East Cork Senior and Masters XC - September 19th, 2021 Conna

East Cork Senior and Masters XC - Golden Oldie Tim still flying high​:

The East Cork Senior and Master XC championships were held in Conna again this year curtesy of host Frank Hayes. Unfortunately numbers were down quite a lot on last years bumper entries but we were still treated to high quality races.

Tim might have some grey flecks in the hair, bags under the eyes and some mileage in the tank now but he still showed who was boss, literally winning the race by a country field! The intent was laid bare from the start, the challenge thrown down to the field "Hang with me at this pace for 6k if you dare". Young Paul Hartnett who was aiming to improve on his 2nd position from last year was the only person brave enough to go with Tims pace from the gun. Paul who is still a Junior will no doubt be a future winner at the East Cork but had to settle again for 2nd. Tims winning time of 19.23 was 85 seconds clear of Pauls 20.48.

James and Nicky have been nip and tuck battling against each other all summer on the road and track so cross county bragging rights were up for grabs. Nicky took the pace out for the first few laps before the wily old fox James got a gap just after half way and clinched 3rd in 21.35 with Nicky in 4th just behind in 21.46. John Hennessy of Midleton AC split up the East Cork strangle hold on the individual positions finishing in 5th. Donal was 6th overall (22.20) and satisfaction was etched on his face with his 9 second advantage on rival Stephen who was 7th in 22.29. This also got Donal the final M35 individual medal. Denis was 29th overall in 30.20. We won the Senior mens team (Tim, Paul, James and Nicky) and the M35 team (Tim, James, Donal and Stephen).

Avril was the sole lady running for us on Sunday and she claimed an individual silver in the F45 category. Completing the 4000m course in 19.19. Well done Avril.

County Seniors:

Up next in 2 weeks is the County Seniors on October 3rd. This is on in Riverstick and the more we have running the better. We have a good team history in the mens race and would like to put our best team out on the day.