Comhghairdeas lenár bhfoireann reathaithe a bhí ag rith ar son na scoile ag na rásaí trastíre an tseachtain seo i mBaile Nua na hArda. Arís eile, ba mhaith linn buíochas mór ó chroí a ghabháil le Siobhán agus Connaire as an tsár-obair a dhéanann siad leis na páistí do na himeachtaí seo.
Full race report from Siobhán Grant:
Bunscoil Demonstrates That Athletics Is More Than Just Running
A dull but mild February morning greeted the 12 runners from Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche as they approached school on Monday morning.
Round 3 of the Flahavan's Cross Country League was on the agenda. The race which was, until 2 weeks ago, due to take place on home turf in Castlewellan had been rearranged to a venue over an hour away in Londonderry Park in Newtownards for reasons we'll never quite understand given the vast options locally in South East Down for Cross Country venues.
This was not well received by local schools who, from the outset when dates were announced in September, had aimed to enter more participants for the Fun Run in Round 3 due to the reduced costs of travel to a local venue. This change of venue would result in this being the most expensive of the three rounds to attend for many of our local schools unless parent volunteers and coaches stepped in. Therefore there were more than a few disappointed young runners in the surrounding area after appeals to address this brought to Athletics NI, failed.
However thanks to the dedication of parent volunteers, coaches and teachers, most local schools got at least a team to the start line.
Venue logistics aside the trip to Newtownards was filled with plenty of craic and banter from the going ons from inside the classroom. Also a hot topic was the previous days races at Delamont where 5 of the team had raced for their club at the McGrady's Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series. Although there were plenty of podium places secured at Delamont, the main goal was the race ahead of them today.
Londonderry Park lacked the uneven surfaces and inclines that the previous 2 rounds had to offer. A flat, bendy and uninspiring route which was essentially just 2 laps of football pitches. Though this would give the team from the Bunscoil mental advantage given that they train on an undulating course.
The squad consisted of a mixture of runners from all three eligible class groups demonstrating the selection process during trials was open to everyone and the best runners made the cut irrespective of age.Toeing the line, Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche lead runners this year, Saorlaith McAleenan and Harry McVeigh both knew that they had already qualified for the finals in Mallusk after outstanding races in previous rounds. Knowing that their place was secure, the clear instructions from the coach were very simple, just enjoy it.
This rather abnormal race tactic received strange looks but it was obvious that any nerves immediately melted away and Saorlaith settled into the race, using her positioning on the far right to cut in front of the large field, sitting in the lead group the whole way around. Some would forgive her for dropping down a gear or two after a masterclass in XC running at Delamont the day before for Newcastle AC though the fight was strong as she entered the final 150m where she dug deep to make up ground on the runner in front and to take over her in the dying stages of the race demonstrating that finishing on the podium can also be fun and can be enjoyed as she took 2nd place overall.
There is a lot to be said of this particular girls squad. Solid running throughout the competition and carving a place for themselves within the first half of the results table. With Méadhbha Pickering, the only non-P7 of the group, she holds the responsibility of leading a new cohort of runners over the next year which given her performances over the three rounds proves that she will be an excellent leader and inspiration to those coming behind her as this team evolves over the coming years. Along with Emer Quinn, Aoife Grant, Caoimhe Ferris and Halle Flanagan they ensured that through dedicated team work, support and encouragement that the school would be proud of their achievements in the competition this year.
The boys race witnessed a change in tactics from Harry McVeigh. Those looking on would have thought for the majority of the race that there was an invisible line attaching the two McVeigh boys together as Connaire óg followed his brother closely for a good portion of the race. Harry is clearly going to be the runner to beat in the next two years within this competition, even on the start line a runner from a neighbouring school, who plays on the same football team as Harry went “ah no, I’ve no chance and he’s only P5” when he spotted him toeing the line. He was soon reminded by the Bunscoil Boys that he was lining up as the fastest boy in his school and to not forget that. A perfect example of the level of respect that is displayed by fellow athletes within the sport, even on a start line. Harry did what he was told and enjoyed the race taking 5th place overall with a steady and controlled run. Connaire Óg, still on a high after a notable run at Delamont, went to a place deep inside of himself to ensure that everything was left out there on the route, securing a top ten finish and finishing to rapturous applause at the finish line. Rossa McAleenan, has made his mark in this series and on young legs used this series as practice for next year as he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and sister to the Ulster Finals next year. Rian Doyle, Darragh Rodgers and Rory Quinn demonstrated great grit, determination and resilience as they navigated a strong field of runners over the 1400m course.
It is said that sport and competition can bring out the worst in people, whether that is as a participant or a spectator. Yet there is nothing that can outshine the achievements of those young athletes today from Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche. The joy that running brings to them, the craic they have in training around Bunkers Hill, the road trips to and from the races, how they inspire the younger generations coming behind them and of course how proud they make the staff and families of the school.
The school would like to also thank the Burrendale for supplying the traveling flask of Hot Chocolate for our runners and to Parent Michelle Mc Aleenan for the hot dogs which were a welcomed addition to the day.
Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche would also like to extend their congratulations to the runners in our local schools, St.Malachy's Primary School, Castlewellan, St. Joseph's Primary School, Carnacavill, St Mary’s Primary School, Newcastle and specifically to Emily Kerr from Newcastle Primary who became an honorary member of the Bunscoil over the series. Every single one of them have really helped put athletics in South East Down on the map and are a credit to their schools.
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