Heavy rain accompanied our team all the way to this excellent venue on the Carlingford Road, Dundalk, within sight of the Cooley Mountains. In days gone by much white smoke could be visible in this area, nothing to do with Papal elections, but reference Christy Moore singing Mcllhatton for full information.
The local organising committee presented a well organised event with a switchback spectator friendly course well marked out. Nothing however could have prevented the underfoot conditions there. The earlier rain gave way to bright sunshine immediately after the underage events had completed but the course at this stage represented a quagmire. Our team approached the race in a positive frame of mind, accepting the difficult muddy conditions and getting on with the job at hand. The course involved a lap of 1000m followed by two laps of 1500m each, very hilly with little or no true running to be found on the day.
Claire imposed herself in a strong position from the start in 4th place with Aislinn and Sinead just outside the top ten. Aoife Ni and Aoife C were 15 places back from this, while Aoife D and Sarah worked hard in mid race positions. With the exception of Sinead who gained a few places, these positions were more or less maintained on the first long lap. The final lap saw Claire maintain her 4th position with Sinead improving all the time and Aislinn fighting off those who attempted to pass. Aoife Ni also maintained her position and Aoife Corr passed a few in an attempt to get closer to her club mate. Aoife D and Sarah continued to work hard through the clinging mud. On the last lap Claire maintained her 4th position and in fact gained some ground, Sinead having a super race gained more places to finish 5th, Aislinn held on to 11th place under pressure while Ellen took a few more places to close in 17th. Aoife Ni 26th, Aoife C 29th, Aoife D 47th and Sarah 69th completed our finishers. Claire, Sinead Aislinn and Ellen completed our scoring four, while all but Ellen also scored on the winning Dublin Team.
A really pleasing day of cross country and our team continues to rack up championships. Two down with plenty to come.
So far so good.
Celtic DCH 