Sportsworld gang perform superbly at Castleknock

Castleknock, Saturday October 10th – There was a strong Sportsworld turnout at Castleknock for the BHAA Teacher’s cross country race. The race is so titled because one of the BHAA members is a teacher at the school more famed for its rugby than its athletics. Without the help from his pupils (mainly non-exam students from 2nd & 5th years) at registration, stewarding and catering this race would not have taken place. Taking place in ideal conditions – a grand soft morning with not a puff of wind, the simultaneous start saw women competing over 2m and men over 4m. The flatter than a pancake course took place around the perimeters of the 5 rugby pitches within the grounds of this well renowned school, with over 150 finishers.

Performance of the day went to Lucy in the women’s race where she took 2nd place, and admitted afterwards that she could have caught the winner Fiona Reid, but such races are not meant for busting your guts. Lucy was followed closely by a determined Helen. Next up were Stephanie, Tara and Sandra, all running in the 13s, with the latter showing off her beautiful new little daughter after it. Edel completed the Sportsworld contingent in the shorter race. Tara helped her team to win, while Edel also collected a team prize as her company came 3rd. Helen, Lucy and Sandra picked up individual prizes.

Women’s 2m XC

Position Name Category Company Time
1 Fiona Reid Senior Teachers 12:21
2 (1) Lucy D’Arcy F40 12:25
4 (2) Helen White F40 12:29
6 Stephanie Bergin Senior AIB 13:21
10 Tara Whyte Senior Teachers 13:49
14 (2) Sandra Armstrong F35 Dublin Hospitals 13:51
30 (7) Edel O Connell F35 Irish Life & Permanent 17:34

The men’s race was won by recent Irish international and track star Rob Connoly. The DSD man (who hasn’t competed in over a year) admitted to being 10 kg overweight, but it didn’t matter because class is permanent. We had two club men in the top 5 – Paul & Phil, performing magnificently; and 3 in the top 20 (Packie). The latter helped his team (the DIT) to 2nd place. Kathleen’s husband Declan wasn’t far behind. Brian and Killian were the next Sportsworld men in, both running in the 28s.

Men’s 4m XC

Position Name Category Company Time
1 Rob Connoly Senior 20:30
4 Paul O’Connell Senior 21:49
5 Phil Kilganon Senior 21:52
20 Packie Enright Senior DIT 23:47
26 Declan Horgan Senior Intel 24:23
70 Brian Conway Senior NUIM 28:40
73 (10) Killian McMorrow M50 Law Library 28:49

Report by Packie