Saturday last, March 11, saw the closing event of the schools cross country competition, the qualifier for the International competition due to be held in Liverpool in the coming weeks.
The event took place at SETU (South Eastern Technical University) Waterford.
It was a wet and windy day to start, with very wet conditions under foot after the previous days rain.
Schools from all corners of the island descended on the Waterford campus.
The long grass and wet conditions soon gave way to patches of extreme muck on the course as the races set off.
Laois was represented at this event with five athletes bearing their schools bibs.
In the Minor Girls, Eliza McLoughlin of Coláiste Iosagáin Portarlington (who runs with Oughaval AC) fielded amidst 80 plus competitors. On a tough course of gradients and descents over a 2km stretch, she finished in 25th position.
Her sister Katie McLoughlin of Oughaval AC also represented Coláiste Iosagain Portarlington and fielded in the Junior Girls competition, finishing in an impressive 10th position.
David Wajrak ran for St. Mary’s CBS Portlaoise in the Junior Boys, finishing in 25th place.
Rachel Ayres who ran for St. Leo’s in Carlow (a member of St. Abban’s AC ) finished 4th in the Intermediate Girls, securing her place in the upcoming International Competition in Liverpool.
Running for Heywood College Faye McEvoy fielded among over 80 athletes in the Senior Girls, Faye runs with Ballyroan Abbeyleix AC.
All athletes ran excellent races and battled with the best athletes in the country.
This event brings to a close the cross country schools series.
SEE ALSO – Laois family celebrate triple Mother’s Day delight
