Westport AC athletes advance to All-Ireland championships
DESPITE the driving winds and rains, Westport AC had a wonderful day and haul of medals at the uneven ages Mayo Cross Country Championships in Swinford on October 30 last.
The course was challenging but ideal, with lots of muddy hills, twists and turns, with some younger competitors running for the first time and they were simply brilliant.
Everyone performed wonderfully and Westport AC would like to say a massive thank you to all the support from the parents who travelled. Thanks to Swinford AC for the tea, coffee and biscuits. It was very much appreciated.
Some of the highlights of the day include Charlie Corcoran being the first home in the Under 9; a bronze for Finn Duckett (Under 11), gold for Freya Renton and silver for Holly Renton (Under 13); team gold for Holly and Freya Renton, Casy Walsh, May Duckett, Claire Ryan and Eva McKeown (Under 13); bronze for Erica O’Driscoll (Under 15); team gold for Erica O’Driscoll, Erin Walsh, Ailbhe Duffy and Maud O’Reilly (Under 15); gold for Padraig Corduff and silver for Ethan Doherty (Under 17); and gold for Ruairi Hollywood (Under 19).
At the Connacht Even Ages Cross Country Championships in Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim, on November 6 last, It had inches of slippery muck, multiple water holes, boggy soft footing and a very steep uphill - simply perfect cross country conditions.
Everyone should be proud for taking part and navigating the course.
Image 1 of 7
Westport AC Under 18 runner Padraig Corduff (2nd overall), with fellow friends from Westport AC, Rory Hollywood and Ethan Doherty, at the Connacht Even Ages Cross Country Championships.Image 2 of 7
Under 14 Connacht Even Ages Cross Country. Freya Renton (1st), Holly Renton (2nd) pictured with Erin Walsh and Ailbhe Duffy, who helped to secure team silver at the Connacht Uneven Cross-Country Championships in Roscommon.Image 3 of 7
Under 17 gold for Padraig Corduff, silver for Ethan Doherty and Under 19 gold for Ruairi Hollywood at the Uneven Ages Mayo Cross-Country in Swinford.Image 4 of 7
Individual Under 13 gold for Freya Renton, individual silver for Holly Renton and Under 13 team gold at the Uneven Ages Mayo Cross-Country in Swinford. Team members include Holly and Freya Renton, Casy Walsh, May Duckett, Claire Ryan and Eva McKeown.Image 5 of 7
There was individual Under 15 bronze for Erica O’Driscoll and team gold for the Under 15 girls. Team members include Erica O’Driscoll, Erin Walsh, Ailbhe Duffy and Maud O’Reilly at the Uneven Ages Mayo Cross-Country in Swinford.Image 6 of 7
Westport AC’s Erica O’Driscoll and Maud O’Reilly both made it through to the All-Irelands.Image 7 of 7
Padraig Corduff finished 2nd at the Connacht Cross Country Even Ages Under 18 Cross Country.Thank you to those parents who came along to support and help, and a massive thank you to the Corduffs for all their hard work.
Some medal highlights of the day include third for May Duckett (Under 12); first for Freya Renton and second Holly Renton (Under 14); team silver for Freya Renton, Holly Renton, Erin Walsh and Ailbhe Duffy (Under 14), and second for Padraig Corduff (Under 18).
These athletes progressed to the All-Ireland finals in Downings, Donegal, last Sunday (November 20).
The following Sunday (November 13) saw Westport’s athletes compete in the Connacht Uneven Ages Cross Country in Roscommon. This was a flat, fast course and the athletes were treated with some sunshine before the torrential rains. A big congratulations to all athletes who competed.
Some highlights include a ninth place finish for Finn Duckett (Under 11); first for Freya Renton, second for Holly Renton and seventh for May Duckett (Under 13 girls); and team silver in the Under 13 girls (team members who qualified include Freya and Holly Renton, May Duckett, Saoirse McGing, May Clarken and Clare Ryan); Erin Walsh (Under 15 girls, qualified as part of the Mayo team); and second for Ethan Doherty (Under 17 boys).
These individuals are all through to the uneven ages All-Irelands, which will take place in Cork on December 4.