Kerry County Novice and Juvenile Relays Cross Country Championships 2025 Report

 Text by David Butler. Photos by David Kissane

It was team medal success for the adults and juveniles at Day 3 of the county cross country championships. The men’s novice team of John Lane, Jim O’Meara, Darren Kenny and Fearghal Grimes brought home bronze team medals with Sophie Norris and Noreen Stack running in the women’s race.

To the relays and it was a great start with the U10 boys team off first where Oisín Cashell, Jack Feehan, Tadhg Quille, James Sheehy had a strong performance across the legs of their race. Their combined run saw James bring the boys home in third place to win a bronze medal in one of the largest races of the day.

Next then it was the turn of the two U10 girls team running for the club, on the A team it was Ashleigh McCarthy, Grace Winter, Hollie McKenna & Niamh McGuckin and the B team it was Roisin Flaherty, Muireann O’Sullivan, Amanda Connell Meabh O’Sullivan. Both teams featuring two U9s running stepping up an age to run. Niamh was the first St Brendan’s girl across the line as her team placed 4th just outside the medals. Meabh running the final leg for her team as they finished just close to a top 10 finish.

U12 boys next to the start line as the races ran off quickly in the bright morning sun, Fionn Cashell leading off for the U12 boys before passing to Brandon Scanlon. Brandon gaining a number of positions on his leg using his trademark fast kick from the track. The boys were in 3rd place now at the changeover before the baton passed to Daniel Collins who held his position well before

passing to Jack Sheehy to bring the team home for the bronze medal.

Our two U12 girls' teams, towed the line together. In the A team it was Éabha Cowan, Einín Lawlor, Emma O’Flaherty; Grace McGuckin and in the B team it was Lily Mai Scanlon, Aisling O’Driscoll,

Lillie Feehan and Holly O’Driscoll. Again such was the interest in the relays the club was able to field two teams in this age group with two U11s stepping up for each team. Each athlete gave all for

their teammates to try gain positions across the legs. Grace McGuckin crossed the finish line first for the club as that team placed 4th and Holly O’Driscoll brought home the baton for her team just outside the top 10.

The final action for the club came in the U14 boys race where Corey O’Carroll, Seán Collins, John McCarthy; Conor Slattery lined up. Corey lead off the team with the boys in 2nd after the first

changeover, Sean taking on the baton then keeping the intensity of the run going for the team before passing over to John. John closed ground on the leaders before passing to Conor who

worked steadily throughout his leg and put pressure on the leading team in the finishing tunnel. In the end was 2nd place for the team and a strong result given two athletes on the team were

running out of age.

That closed out the juvenile championships for the club where we placed 4th for the 2nd year in a row but with an improved points total, increased participation at training and competition and

more medals won in the discipline which is a nice trend! Thanks to our club coaches preparing the athletes for the championships since mid-August and for supporting them on the day.

Kerry County Intermediate and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships 2025 Report

 

By David Butler, juvenile head coach. Photo by David Kissane, PRO

Another successful day for the St Brendan’s athletes at the second day of the Kerry County cross

country championships.

Opening the day for the club again was Darren Kenny who was the club’s sole representative in

the adult races. Darren competed in the 7000m Intermediate Men’s race.

In the juvenile races that followed club athletes were successful in both individual and team

events.

Individual medallists

Gold – Cody McKenna for 1 st place in the BU13 race

Silver – Grace Winter for 2 nd place in the GU9 race

Silver – Zach Walshe for 2 nd place in the BU19 race

Bronze – Hollie McKenna for 5 th place in GU9 race

Bronze – James Sheehy for 4 th place in BU11 race

Bronze – Brandon Scanlon for 5th place in the BU11 race

Bronze – Jack Sheehy for 3 rd place in the BU13 race

Bronze – Aodhan Slattery for 5 th place in the BU17 race

Team medallists

Gold – BU13 (Cody McKenna, Jack Sheehy, Conor Slattery, Corey O’Carrroll, Tomás O’Flaherty

Silver – GU9 (Grace Winter, Hollie McKenna, Lauren Scanlon, Meabh O’Sullivan, Muireann

O’Sullivan)

Silver – BU11 (James Sheehy, Brandon Scanlon, Jack Feehan, Liam O’Driscoll)

Congratulations to all our medallists and well done to all the athletes representing the club at the

second day of the championships.

