Two Ulster Titles For Cranford AC

Two Ulster champions for Cranford AC at the recent NI and Ulster championships in Belfast last weekend

The International, Northern Ireland & Ulster Even age Group Championships & Bobby Rea Cross County took place last weekend in Dundonald Belfast. Cranford AC had 29 athletes make the early morning start for the journey. This was also a great opportunity for our young athletes to watch some International talent in action today.

First out of the pens was Megan Logue our only U 10 girl to compete today, unfortunately our other athlete, Sarah Coyle was hit with a bug on the morning of the race. Megans race was 1,000m and with over 70 in her race she came a very respectable 25^th place, more to come from this young athlete.

Cranford AC under 10 boys were out in force and did not disappoint with the rain coming down hard and muddy underfoot, Bobby Brown led the team home in 32nd place followed by Oisin Giles, Faolan Caldwell, Darragh Mc Hugh, and James Cooney. Gritty performances from our young team in this prestigious event.

Olivia Ní Churrain was up next in the Girls U 12 over the 1500m with well over 100 competitors in the field Olivia ran well crossing the line in 62nd position.

The more experienced U12 boys team were up for today’s challenge and did not disappoint, these boys have been putting in the work at training and were looking forward to this race. This team got off to a good start, with Oisin Mc Bride in the leading group, followed closely by his teammates, Matthew Giles, Ben Mc Gee, Oisin Mc Hugh and Roan Ladley all in the chasing group. At the half way mark Oisin Mc Bride made a break and there was no stopping him, Oisin dug deep crossing the line in Gold medal position as Ulster Champion, great racing from Oisin. Matthew Giles put in another fine performance today with a strong sprint finish crossing the line in 20th place followed closely by teammates Oisin Mc Hugh, Ben Mc Gee, Roan Ladley who is improving with every race, Rory Boyce, Edward Boyce and Lorcan Boyce all running very well under difficult conditions. The boys were rewarded by their great performances with winning team Bronze and now qualify for the National championships which will be held in Downings in November. Congratulations boys well deserved.

Lilla Gerwatowska and Karen Neely raced well over 2500m of this undulating course in the Girls U14 both these young ladies ran well and finished well up this large field of athletes, keep up the good work girls.

Our Boys U 14 were also out in force today with Darragh Mc Hugh leading the team home in 10th place, great performance by Darragh today followed home by teammates Jerry Coyle, Odhran Mc Groddy, Ciaron Cooney, Cian Mc Hugh and Dylan Finnegan, great running by these young athletes. Darragh also made the Donegal team who came 2nd and now goes forward to run in the Nationals on 20th November.

We had three girls in the girls U16 competition, with the track getting very muddy under foot and 3,500m to cover over a large lap of this course giving the girls plenty of hills to challenge them, it was true cross country. Miah Fletcher had a good first lap staying in contact with leading group, however Miah could not hold on to this strong group but finished the race well in 37th place. Miah was placed in the Donegal team who came 3^rd, Miah will now qualify for the Nationals, Laoise Lynch and Laragh Blaney finished well up the field in this their first Ulster Championships, more talented athletes and ones to watch in the future.

Caolan Mc Fadden was our only U16 boy over this tough course, this suited Caolan who is familiar with hills from training in Cranford Park through the winter. The race ran a very fast first lap where Caolan sat in behind the leaders watching the race evolve and preparing to make his break. With 1,500m to go Caolan hit the front and never looked in any doubt of winning and taking the Ulster title. Exciting racing from our talented Creeslough man.

Our Girls U 18 were Clodagh Neely and Blathnaid Gallagher these girls are well used to these big races and ready for the 4,000 m, the girls got off to a good start and ran an excellent race demonstrating their experience, Clodagh came home in 30^th, Blathnaid 38th well done girls and both made the Donegal team and will go on to take part at the Nationals. Great to see both these young ladies back in action and representing Cranford AC.

Oisin Kelly took to the starting line with over 350 athletes as the U20, senior international and masters were grouped together, with such a big field of athletes it was so important to get a good start and that Oisin. Oisin battled away over this tough and very muddy course and came home in an impressive 9th place U 20. Well done Oisin.

We would like to thank our coaches for all the time and effort each evening at training and supporting our athletes at events. Thank you to all the family and supporters who turned up to cheer on our athletes, help prepare them for races and more importantly, being on the finish line with encouraging words and praise.

We are looking forward to the Donegal Uneven age Championships next week in The Rosses.