Young Athletes Impress at Wicklow B Cross Country Championships

Avondale Forest Park hosted the Athletics Wicklow B Cross Country Championships on Sunday, December 14, with young athletes from across the county delivering a series of standout performances in challenging winter conditions.

Girls’ Races

In the Girls Under 9 race, Bekaa Dorney of Greystones & District took individual honours, while Lakeshore Striders claimed the team title. Nancy Moran led the scoring for the Striders, supported by Elle Woods, Ellis Egan and Keira Clarke.

The Girls Under 11 championship was won by Mollie Dixon of St. Benedict Inbhear Mór, who also guided her club to team gold. Strong performances from Isabel McCallion, Kornelia Naroznik and Maebh McDermot secured a convincing team victory.

Libby Dillon (St. Benedict Inbhear Mór) was the individual winner in the Girls Under 13 race, but it was Inbhear Dee who topped the team standings, led by Aylah Haviv, Aisling Colohan, Brannagh Maher and Kate Quinn.

In the Girls Under 15 category, Parnell AC dominated both individually and as a team. Ciara Winterbotham led home clubmates Lily O’Toole and Lily Belton to secure team gold.

The Girls Under 17 race was won by Aoibheann O’Brien of Inbhear Dee, ahead of Cebhfionn O’Lynn (Parnell) and Emma Kellu Harney (Lakeshore Striders).

Boys’ Races

The Boys Under 9 team title went to St. Benedict Inbhear Mór, with Inbhear Dee finishing close behind.

In the Under 11 category, Aughrim AC emerged victorious in the team competition, led by Michael O’Brien and Kevin Driver.

In the Boys Under 13 race, Shane O’Sullivan finished as the leading scorer and helped Inbhear Dee secure the team title ahead of Lakeshore Striders.

The Boys Under 15 championship saw Eoghán O’Reilly claim individual gold and lead St. Benedict Inbhear Mór to a dominant team win.

The final race of the day, the Boys Under 17, produced a Lakeshore Striders one-two, with Jude Connolly taking the win ahead of clubmate Liam Teague.

A Strong Day for Wicklow Athletics

With strong representation from clubs across the county and excellent performances in all age groups, the Wicklow B Cross Country Championships once again highlighted the depth of emerging talent in juvenile athletics and provided valuable championship experience for athletes early in their competitive careers.