Girls U11 – Niamh McGuckin (7 th ), Ashleigh McCarthy, Emma O’Flaherty, Lily Mai Scanlon, Holly

O’Driscoll, Éabha Cowan

Girls U13 – Grace McGuckin (10 th )

Thanks to all the athletes who represented the club on the day and to the parents for bringing

them to the competition. Thanks to our coaching team for preparing the athletes for the

competition and supporting them on the day.

Kerry County Senior, U20 and Even Age Juvenile Cross Country Championships 2025 Report

 

By David Butler, St Brendan's AC Juvenile Head Coach.

Photos by David Kissane, PRO.

Well done to our club athletes who competed in Killarney at the Day 1 (21 September 2025) of the county cross country championships.

Individual medalists

Gold – James Sheehy for 1st place in BU10 race

Gold – Jack Sheehy for 1 st place in BU12 race

Silver – Niamh McGuckin for 2 nd place in GU10 race

Bronze – Jack Feehan for 6 th place in GU10 race

Bronze – Grace McGuckin for 5 th place in GU12 race

Bronze – Brandon Scanlon for 5 th place in BU12 race

Bronze – Zach Walshe for 3 rd place in MU20 race

Team medalists

Bronze – GU10 (Aoileann Clifford, Grace Winter, Ashleigh McCarthy, Niamh McGuckin, Hollie

McKenna; Lauren Scanlon)

Bronze – BU12 (Jack Sheehy, Sean Og O’Keefe, Daniel Collins, Brandon Scanlon, Liam O’Driscoll)

Congratulations to all our medalists and well done to all other runners representing the club on

the day.

BU10 – Ollie McCarthy & Tadhg Quille

GU12 – Aisling O'Driscoll, Einín Lawlor, Holly O'Driscoll, Lillie Feehan

BU14 – Corey O’Carroll, Seán Collins

Senior Men – Darren Kenny

Kerry Athletics Novice and Juvenile Cross Country Championships in Cahersiveen, 2024

 A beautiful day for cross country in Cahersiveen as the novice athletes faced the starter at 11am. Novice is open to all over 19 who have not recently won medals at senior or intermediate level.

St Brendan's AC had a women's and men's team involved for the first time in years. The women's 4K started with a rush and Áine McKenna led the St Brendan's AC charge in the hilly giving terrain and positioned herself close to the front of the action. Then Marian McElligott drew alongside and subsequently pulled away to lead the St Brendan's AC women home, well up in the competitive field. Áine settled in well to follow Marian home and then our newest athlete Valentina Tyhonenko finished the course in a good position to ensure historic bronze team medals for the club..

The novice men headed off on their 6K course at the same time and Tom McCarthy led the St Brendan's AC charge in a good position in the leading group of ten. David Kissane was second St Brendan's AC athlete for a few kilometres but then our other new county athlete, Jim O'Meara moved up into a good position in the flying field. Tom McCarthy had a tremendous battle with an athlete some years his junior over the last 100m but while the St Brendan's AC man had to give way, the points accumulated were enough to lead the club home to magnificent team silver medals. Jim followed for his first county cross country medal while Darren Kenny improved as the race came to its conclusion. David Kissane struggled on to finish the team account and get his first novice medal in 50 years!

And now David Butler gives his report on another good day for the St Brendan's AC juveniles.

It was a sunny day in South Kerry as St Brendan’s athletes competed on Day 2 of the county championships in Cahersiveen. On the 1000m lap course, overlooked by Cnoc an Tobar and nestled on the outskirts of the town beside the mouth of the River Fearta, there was plenty of action to see and success for our athletes.

In the first juvenile race, a large field of 40 athletes lined up and then raced off at a great pace. For many in this age group, it was their first time running a cross country race. Finishing strongly over the last 50m, Éabha Cowan was the first St. Brendan’s athlete home, coming in 6th place and winning a bronze medal. Lilly Mai Scanlon, with her trademark strong run, followed just outside the top 10, and Holly O’Driscoll finished a few places behind, marking a good outing for our trio of U10s.

In the boys' race, we had five U10 athletes take to the course in another fast race. Not long after the athletes disappeared from view on the 1K loop, they were soon back on the charge to the finish line. James Sheehy, running out of age, was the first club man home, finishing in 5th place and earning a bronze medal. His teammates Dara O’Connell, Brandon Scanlon, Harrison Cahill, and Liam O’Driscoll finished well up in the positions, earning the boys a silver medal in the team category.

