louise Nolan (15th), Crona Brady (20th) and Ciara Foster (26th), backed up by Kim Masuda, Claire O’Reilly and Linda Killeen.

Unfortunately the men’s team didn’t place in the team event, however Eanna Cunnane did place 3rd in the men’s race. The rest of the mens team were Ronan Merrick, Colin Bolger, Michael Cunningham, Owen O’Brien, Will Greensmyth, Brian Conway and Colin Mahon.

Also a special congratulations to Sean Wall who placed 5th overall in the under 16-19 category and was 2nd in his age group.