The Boys u14 had already created a small bit of club history by being the first team to qualify for the All-Ireland Cross Country. 5 of the boys had ran their first cross-country race only last month so qualifying was an achievement in itself but it was the team’s focus and commitment to training over the past 6 weeks which was most impressive. Extra sessions on Paddys Hills and Fr Collins Park tempo runs on Wednesday nights as well saw the boys improve massively over the past 6 weeks,
It was that hard work that saw the boys run out of the skins to claim an 8th place team finish in the Club Championship. Considering they had come 4th team in the Dublin Regionals, with 4 other Regions all with 4 teams qualifying, a Top 15 team finish would have been a good debut. In addition to Club teams, there County and Regions teams and in the end over 150 of the best u14 Boys in Ireland lined up for the 3km course.
But from each of the 6 boys, they ran with bravery and guts, despite setbacks of lost spikes and muddy falls, on a true cross-country course of mud and water.
Well done to the boys and their Parents for the unwavering support over the past 6 weeks.
Team was Max, Senan, Alex, Josh, Cillian (who ran most of the race with one shoe) and Oran.
Clongriffin AC 