Next up were the U12 girls, who would take on two laps of the course. Plenty of nerves for all at the start but that settled quickly for all. Aisling O’Driscoll, Einin Lawlor, and Millie Flavin lined up and took off at a fast pace up the pull at the start. Running well after the first lap Aisling was in the medal positions and held her place throughout that second lap to finish in 4th place. Next home for the club were Millie and Einin, both with good runs finished in the midfield positions as they also ran out of age.

The U12 boys' race was quickly ready to go in this efficiently run event. After the first lap, the field had spread out somewhat, but there was a grouping of Iveragh and St Brendan’s athletes together at the front. In the final sprint, seven runners were vying for six medal positions, and Jack Sheehy secured 3rd place, with Cody McKenna finishing 5th. Conor Slattery was the next club athlete home, finishing in the top half of the field, with Daniel Collins also finishing strongly to secure a silver team medal for the boys. Great effort from a team that saw Jack and Daniel running out of age.

Our U14 boys were keen to get their race underway, completing some last-minute warm-ups and strides. After witnessing the earlier success of their clubmates, they had a job to do. For them, it was three laps of the course—a mental battle as much as a physical one. Sean Collins set a strong pace, followed closely by John McCarthy. Oisin Fletcher and Matthew Cahill both pushed each other over the three laps, and their reward at the end was a bronze team medal.

The final race of the day saw the U18s line up for their 4500m race, with Zach Walshe representing the club. A tactical battle over the two laps saw the leading group of four reduce to three. Sticking with the leading group until the last lap, a small gap opened up on the hill, dropping Zach back to 3rd. He held that position to the finish, earning a bronze medal and adding to his bronze from the U20 race last weekend.

That wrapped up the club action for the day. Thanks, as ever, to the parents and coaches for bringing the athletes to the event and supporting them and thanks to Kerry Athletics and Iveragh AC for hosting a very enjoyable event. Well done to all the runners today.

Kerry Juvenile Relays, U20 Cross Country Championships 2024 Report

 By

David Butler, Juvenile Head Coach

Super performances all around today on Day 1 of the county cross country championships!

Wind and rain were the order of the day, but that didn’t deter them. First up was the U20 race, where the men and women ran together on two and a half laps of the challenging course. Zach Walshe was the first club athlete home, winning the bronze medal for 3rd place. Zach will be running in the U18 race next weekend and is primed for another strong performance. Rian Kenny O’Sullivan was the next club athlete across the line, finishing in 6th place. In the women’s race, Caoilinn Kenny O’Sullivan also came home in 6th place. It was great to have three of our older athletes compete, providing inspiration to our juvenile relay teams who would follow them.

As the senior action took place, our relay teams warmed up with the club’s cross country coach, Tom McCarthy. First up was our GU10 team, with Éabha Cowan leading off and putting the team into contention for the medal positions. Lily Mai Scanlon helped maintain that position, and Emma O’Flaherty finished her leg strongly, keeping the girls in a medal position. Holly O'Driscoll, on the anchor leg, brought it home, securing a joint 3rd place and a bronze medal. This was their first time together as a team, and it was fantastic to bring home a medal for their efforts.

Next up was the U10 boys, who were determined not to let the girls have the limelight for too long. U9 athlete James Sheehy led off for the team, putting them into 2nd place before passing the baton to Liam O'Driscoll, who maintained that position. Dara O’Connell took over for the 3rd leg, again keeping the team in 2nd place with a strong performance. Brandon Scanlon finished the race with his trademark kick, securing a silver medal as he opened a nice gap on the team behind them.

The U12 girls raced next, with our quartet of U11 runners stepping up to the challenge. Aisling O'Driscoll was the first runner for the team, working her way through to the midfield. Einin Lawlor took the baton next, showing a good turn of pace. Lelia McCarthy ran a composed 3rd leg, giving her best for her teammates before passing over to Amelia Dineen for the final leg. Amelia faced a tough battle throughout that leg, but she rose to the occasion, sprinting in the last 100m to secure an 11th place overall for the girls.

Our final club action came in the boys' U12 race. Corey O’Carroll, the regular starter for the team, had a strong opening leg, finishing in 2nd place just at the changeover. Conor Slattery followed, extending the gap to 3rd place and working hard to close the gap to 1st before passing to Cody McKenna. Cody showed his speed, keeping the team in 2nd place before Jack Sheehy took over for the last leg. Jack kept his eyes on 1st place while being aware of the competition behind him, and with a strong finish in the last 200m, he secured a silver medal for the team.

