Athletics

Grennan College Athletics

6^th February 2009

The Grennan College Cross Country Team travelled to Tinryland on Wednesday last for the South Leinster Championships. Under the guidance of teacher Mrs. Miriam O’ Donnell the squad had prepared very well and this was evident with a number of outstanding performances recorded.

First into action were the Minor Girls where both Sinead Whelan and Niamh O’ Shea ran tremendous races to qualify for the Leinster Finals. Sinead finished 8^th closely followed by Niamh in 11^th place. Niamh Quigley also ran well to finish in 51^st place from a field of 150 athletes.

The Minor Boys were represented by Tim Cummins, Peter Prendergast and Tim Ramsey. All three performed admirably showing real guts and determination and they can be very proud of their efforts.

Niamh Donnelly ran an excellent tactical race in the Junior Girls and went on to finish in 13^th place qualifying for the Leinster Finals. Well done Niamh and best of luck in D. C. U. Emma Walsh was very unlucky to lose her shoe whilst in a challenging position but the experience gained will prove of huge benefit to Emma.

As conditions deteriorated the Junior Boys race over 3000m proved to be a real slog. Nevertheless Darragh Mc Garry, Jack Smith and Ethan Corr battled bravely from start to finish. Again these lads can be proud of their performances and safe in the knowledge that they did not let their school down.

At Intermediate level we were represented by the talented Liam O’ Shea and all-rounder Barry Whelan. Over a really testing course of 4,500m Barry ran a great race to finish 24^th. Liam, who has been dogged by injury all season, was forced to retire through illness half way through the race.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable day despite the conditions and attention now switches to D.C.U. for the Leinster Finals on February 11^th.