Results 2021

The MSD Clonmel 4 Mile was held today with three Harriers participating. Shay McEvoy, home from Tulsa for the Christmas, was first across the finish line in 18.44. Brian Maher was fourth in 19.00 and Ger Forde was sixth in 19.06.  

The club AGM took place online tonight. All outgoing officers were returned un-opposed with Caitriona Twomey confirmed as Registrar, having filled the role on Brenda Tuohy’s retirement. Reports by the various officers showed the club had a good year with  large membership and many noteworthy achievements recorded. It was agreed that a small group would meet in May/June to consider aspects of training prior to the cross-country season. It was noted that the county AGM was scheduled for 28th January.

The European Cross-country championships 2021, not held in 2020, were held in Abbotstown today. Competitors from 35 countries were welcomed by various speakers including Jack Chambers, minister for Sport. The home venue proved very popular with the Irish teams which had great support from the vast majority of an attendance in excess of 7000 spectators. The Irish athletes spurred on by the support gave 100+% and resulted in one of the best results from a European contest. This was especially true of our young men. The under 20 men won silver – a mere one place separating them from gold. Then the under 23, with Darragh McElhenney taking individual silver, won gold. The mixed relay, ladies under 23, Senior Men and Senior Ladies all had fourth place finishes. The under 20 Ladies were 8th. 

KCH were involved. Cathal O’Reilly, a late addition to the under 20, had a great run to finish 77th . Aoibhe Richardson was tenacious as she held on to the front runners to place 23rd and be the third scorer on the national team. Niamh Richardson was an acreditted coach and Peter Lynch, first reserve on the Senior Men, waited anxiously for a possible call up. He would have relished the heavy conditions and perhaps managed to turn a fourth into a third!!! Horses for Courses?  

KCH became organisers in chief of this year’s Medieval Mile. Organised as part of the Yulefest it proved very successful and added greatly to the excitement around the streets. Starting on the Castlecomer Road it continued across St Francis Bridge, through Irishtown, up Parliament Street and High Street and finished on The Parade. KCH had in excess of thirty athletes taking part.  First man home was KCH man, James Ledingham in 4mins 30 seconds. Tom Lodge, finishing in 4.43 was our first Junior home.  Daire O’Flaherty, an under 11 athlete, was our first Juvenile in 5.34 and Ciara Deely in 5.43 was our first senior lady. All results are availavle on “popupraces” web site. 

Thanks to all who contributed to the success of the race – those who took part, the volunteer stewards, the Gardai, the Army and of course the sponsors – Kilkenny County Council, Yulefest, Kytlers Inn, Noel Sugrue Osteopathy, David Wilson Jewellery and Permanent TSB.  

The Uneven All-Ireland CC came to Kilkenny thanks to host club Gowran and Kilkenny Athletics County Board. The Covid pandemic unfortunately played a part resulting in a number of our athletes not being able to be involved. The weather was cold but bright and made for good running conditions. All of our athletes performed welll. The day started with the U11 girls where we had two scoring on the county team. A fantastic run by Amelia O’Brien (94) saw her the second finisher for the team and Emma Kelly (138) the sixth scorer. Our U11 boys, the only age group where we had a team competing, finished 8th team.  Three of them scored on the county team  – Daire O’Flaherty (16), Darragh O’Callaghan (64)  and Peter Quinn (90) – fabulous running by all five,  the other two being Emmet Murphy (104) and Aidan Malone (151). Daire collected a bronze All-Ireland medal as a scorer on the Leinster Provincial team. Well done. These under 11 athletes have great potential.  Keep up the training.

We had two competing U13. Paul Millea (42) and Kyrell Mtinsi (109). Both acquitted themselves with good running with Paul fourth scorer on the county team. 

It was a similar story for our under 15s – just two competitors – Hannah Quinn (107) and Evelyn McEvoy (134) – with Hannah scoring on the county team.

For the under 17s we also had two athletes  – Ruairi McEvoy (64) and Paddy Kelly (70) – and both scored on the county team which placed fourth.

And two more athletes represented the club at U19 – Maebhdh Richardson (10) and Pia O’Grady (52) – Maebhdh was second scorer on the third placed county team.

We had three competing at Novice level. In the men’s race we had Eamon O’Connor (115) scoring on the county team and for the ladies we had Maeve Maher (94) and Ciara Maher (132) with Maeve scoring for the county team. Well done all. You are the future of the club. We look forward to seeing you all progress and enjoy the sport. Best wishes to Cathal O’Reilly (U20) and Aoibhe Richardson (Senior) in next Sunday’s European Cross Country in Dublin.