Well done to all our athletes on the day! Thank you for representing your club so well. Thanks to the parents for bringing them to the event, especially considering the weather conditions, which likely didn’t hold much appeal that morning. However, experiences like these are very important for the athletes as they prepare for the season ahead. Thank you to the club coaches for preparing the athletes and supporting them on the day

Kerry Cross Country summary - Autumn 2023

 

Week 1

The new athletics season kicked off for our juvenile and junior athletes with the Kerry Athletics Even Ages Cross Country competition. The club was strongly represented with 17 athletics toeing the line. The athlete’s checked in with the coaches at the club gazebo and after warmup the first races started promptly at 10am.

First up was the U10 girls’ race, which included Keeva Kelliher, Roisin Diggins, Lily Mai Scanlon, Amelia Dineen, Leila McCarthy and Einin Lawlor running for St Brendan’s. Every position counts in cross country races and in a field of 30 athletes our girls came through to win a 3rd place bronze team medal for the club. The team was lead home by Keeva Kelliher. A great start to the day and sign of things to come!

Next up was the U10 boys, Jack Sheehy, Fionn Cashell, Daniel Collins and Lucas Neale the quartet who’s scores would be counted for the club. Not found wanted the boys battled their way through the field and came home with a 3rd place bronze medal for the club. Jack Sheehy the first runner home for the club and picked up an individual bronze medal for a top 6 finish.

Hannah Sheehy lined up in the U12 girls race. Hannah who favours the long distance events ran a great race and kept pushing the whole way throughout to keep herself in medal contention. She was unlucky to finish just outside the top 6 medal positions but is looking forward to another race next Sunday.

In the U12 boy’s race, competing for St Brendan’s was Cody McKenna, Corey O’Carroll, Sean Collins and John McCarthy. Just like the races before it this was a very competitive event with every athlete from all clubs giving their best for their team. Corey set the early pace for the club keeping in touch with the top 6 in the first half of the race before Cody took it on to be the first finisher home for the club and the boys combined won another 3rd place bronze medal.

Muireann Lawlor ran out of age in the U14 girls race to get some race practice in ahead of the U13 girl’s race next weekend. A very experienced athlete for the club at county, Munster and National level Muireann ran a composed race and closed off her run with a good turn of pace to finish strongly over the last half a lap.

The final athlete in action for the club on the day was Aaron Horgan who was racing out of age in the U18 boys 5K race. At this point conditions had worsened significantly with driving wind and rain for Aaron to contend with. One of the most experienced cross country runners in the club, Aaron ran a fine race and came home in 5th position overall to win a bronze medal.

 Week 2

First in action for St Brendan’s on the day was our U9 girls, Emma O’Flaherty and Lily Mai Scanlon. Both girls gave their very best in the race and finished inside the top 10 but unfortunately just outside the medal positions in 7th and 9th place respectively.

The next St Brendan’s athletics in action were the clubs U10&U11 girls running in one of the larges races of the day in U11 girls 1500m race. Keeva Kelliher was the first St Brendan’s athlete home and with Lacie Boylan, Amelia Dineen, Einin Lawlor and Lelia McCarthy all giving their best on a tough undulated course.

Eager to get into action on the course the U11 boys who were up next to race in their 1500m. The team members were Corey O’Carroll, Cody McKenna, Jack Sheehy, Ross Scanlon and Christiaan van Niekirk. Ross was making his debut for the club today. The boys worked their way through the field to win a 3rd place bronze team medal with Corey the first St Brendan’s runner home.

Hannah Sheehy was back in action today and stepping up an age group to run in the U13 girls 2500m race. An energy sapping course saw Hannah giving everything she had but she with great determination she kept going and finished strong. A trio of boys represented the club in the U13 2500m race with Alex Blackett, Oisin Fletcher & John McCarthy running. The first county cross country race for Alex and Oisin, with John running out of age the boys worked their way around the course and handled the hills very well with Alex the first club runner just outside the top 10.

Kevin Horgan competed in the U15 boys 3500m race. A competitive and tactical race throughout the field, Kevin used his experience and composure to complete his first cross country race of the season.

