The Munster Juvenile Even Age Cross Country Championships were held yesterday at a windswept Turnpike in County Tipperary. 17 young Leevale athletes braved the elements. Despite the inclement weather the course was in good condition.
The Girls U14 1200m race proved to be one of the most exciting races of the day. Leevale’s Shauna Fagan started out at her usual fast front running pace but was followed closely by Niamh Markham of Ennis Track. On the back of the course into a strong headwind Shauna tried hard to shake off her dogged rival as both battled stride for stride. Then with about 500 metres to go the Clare girl hit the front. Her lead was short lived, however, and with 300 metres to go Shauna launched her final effort to come home a convincing winner.
Luke Horgan and Peter Fagan both put in tremendous performances in the Boys U12 race, finishing 4th and 6th respectively. They were both on the victorous Cork team and now qualify for the All Irelands on both the Cork and Munster teams.
In the Girls U10 Eabha Hegarthy finished 5th, was a member of the victorious Cork team, and led her Leevale team to 4th position. In the Girls U12 Louise Shanahan finished 7th and was a member of the Cork team that finished 2nd, and was delighted to get on the Munster team for the All Irelands.
In the Novice Mens, mountain runner Kieran Collins had his first taste of cross country and finished in a very creditable 40th position.
Well done to all our athletes.
LEEVALE RESULTS:
| Athlete | Position | |
| BU12 | ||
| Luke Horgan | 4 | |
| Peter Fagan | 6 | |
| Ferdia Coughlan | 48 | |
| GU10 | ||
| (4th Team) | Eabha Hegarty | 5 |
| Aoife Kiely | 26 | |
| Emma Brennnan | 43 | |
| Aisling Hegarty | 65 | |
| Íde Ní Dheasmhúnaigh | 66 | |
| GU12 | ||
| (7th Team) | Louise Shanahan | 7 |
| Eirne Ní Dheasmhúnaigh | 32 | |
| Lorna Bateman | 42 | |
| Martha Semchiy | 64 | |
| Danielle O’Brien | 93 | |
| Gráinne Kerrish | 94 | |
| GU14 | Shauna Fagan | 1 |
| Ava Murphy | 35 | |
| Mica O’Callaghan-Maher | 87 |