National Novice Cross Country

On Saturday at the Irish National Novices Cross Country Championships we had 7 Crusaders running with Alan O'Brien winning the men's Irish senior title. Alan is the first Crusader to win this title .

On a mucky and hilly course, Alan was completly comfortable throughout. He queried with the crowd (yes he did!!) whether he was on the last lap before kicking with 500 m to go, to easily win his first Irish Championship. Rob Cross ran his usual very gusty race and Alan Johnson finished despite twisting his ankle on the first lap.

Aoife Joyce led the Ladies team home of Niamh Boland (on a break from Poland), Bronagh Gavigan (welcome back to competion, Bronagh) and Rachel Watters.

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Young Crusaders start their Cross Country Season in Style

Thirteen of our new young members took part in their first cross country competition on Saturday last at Magazine Hill in the Phoenix Park. Accompanied by their families and coaches, Moira and Roy, they waited in the blustery, but fortunately dry, weather for the start of their events. All were anxious as they did not know what to expect or how to run the race. Nerves were very evident in them all but these dissolved once their races started.

All ran brilliantly, tried their best and dug deep within themselves to produce great performances against athletes who have been competing and training for many more years than our young ones. Once they had finished their own races they then ran round the course many more times to support their club team-mates.

The new juvenile club took their first brave step and they made their coaches extremely proud with their determined efforts and their wholehearted support of anyone in Crusaders. It was wonderful to watch the start of the camaraderie in the junior club. As Roy said ‘if prizes were to be given for team spirit we'd have cleaned up’.
Congratulations to all and many thanks for giving us a great day. Also thanks to the parents who came out to support and to Moya who took such wonderful photographs which capture the moment beautifully.

Those who competed were U15 – Fiachra Thirroueiz, U13 boys - Kevin Woods and Matthew Behan, U13 girls - Amy Tyrell, U12 - Orla Murray, Grainne McGuill, Rachel Maher and Ciara Barry, U11 - Niamh Ferry, Juliet Storan and Isabel O’Leary,
U10 Ella Thirroueiz and Roisin McGuill.

Keep an eye on the site for photos over the coming days..

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Intermediate gold for Alan and a team silver.

The Dublin Intermediates Cross Country took place on Sunday, with some more great runs from the Crusaders crew. Alan O'Brien had another big win, winning a fascinating duel with rival Thomas Fitzpatrick from the Tallaght club to take the Dublin title. The men's team had a hugely impressive medal winning performance, earning a team silver over some big names such as Clonliffe and Raheny. In addition to Alan, the team was comprised of Rob Cross, Ivan Kinahan, Colin Johnson, Sean Curran, Ritchie and Rob Healy and Tom Kelly. Great performance guys, take a bow! We may have been thin on the ground in the women's race but Aoife Joyce finished in a very commendable 4th place.

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