Wicklow’s Young Athletes Shine at 2025 Uneven Ages Cross Country Championships

Strong performances and club rivalries at Avondale Forest Park

Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum – Sunday, October 12, 2025

Wicklow’s next generation of runners turned out in force for the Athletics Wicklow Uneven Ages Cross Country Championships, held in the scenic surrounds of Avondale Forest Park. With over a dozen clubs represented and perfect early-autumn conditions underfoot, the event showcased the depth of talent developing across the county’s athletics scene.

Girls’ Races – Parnell and Inbhear Dee Lead the Charge

The day began with the youngest competitors in the Girls U7 (150m) sprint. Skye Harris of Parnell A.C. was quickest to the line, followed by Penny Sheridan (Kilcoole A.C.) and Esme Kelly (Lakeshore Striders). In the U9 Girls (800m), Greystones & District made their mark with a one-two finish — Bekaa Dorney taking gold ahead of teammate Jane Marmo, while Aine O’Brien (Aughrim) secured a strong third-place finish.

The U11 Girls (1,500m) saw Jessica Place (Bray Runners) claim victory in impressive fashion. Izzy Kilroy (St. Benedict Inbhear Mór) and Myá Mlisana (Kilcoole) completed the podium after a competitive race. At U13 level (2,500m), Parnell’s Louisa Martin produced a commanding run to win ahead of Niamh Graham (Bray Runners) and Ciara Fay (Kilcoole).

Team strength was evident from Parnell, with three runners in the top eight.

Inbhear Dee enjoyed a spectacular sweep in the U15 Girls (3,500m), as Summer Fitzsimons, Hope Dumas, and Saorla Hartley crossed the line in first, second, and third. Greystones’ Emilia Fox and Kilcoole’s Neasa Kenny rounded out the top five.

In the older categories, Parnell A.C. continued to dominate. Lara Buck led home the U17 Girls (4,500m) from Jessica Barrie (Kilcoole) and teammate Layla Marie Dixon, while Naomi Wall (Kilcoole) claimed gold in the U19 race, ahead of Alaoise Geraghty and Ailish Hanavan, both of Parnell.

Boys’ Races – Inbhear Dee and Lakeshore Striders Impress

The U7 Boys (150m) race got the crowd cheering early as Eoin O’Dwyer (Bray Runners) sprinted clear for victory, chased home by Kade Egan (Lakeshore Striders) and Logan O’Brien (Roundwood & District).In one of the standout performances of the day, Lakeshore Striders completed a podium sweep in the U9 Boys (800m), led by Damhan Behan, Reggie Querl, and Noah Eager. Jonah Holly (Tomnafinnogue) and Ben Martin (Parnell) followed in close pursuit.

James Doyle (Greystones & District) produced a strong front-running display to win the U11 Boys (1,500m), holding off Fionn Redmond (Parnell) and teammate Jamie Santry.

In the U13 Boys (2,500m), Parnell’s Devin Sheehan set the pace to take gold, ahead of Rowan Geraghty (Greystones & District) and Oisín Kelly (Roundwood & District).

Inbhear Dee once again proved formidable in the U15 Boys (3,500m), with Daniel Clarke taking victory and teammates Charlie Seery-Freir and Charlie Carpenter finishing close behind.

The U17 Boys (4,500m) title went to Ethan Bramhill (Greystones & District), who crossed the line ahead of Johann Schmitt (Bray Runners) and Côme Ledru Larsonneur (Kilcoole).

Closing the day, Inbhear Dee A.C. sealed a perfect finish in the U19 Boys (4,500m), sweeping the top four spots. Aaron Fitzsimons, Cillian O’Sullivan, Liam Reville, and Harris Bremner were simply unstoppable, earning their club one of the most dominant team performances in recent memory.