Ras na hEireann

louth | miscellaneous | news report Sunday February 04, 2007 19:34 by Sean Crudden - Cooley Environmental and Health Group sean.crudden at iol dot ie Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth. 087 9739945

Cross-Country Running in Termonfeckin

Athletes, trainers, mammies and daddies and fans from many parts of the world - notably Africa, Poland, England, Scotland, France and the USA - gathered for a cross-country running meet in St Fechins' GAA grounds in Termonfeckin today. The meeting kicked off at 12.00 noon with underage races. The men's and the women's race took place on either side of 3.00 p.m.

The track was fast and flat and it did not churn up despite the many races which took place on the day.

From left: Noria Sbanda, Cynthia Dlamini, Precious Mnisi - all from South Africa at the Ras this afternoon.

Very impressive performances were put up by the winners of the Boys u-19 event, the Girls u-19 event both of them run-away winners. The men's race was tightly contested up to the end but Rosemary Ryan had a relatively easy victory in the women's race. This was her first win (after a few previous attempts) in the Ras. Seamus Power the men's winner won the race previously in 2005.

Possibly the most exciting moment in the meeting was when Cindy Kruger came from behind with a driving finish to clinch the silver medal in the u-19 girls' event.

A group of South African athletes sitting on the wall at St Fechins' sports field in Termonfeckin.

Daire McConnon, Ardee, winner of the u-11 race. Daire is only 9 his mother told me so obviously his training will lesd him to greater things.

U-11 winners on the podium at Ras na hEireann.

Geraldine Keenan and son Patrick - a medal winner. And Seamus Rice, Jenkinstown, with son Daniel.