The boys and girls in U17 4500m races toed the start line together, over the first half of the race saw Zach and Aaron lead the field as a very interested intraclub battle ensued between the pair. Zach opened a gap in the 2nd half of the race and took first place outright for a gold medal with a very strong run. Aaron came away with a 4 th place bronze medal for his run. Caoilinn Kenny O’Sullivan ran a measured race to keep herself in medal contention throughout and showed good strength on the hills to come through with a 6th place bronze medal.

Rian Kenny O’Sullivan was fast off the start line in the U19 5000m race where 5 big laps was the order of the day. Rian was pleased with a 5th place bronze medal for his run.

Masters

After the juvenile races completed it was time for the masters to get into action. First up for the club was David Kissane running in the 4000m race. David “enjoyed” the hills with thoughts of the hill repeats of the Gallán in Kilmoyley to occupy his mind where he went on to secure his first gold medal in the M70 age category.

In the final race of the day the 7000m masters race, fellow patrons to the Gallán hill were Kilmoyley’s John Culloty and Gerald Carroll with Tom McCarthy the Ardfert man in the

middle as the men won a bronze medal in the M50 category. John Culloty won an individual bronze medal in the M50 age category and the team came 3rd in the team race. A great achievement by the three lads.

Week 3

The final events of the county cross country championships took place in Killarney. Thirteen juvenile athletes represented the club in the relays with one senior athlete running in the novice race.

Up first was the U10 girls team in the 4x500m with Keeva Kelliher getting the team into a top 10 on her leg. The baton then passed to Grace McGuckin making her cross country debut today who kept the position. Next up came Amelia Dineen who pushed hard from the off and maintained the team position. Finally then Emma O’Flaherty, running out of age pushed on right to end to take a place and secure a top 10 finish for the team.

Excitement

Next came the boys U10 team with Fionn Cashell getting the boys into 3rd position on the first leg, Conal Ross (making his debut for the club) held the position and Daniel Collins gained a place to get the team into 2nd place just before the final changeover. The excitement was certainly peaking now as Jack Sheehy took off on the final leg. Jack closed the ground on the lead runner and just coming off the final bend that last sprint for home saw Jack take the final place to get the gold medal. At the podium the boys were joined by Lucas Neale who was the extra runner in reserve today supporting his teammates throughout.

Competing for the club in U12 girls race was Katie Butler who was running the first leg. Lacie Boylan took over the baton for the second leg. Hannah Sheehy was the 3rd runner up and with Keely Flaherty finishing strong for the team. Two of the team were running out of age today but still gave their very best for each other and the club.

Trademark Strong Finish

Over to the U12 boys who were eager to go. Corey O’Carroll, first up for the team with a strong leg to see the boys in the top 3. Seán Collins took over then and kept the momentum up for the team. Cody McKenna took over then to increase the gap between the top 3 and rest of the field to keep the team in medal contention. John McCarthy anchored the team home with a trademark strong finish for the boys to win a bronze team medal.

Waiting on the sidelines for the final race of the day and no doubt inspired by his younger clubmates was Darren Kenny. Darren was running his first cross country race for the club in the 6K men’s novice race. With unseasonably warm conditions for cross country, Darren ran a very solid and consistent race throughout, enjoying the challenge of having switched over from his regular road racing to the grass course. The strength gained will stand him in good stead in the year ahead.

Successful County Cross Country season

That closes out a fine season of county cross country competition for the club with many individual medals won and even more team medals. Thanks to all the coaches for preparing the athletes for competition and supporting their efforts on race day. Thanks for the volunteers in all clubs and Kerry Athletics for three excellent days of competitions.

And finally thanks to parents for bringing the athletes to the competition and most especially the athletes for representing Team St Brendan’s.

David Butler

More pictures on our Facebook page HERE.

Official results on Kerry Athletics website HERE.

KERRY Cross Country results 2018

Results from county cross country championships, September/October 2018.

Kerry Novice & Even Ages - Killarney, 30 September 2018:
U10 Boys: 3rd - Ben O'Connor, 11th - Ruairi Walshe
U12 Boys: 4th - Zach Walshe, 6th - Matthew O'Sullivan
U16 Girls: 5th - Eimear O'Sullivan

Full results HERE. 

