Louth athletes shine at cross-country championship

The biggest day on the national cross-country calendar occurred in the fantastic setting of Castle Irvine Estate outside Fermanagh on Sunday last.

St. Peter’s AC had four athletes compete over the challenging course. Louth's Dearbhla Allen and Niamh Brady both had strong runs in the women’s U18/20 race. These races are run together which makes for an excellent race with almost two hundred athletes on the start line.

Dearbhla went out as usual with the lead group while Niamh used a different tactic opting to start a little easier and work her way through the field. Both tactics had the desired effect with Dearbhla finishing ninth overall and fifth U18 while Niamh finished 15th overall. 

The two girls had an anxious wait as team points were tallied and checked but this soon turned to elation when it was realised that the Louth U20 team had taken gold by the smallest of margins pipping the mighty Dublin. 

The Louth scorers comprised two St. Peter’s athletes, Dearbhla Allen and Niamh Brady, with Dunleer AC athlete, Meadbh Eakin, and Ace AC athlete, Eimear Cooney.

Dearbhla also led the Leinster team to silver in the regional competition. Abbie Sheridan showed her quality and tenacity when she ran in the senior race which included the U23.

The step up to senior at nationals is a big jump and Abbie acquitted herself well and will be a force to reckon with in the future at this level. 

The day started with the girls under twelve race and St Peter’s AC athlete Ella Murphy put her recent Leinster disappointment behind her as she finished well up the massive field and took her place on the Louth team, Ella is one to watch for the future as she improves year on year. 

Next up for the St Peter’s athletes will be the National Championships for uneven juveniles and novice for adults which will take place on Sunday, 1st of December in Tramore, Co. Waterford.