Strong Performances at the Athletics Wicklow Novice Cross Country Championships
Russborough House, Blessington – Sunday, 4th October 2026
Athletes from clubs across County Wicklow gathered at the beautiful grounds of Russborough House, Blessington, on Sunday, 4th October, for the Athletics Wicklow Novice Cross Country Championships. The event provided an excellent opportunity for novice runners to test themselves over the cross country course, with competitive racing in both the women’s and men’s events.
Novice Women
The novice women’s race saw Niamh Brophy of Lakeshore Striders take an impressive individual victory, crossing the finish line in 15:24. Emily Kane of Bray Runners secured second place in 15:37, with Lisa Byrne of Kilcoole completing the individual podium in 16:44.
Laura Ivers of Parnell finished fourth in 17:21, followed by clubmate Emma Barry of Kilcoole in fifth in 17:42. Genna Symes of Parnell placed sixth, with Rebecca Amy Lee of Bray Runners seventh. Rachel Clarke and Sylwia Wojciechowska, both representing Parnell, finished eighth and ninth respectively, while Laura Querl of Lakeshore Striders rounded out the top ten.
The team competition was closely contested, with Parnell claiming first place on 18 points. Kilcoole finished a narrow second with 19 points, followed by Bray Runners in third on 23 points. Lakeshore Striders completed the team standings in fourth place with 26 points.
Parnell’s depth across the field proved decisive, with Laura Ivers, Genna Symes and Rachel Clarke combining for the winning team total. Kilcoole’s consistent performances from Lisa Byrne, Emma Barry and Aoife Nic Shamhrain secured second place, while Bray Runners earned the final podium position through Emily Kane, Rebecca Amy Lee and Helen Carey.
Novice Men
The novice men’s race produced an exciting contest, with Aaron Cullen of Glendalough Harriers crossing the finish line first, ahead of Tom McCarthy of Greystones and District. Ben Butler of Kilcoole finished third overall and was the first athlete among those included in the scoring places, recording a time of 20:41.
Ben Mangan of Parnell finished fourth in 20:56, followed by Darragh Flynn of Kilcoole in fifth in 21:21. Edward Byrne of Parnell took sixth in 21:34, with Finn Buckhart of Parnell seventh in 22:12 and Ben Kinsella of Parnell eighth in 22:23.
Colm Colohan of Inbhear Dee crossed the line ninth, followed by Rían MacMaoláin of Greystones and District in tenth. Neilus Healy and Aubrey O’Neill of Kilcoole finished eleventh and twelfth respectively, while Alex Kirwan of Parnell placed thirteenth.
Further down the field, athletes from clubs including Glendalough Harriers, Bray Runners, St. Benedict Inbhear Mór, Inbhear Dee and Lakeshore Striders demonstrated the breadth of participation in the novice competition.
In the team event, Parnell took the honours with 17 points, led by Ben Mangan, Edward Byrne, Finn Buckhart and Ben Kinsella. Kilcoole finished second with 19 points, with Ben Butler, Darragh Flynn, Neilus Healy and Aubrey O’Neill combining for their team total. Lakeshore Striders secured third place with 60 points, thanks to Shane Conolly, Aaron Browne, Noel Fahey and Kumar Raunak.
Celebrating Novice Athletics
The championships highlighted the value of novice competition in providing runners with the opportunity to experience cross country racing, develop their confidence and represent their clubs. Both races featured determined performances, with close contests among the leading athletes and strong team participation throughout the field.
Congratulations to all the athletes who took part, particularly the individual podium finishers and the teams who secured medals. Events such as these play an important role in encouraging participation, building confidence and strengthening the future of athletics across County Wicklow.
A sincere thank you to everyone involved in organising and supporting the championships, including the officials, volunteers, coaches and families whose efforts help make these events possible.
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