Kerry Masters & Uneven Ages - Cahersiveen, 7 October 2018
U9 Boys: 1st - Ben O'Connor
U11 Boys: 4th - Matthew O'Sullivan, 10th - Alex O'Carroll, 16th - Kevin Horgan
U11 Boys Team: 3rd
U13 Boys: 1st - Aaron Horgan
U17 Girls: 3rd - Eimear O'Sullivan

Masters:
Men O35: 2nd - David Butler
Men O45: 4th - Padraig O'Reagan, 6th - Artur Nowak, 7th - Gerald Carroll 
Men O60: 2nd - Willie O'Riordan, 3rd - Paudie Dineen
Men 065: 1st - David Kissane, 2nd - Patrick O'Riordan, 3rd - Martin Butler

Team Masters O35: 
3rd - David Butler, Padraig O'Reagan, Gerald Carroll, Artur Nowak

Team Masters O65:
1st - David Kissane, Patrick O'Riordan, Martin Butler

Team Intermediate:
3rd - David Butler, Padraig O'Reagan, Gerald Carroll, Artur Nowak

Full results for Masters & Juveniles HERE, Intermediate HERE.

Kerry Junior, Senior & Juvenile Relays - Firies, 14 October 2018
U10 Boys: 6th - Kevin Horgan, Ben O'Connor, Conor O'Sullivan, Ruairi Walshe
U12 Boys: 1st - Eoin O'Flaherty, Matthew O'Sullivan, Zach Walshe, Aaron Horgan, Darragh O'Flaherty, Rory O'Halloran.

Full Results HERE.

Kerry Cross Country Championships 2017 - Day 2

Day 2 of Kerry Cross Country Championships took place in Currow, hosted by An Riocht AC.
This time it was turn for juveniles uneven ages, Intermediate and Masters runners.

St.Brendan's AC was represent by following 14 athletes:
Boys U9 - Kevin Horgan, Ruairi Walshe and making his first start in cross country competition Max Fitzgerald

Boys U11 - Zach Walshe, Aaron Horgan, Darragh O'Flaherty, Eoin O'Flaherty and another first timer Ben O'Connor
Boys U13 - Tom O'Flaherty
Girls U15 - Eimear O'Sullivan and Daisy Nowak
Master Women - Moira Horgan & Ursula Barrett
Master Men - Artur Nowak

First race of the day was Women Intermediate & Masters and featuring Ursula Barrett and Moira Horgan, finishing outside medal positions in highly competitive age categories.

Following this race we had 3 boys competing in U9 race over 750m. All St.Brendan's AC athletes did very well with Kevin Horgan placed 3rd and Ruairi Walshe in 5th individually and 3rd in team standing with Max Fitzgerald in the team.

Boys U11 was another very competitive race over 1500m and our club had more success individually and in team competition. Five St.Brendan's AC runners line up at the start of this race. Aaron Horgan took the lead after the first 100m and not let anyone pass him to the finish line winning gold medal. There was more success in this race when Zach Walshe finished 5th (bronze medal) and St.Brendan's AC team place second overall in team standing.

Next race with our club member was Boys U13 with Tom O'Flaherty running 2500m and finishing in the middle of the pack, doing well considering that he just came second in Tralee Junior Parkrun few hours earlier.

The only girls from St.Brendan's AC took part in Girls U15 race over 3500m with Eimear O'Sullivan finishing in excellent 4th place and Daisy Nowak 9th place.

Last race of the day was Men's U17, U19, Intermediate (5000m) and Masters (7000m). St.Brendan's AC had Artur Nowak in Masters men category.

Big congratulations to all athletes who took part and represent our club and all the parents for support of our young and a bit older athletes. 

Gallery of photos on our FB page HERE.

Kerry Cross Country Championships 2017 - Day 1

Kerry Cross Country Championships 2017
 - Day 1, 1 October 2017, Killarney:
Juveniles Even Ages, U23 & Novice
First cross country event of 2017 took place in Killarney.

St.Brendan's AC had a small group of juveniles competing in:
U10 Boys - Matthew O'Sullivan & Kevin Horgan
U12 Boys - Jamie O'Sullivan, Zach Walshe & Aaron Horgan
U12 Girls - Lilly Nowak
U16 Girls - Eimear O'Sullivan

Our juvenile athletes collected 4 medals on the day when Matthew finished 5th in Boys U10, Aaron also 5th in Boys U12, Zach 6th in Boys U12 and Eimear 3rd in Girls U16. Well done also to Kevin on his first cross country competition and Jamie and Lilly on good performances on the day.

In Novice category, St.Brendan's AC was represented by Linda O'Sullivan in Women's race and Declan Sheehan & Artur Nowak in Novice Men.

