The Cork senior and junior cross country championships were held at Inchigeelagh on Sunday. Torrential showers were the order of the day, with the junior men’s race almost a wash out. Underfoot conditions were surprisingly soft and muddy in places.
Mark Hanrahan made his debut in the senior race over 10k and looked both at home and at ease there. Leading from the start he went back towards the end of the second lap when a cramp disrupted his plans and pushed him back from first to fifth. However, he did recover and set about chasing the leaders over the last two of the five laps. His effort was worthwhile as it brought him up to finish third behind East Cork pair of Donncha O’Mahony (winning his fifth Cork title) and Fergus Meade who was in inspired form on the day. Fourth was Brian McMahon and fifth Garrett Barry.
Cillian O’Tuama was 12th, Damien Collins 26th, Ronan Crowley 31st and Jerry Murphy completed yet another county championship – should be about thirty consecutive counties by now! Leevale were fourth team behind East Cork, North cork and Togher.
Carmel Parnell ran another terrific race to finish third in the senior women’s race, a race that featured a great head-to-head between Freda Davoren and Louise Cavanagh, with the latter giving way only in the closing stages.
Ciaran O’Lionaird, running on the family farm, ran another super race, winning the battle with Timmy O’Donoghue for second place behind Jamie McCarthy. The race was, however, won by guest runner Andrew Ledwith who stormed clear of the field at halfway. Ciaran, BTW, had an operation on Friday to remove a pin from the arm he broke in August!!
Also in action were Keith Linehan in 5th, Thomas Maunsell 6th, John Shine 7th and Richard O’Connor 11th to give them the team title.
Well done to everyone who competed, and well done to West Muskerry for a well organised championships as well as a good feed afterwards.
(Results)