Leinster Intermediate – 9th November 2008

November 9th saw the annual meeting of the Leinster Intermediate CC Races, which was held in a mud bath at Heywood College Abbeyleix Co. Laois. We knew that it was going to be a tough day from the start, when the parking man stop us at the gate saying ‘I think lads ya may park here, the auld field up above is gone soft’, and can I have 5 Euro each as well!.

Well the parking man wasn’t lying, the course didn’t have a blade of grass which makes the performance of our Ladies team remarkable. The Girls team brought home the first gold of the cross country season. Well done to Aoife & Crona Brady, Stephney Bergan & Lisa Dowling. Aoife season is going from strength to strength & she took 1st place to boot. Even at that the twins weren’t finished clearing the place out of medals. They also picked up Gold for Meath in the county competition.

The lads were up next and they had the pleasure of 5 laps in the cold icy blustery conditions. But what else would you be doing on your Sundays, I even heard one of the lads saying the harder the better. But I’m soft & I taught that its was a day beside the fire. Despite the Conditions Ronan Merrick & Ed McEntee battled on to claim 11th & 16th overall. Next in Micky Cunningham marched in 24th spot. Paul Mitchell, James Shanahan. Will & Paul Duffy also had a go & the team as a whole just missed out on a bronze medal. However lads our day will come again.

Race report by Paul Duffy.