Gallery of photos HERE

Kerry Seniors & Juveniles Cross Country Relays

Kerry juveniles cross country relays for U10,U12,U14,U16 Boys and Girls , 30 October 2016 in Cahirciveen. Teams of 4 plus 1 sub, distance 4 x 500m for all ages.

U10 born 2007/8

U12 born 2005/6

U14 born 2003/4

U16 born 2001/2

Also Kerry Seniors Cross Country championships on the same day.

Please contact club secretary if interested in going (0877985557).

Kerry Cross Country Championships - Day 2

Second event of the 2016/2017 cross country season took place on Sunday, 
9 October 2016 in Firies, organised by FFMV AC. Weather conditions were very good for this time of the year with sun shining all day long.

This week it was the turn of juveniles uneven ages, Intermediate and Masters athletes.
Day started with Intermediate and Masters Women race over 4500m distance and our club had Linda O'Sullivan (Intermediate), Yvonne Quill and Cathy Quilter (both in Masters O35),Moira Horgan and Kirstie Nowak (both in Masters O45). This was the biggest turnout in cross country event in recent club history and means that St.Brendan's AC had 2 teams competing - Intermediate: Linda, Cathy, Moira, Kirstie & Yvonne and
Masters: Moira, Cathy, Yvonne & Kirstie.

As the rules of Masters categories changed regarding age in Kerry, we have to wait for official results in individual and team placing based on new structure for Masters (O35-44, O45-54, O55-64, O65+). Great performance by all the ladies (some of them did 10K in Killarney the day before!) and the few slips on the course is just part of the fun! Cross country running is not easy and has a huge benefit for overall performance in any other running events.


Juveniles competition started with U9 categories.
St.Brendan's AC was represented in Boys U9 by Matthew O'Sullivan and Kevin Horgan, our youngest athlete on the day in his cross country debut. Both boys did very well with Matthew earning bronze medal, finishing 4th (medals awarded for top 6 in cross country competitions) and Kevin in excellent top 10 position.

Next on the starting line was our team of U11 girls who unfortunately missed official start and had to chase main group almost 1 minute behind from the start line. Despite this early mishap all 4 girls finished the race and deserve big applause for their determination and team spirit to finish this race with smiles on their faces. This was also the first ever cross country race for 3 of the girls from the team: sisters Caragh & Caoilionn Kenny O'Sullivan and Ellie O'Connor. 4th runner on this team, Lilly Nowak was more experienced and managed to move up the field over the 1500m and finished in remarkable 6th place and earned a medal in the process.

After Girls U11 it was turn of Boys U11 and we have one newcomer in cross country running - Jamie O'Sullivan who put a great effort on the day. Aaron Horgan and Zach Walshe stepped up into U11 category and produced another top 10 finish with Aaron placing 5th and Zach in 7th position.

In Girls U13 category we had Daisy Nowak tackling 2500m distance and finishing in a respectable 10th place, getting stronger as the race progressed. Longer distances are definitely more suited to this young athlete.

Our only competitor in Boys U13 was Rian Kenny O'Sullivan also in his first cross country event at the same distance of 2500m. He paced himself very well to finish in comfortable middle of the field position.

Our last juvenile athlete on the day was very experienced (at this stage) Eimear O'Sullivan in Girls U15 category (running a year out of her age which is currently u14). From the very start this was group of 3 runners including Eimear. Girls were running distance of 3500m and our club athlete repeated her result from previous week to finish in 3rd place and a  huge distance ahead of next runner.

Last event of the day was men's Intermediate and Masters race over 7000m.
There were some puzzled faces at the start with Masters age categories changes made in lead up to this competition (O35, O45, O55, O65+).    
This was not made clear before competition started and caused a lot of confusion among participants at the finish line.

St.Brendan's AC welcomed back past member David Kissane from a long break. Together with Pat Sheehy and Artur Nowak, they made up St.Brendan's AC team - another novelty for our club in cross country competition. Both David and Pat stepped up the distance to compete in 7000m race to score for the team - they only had to finish 5000m in they own age category. Not only did they finish the race but managed to finish in medal positions with David getting silver and Pat in bronze medal position, just a few seconds behind in O55 age category. Third team member - Artur Nowak also finished in medal position, finishing 3rd in the debated and confusing O45 age category.

Few pictures from Cross Country competition on our FB page HERE