Louth Athletics were hosts to this year's Leinster Even ages, Junior and Novice XC in Bellurgan Park, Dundalk. The good location just off the M1 contributed to a great attendance with over 1,300 registering across all races.
This was real XC racing right from the start. The course itself was constructed superbly by Simon Allen and his team. Then just before the first race (U12 girls) went off and we had torrential heavy rain. This made the conditions tough for the young athletes and for onlookers watching in the heavy rain. This said, it was a great experience with some fine racing.
The excitement was present at all times as we could see the athletes most of the time due to the course layout.
As the day went on and just before the Novice Women's race the weather changed on its head completely from heavy rain to a bright dry spell. It was like 2 different days within minutes. This brought its own problems for athletes as the slushy muddy conditions turned to a sticky glue like surface. Many spikes and shoes belonging to athletes and onlookers disappeared in the ground and will not be seen again.
The Women's Novice race was won in style by St. Coca's A.C. athlete Aoife O'Cuill. She had plenty to spare as she took to the front early on. Trim's Edel Gafney was 2nd with Aine Cotter from local club North East Runners in 3rd.
The club team award went to Dublin City Harriers who have been in superb form over the last 2 years. They have been able to keep the conveyor belt going by producing some fine women athletes. The county team award with 4 to score went to Dublin with Louth 2nd and Meath 3rd
The Men's Novice race was won by Vinny Connolly of Mullingar Harriers. Just like the women's race Vinny took to the front early on, but he had to keep working as team mate Jack Moran was always on his heels. Vinny finished stronger as he opened up the gap in the later stages of the race. In 3rd place was Drogheda & District A.C. 's Liam Mulligan.
The club team went to Sli Cualann of Wicklow. The county team with 6 to score went to Dublin with Louth 2nd and Meath 3rd mirroring the women's team results.
Well done to Louth Athletics for hosting a great event. Whatever weather conditions were thrown up it did not matter as everything was in hand. Athletes in Leinster is looking strong as we look forward to the Un Even and Seniors in November.
