We had a great day at the first weekend of the Nationals in Ratoath. Our under 12 girls team were first into action and what a sight with over 170 girls heading out to run through a sea of mud! All our girls were new to National competition and found the going very tough. Ella Mae was our first finisher in 36th position and she was a scoring member of the Dublin team which won the inter county and finished 3rd in the inter region competitions. Billy was our sole competitor in the boys race and like the girls he found the move up to National fairly daunting but he battled well and made the scoring team for Dublin in the inter county coming 3rd team.
Our under 14 boys did their best but were outclassed on the day. Our under 16 girls had a poor run by their standards with only Aoife Corr running to form, Ellen had been unwell coming in to the event and did well to finish. Alison, Maia and Caoimhe will have better days.
Our star of the day was Pierre who won the under 16 boys in impressive style. Pierre had a tough battle with last years winner and pulled away over the last 800m to a well deserved win. This win was a result of consistant solid training, no Saturdays or Sundays lying in the bed, just getting out and doing the work. Well done !
By the time the under 18 /Junior girls set off there was no grass to be seen, just churned up mud. It was great to see Clare Brennan back racing after a long battle with breathing problems, also Heather getting back into shape and both girls scored on the Dublin team which won the inter county. Cliona Murphy had a great run in the under 18 girls making the Dublin team which won the inter county and region. Cliona Carthy was unfortunate to get a bad fall early in the race and never really recovered and Eva ran strongly all the way.
Thank you to all the parents who supported the children, without you they wouldnt be there. The younger children will have gained great experience from the event and were delighted to see Pierre racing. The Mammies and Daddies now know what ‘Nationals’ are about.
ps
The person who invented washing machines deserves a medal.
Some photos from the event by Corinne Murchan
Celtic DCH 