It takes hard work, commitment and time to compete at All-Ireland level and that was certainly evident by LAC athletes who competed in the National Championship held in Navan.
In what was tough conditions, with on-going rain causing the grounds to be wet and Muddy had the athletes faced with tricky weather conditions and strong winds but they all ran proudly in their black and amber colours.
The first race of the day was the U11 girls. The six LAC girls ran with heart and determination, showing no fear in amongst a field of over 190 girls.
Emma Bonar, who has had a very successful cross-country season, continued her top performance and ran a superb race and kept good consistent pace with the leading pack to finish in 7th position earning an individual All-Ireland medal.
Emma was also the second counter on the Ulster team, winning a silver medal as well.
Sophie Ellis, Sophie McLaughlin, who competed in her first All-Ireland, Katie Elliott, Ita McGee and Jade Gallagher all ran well finishing in the middle of the pack resulted in the team placing 7th overall.
It was a day of success for the U11 boys. This group of boys are only getting faster and stronger and showed great determination amongst each other.
Harry Shiels, the Ulster Champion 2018, ran a real gutsy race, leading the field for his team, holding his own, up in close pursuit along with the leaders, moving strong up the hill into the finish line in 9th position and first counter for his team.
Next home was Daragh Naughton, who put in a top notch performance running out of age and finished 40th, and another good run from Jack Robinson in 50th,Bradley Boyle 67th out of his age Danny McKinley 143th,and Callum Mcgilloway 150th, gave the boys a result of team bronze national medals.
The U13 boys all put in fine individual performances with Philip McGee finishing in 24th position with a strong run and the 4th counter on the Ulster team who won bronze Medals.
Alex Plumb, Charlie Robinson, Cianan Coyle all finished well. Eoghan Farren had to pull out of the race due to illness.
Mark Galvin missed his debut at the nationals due to illness but Mark has had a great cross country season and has accumulated a number of medals.
Chloe Shiels and Katie McGee lined out in the U15 girls race. Both girls got off to a good start, making their way through the hilly course, displaying steady strides and Finishing in good strong positions.
The U15 Boys – Evan Keown, Oran Kelly, Billy Black and Christopher Murray – ran in amongst a strong field of competitors, but each of the boys ran strong individual races.
Mollie Page had a good performance in the u17 Girls race and had a good finish.
Last race of the day for the LAC Juveniles was the U17 Boys.
Jack Holian, running out of his age, ran with great dedication and looked very comfortable over the 4500km, giving it a good gutsy performance and coming in to the finish in a fine 21st position.
Oisin Farren and Ryan Canning displayed good running and crossed the line along with the middle of the pack.
That brings the closing to the 2018 ross-country season and was certainly a good one for each of the athletes.
