EVENT REPORT

The annual and long standing Ras na hEireann took place in a change of venue this year, Lawlesstown Dunleer. Dunleer A.C. are the hosts of the Ras and as ever they had another fantastic day of racing. The Ras attracts clubs from all over the country and has a long established tradition. Each year without fail the same clubs make the trip the North East. 

 

We started off at 12 noon with under Girls U9 right the way through the Boys U17 before the adults races. The juvenile races attracted big numbers participating. It was great to see this very traditional XC event still going as strong as ever. Both the juvenile athletes and parents all had a great day of excitement. The atmosphere for each of race made this a very enjoyable family day out. 

 

The adults races consisted of an open 3k for both men and women. This was a less competitive race with the women's 4k and men's 6k offering some real tough XC racing with battles for individual and team prizes at stake. 

 

Kate McDonald of Ballyroan Abbeyleix & District A.C. won the women's 4k for the second year running. Kelly Breen of North East Runners was 2nd and just behind was Karen Costello from the host club Dunleer A.C. The team winners were Dunleer A.C. 

 

The men's 6k was dominated by Eoin Smith of Tara A.C. This was also Eoin's second year in a row to win the men's Ras Na hEireann. Joe Cocomon of Naas. A.C. was 2nd and in 3rd was Eseosa Omoregbe of Dunleer A.C. The team winners were Ballyroan Abbeyleix & District A.C. who had a very successful day in the adults races.