The Striders were in action for the second week in a row, as they continued preparations for the upcoming cross country season. Leading us off, in his first ever race was Aaron Lennon, who earned a top ten spot in the tiny tots race. Both Isabella O’Connor and Laura Murphy followed up good performances last week to finish with the leading group. Over 500m, in the U9 age group, both Anna Murphy and Cormac Delaney ran really well to finish in the top ten. Katie Costello was our sole representative in her age group and did very well on her first cross country run of the season. Sean Lennon, in third place, led our BU12 team, that included Sam Myers, Olan Delaney, Tomasso Hickey, Luca O’Connor and Danny Costello to a team gold. Aisling Ryan and Isabel Bawden, as always, ran solid races to kick start their seasons on a high. The BU14 race was a profitable one, with Myles Hewlett winning ahead of third placed Owen Lennon. Oisin MacEochaidh and Ben Myers secured a team gold with their fifth and sixth placed finishes. 
At the U16 age group Catriona Ryan placed a good fourth position and Adam O’Connor and Cian Flanagan finished second and third, respectively behind the national outdoor champion. To round off a really good day, Rebecca Bawden finished second in the Ladies Junior race, Aeden Roger first in the Mens Junior race and George Delaney was a decisive winner of the Men’s race.
There was more excitement after the final race, when the Striders were announced the second placed club in the shield competition, for best club. Well done to all Striders who participated and to DMP, who were very deserving best club, on the day. Thanks and congratulations to all at Taghmon AC who hosted a great event.
