Táimid an-bhródúil as na páistí a chuaigh chuig an reathaíocht trastíre Dé Luain ar son na scoile. Bhí ar na páistí triail a dhéanamh le bheith ar an fhoireann trastíre seo agus d'oibrigh siad go crua agus iad ag cleachtadh don chomórtas seo. Caithfimid buíochas a ghabháil leis na tuismitheoirí a tháinig le cuidiú le síobanna agus le tacú leis na páistí. Ba mhaith linn buíochas speisialta mór a ghabháil le Siobhán agus le Connaire as an obair mhór a chuir siad beirt isteach ag ullmhú na ndaltaí agus ag cláru na bhfoirní don rás seo. Táimid ag dúil go mór leis an chéad cheann eile!
We're very proud of the pupils who went to represent our school at the first cross-country meet this year on Monday. The pupils had to compete in a trial around Bunkers Hill first of all to earn their place on the team, and they worked hard in practice sessions since then for this race. We must thank all the parents who came along to help with lifts and to support the children. We'd like to extend a special thanks to Siobhán and to Connaire for all of their work in getting the children ready for this race and for registering our teams. We're really looking forward to the next race!
Here's a piece written by parent and cross-country coach Siobhán - bainigí sult as:
Its that time of year again, when the girls braid the hair tight and the lads prepare to embrace the mud, that's right we hit the Flahavans Cross Country League with the same gusto as always.
The new cohort of Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche runners where ready to step out of the shadows of the previously successful squad and create their own legacy. With some runners returning as the experienced squad members in addition to a number of fresh legs who where chomping at the bit to get stuck in.
One of those sets of fresh legs was none other than Harry McVeigh who has already made a name for himself running for Newcastle AC this year at U10 level. A junior in this team, he lead the charge in the boys race, running a conservative first 200m to save himself for the assault at the end where he ran a phenomenal second half to secure 2nd place. To achieve this with three years to participate in the competition confirms he will be the one to beat right up until 2024.
He was soon followed by brother Connaire Óg who ran a smart race and used his experience to pick off over 10 runners in the final straight. Rossa McAleenan, another fresh pair of P5 legs, put in the race of his life, navigating through the pack to the end.
Caolan Rice and Rian Doyle kept eachother going and pushed right to the end. Michael Gorman brought it home for the team, fresh off a superb parkrun PB at the weekend. He gave the most amazing pre race group huddle with the boys focusing on support, achievement and energised the boys for their race. The boys team finished 8th overall.
The girls didn't disappoint and on the line they where heard reminding themselves that this course is nothing on Bunkers Hill. They where more than ready for the 1000m of mud, trail, grass and cheers from hundreds of other children.
Saorlaith McAleenan lead the team out and has shown that her experience from making the NI Finals last year has stood by her as her finishing 100m she gained several places as others faded for an amazing 4th place finish. She was quickly followed by Méadhbha Pickering who has really improved over the past year and gracefully glided around the course to take 19th place.
Caoimhe Ferris unboxed a hidden talent as she powered around to take 62nd place and put her XC talents fully on display. Clodagh Mc Cay and Aoife Grant showed team work makes the dream work to come in one after eachother encouraging eachother on the whole way around.
Late addition, Halle Flannagan was the personification of resilience and determination as she brought it home for the girls for an overall 8th place finish.
The team is warmed up and have sampled what delights are ahead for this year's league. The baseline is set and from here things will only get better.
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