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28 November, 2009

<a href="http://www.flickr.com:80/photos/lindie/sets/72157603999952139/"> Photos </a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24280411@N06/sets/72157604320463169"> More photos </a>

Strong individual performances by Emmet Jennings (Oatlands College) in the Intermediate boys and Michael Dowling (Scoil Congeas, Baltinglass) in the senior race were the highlight of the Leinster Schools Mountain Running Championships held at St. Columba?s College on Wednesday the 27th February 2008. The pair had convincing wins and will be strong contenders in the Irish Schools Mountain Championships on 12th March in Cork.

160 enthusiastic runners lined out on a fantastic Spring day for the six Leinster school races held over the tricky terrain on Kilmashogue mountain in Dublin.

The Junior girls were the first race and they didn?t disappoint. It was a very close race with Rachel Crossan of Loreto Foxrock pulling away at the finish, with Colaiste Iosogain's Megan Ni Riain and Sorchan Ni Unfraidh battling all the way to the finish for 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Megan had been a clear early leader, but lost some ground midway through the race with a wrong turn, and then showed great character to come back through the field for the silver medal. There was great excitement as Colaiste Iosogain picked up first and second teams in the junior girls, with Loreto Foxrock taking third team.

The junior boy?s race was the largest field and most exciting race of the day. Another close race saw Colaiste Eoin securing the first team with Oisin O?Frighil taking top spot and Killian O?Mhaonaigh taking third. Brian Carolan of St Benildus came in second place, leading his team to a second place. St. Peters Dunboyne scored well to take the third team.

Loreto Foxrock team mates Laura Hannigan, Carol Huet and Aisling Walsh ran away with the Intermediate girl?s race. Carol was a member of the Irish junior team in the 2007 World Trophy. Helen Comerford came in 6th place to ensure that Loreto Foxrock secured the first team prize. St. Peter?s Dunboyne girls ran well to secure second team.

In the Intermediate boys race, Emmet Jennings had a great win with James Egan of St Benildus taking second place and Fergal Delaney from St. Mary?s Carlow taking bronze. The team event was the closest of the day, with St. Peter's Dunboyne from county Meath just snatching gold from Carlow?s St. Mary's Knockbeg. A bronze in the team event kicked off Blackrock?s first medals of the day.

Unfortunately the numbers were lower in the Senior Girls, but this didn?t stop the girls giving their best with Kate Prendergast of Loreto Foxrock taking gold. Sarah Wilson of St Columba?s used her local knowledge to full advantage to take silver and Mary Buckley took the bronze home to Dunboyne.

Michael Dowling Scoil Congeas ran a confident race from the start, for a strong win in a competitive Senior Boys race. Michael represented Ireland in 2007 in the European mountain running championships. Richard Owens from Blackrock college took the silver with Enna Bailey of Ashbourne Community College taking bronze. Blackrock college won the team event with St. Mary?s Knockbeg taking silver back to Carlow.

Congratulations to all runners whose enthusiasm and courage made the event very enjoyable for spectators and event organisers. Thanks to all the teachers who supported the event and chased their students around the mountain to make sure they got to the start in time for their races! Finally a special thanks to the staff of St. Columba?s college for all their assistance before and during the event.

After a fantastic day, we are all looking forward to getting down to Millstreet for the Irish Schools in March. Teams will be selected to represent Ireland in the World Youths Challenge in Italy in June. Athletes born in 1991 and 1992 are eligible for selection on these teams. Well done everyone!
<p>
<b> Junior girls </b>
1st Rachel Crossan, Loreto Foxrock
2nd Megan Ni Riain, Colaiste Iosagain
3rd Sorchan Ni Umfraidh, Colaiste Iosagain

<b> Junior boys </b>
1st Oisin O\'Frighil, Colaiste Eoin
2nd Brian Caralan, St Benildus College
3rd Killian O\'Mhaonaigh, Colaiste Eoin

<b> Inter girls </b>
1st Laura Hannigan, Loreto Foxrock
2nd Carol Huet, Loreto Foxrock
3rd Ashling Walsh, Loreto Foxrock

<b> Inter boys </b>
1st Emmet Jennings, Oatlands College
2nd James Egan, St Benildus College
3rd Fergal Delaney, St Marys Knockbeg College Carlow

<b> Senior girls </b>
1st Kate Prendergast, Loreto Foxrock
2nd Sarah Wilson, St Columba\'s
3rd Mary Buckley, St Peters, Dunboyne

<b> Senior boys </b>
1st Michael Dowling, Baltinglass
2nd Richard Owens, Blackrock College
3rd Enna Baily, Ashbourne Community School
<p>
<b> Team results </b>

<b> Junior girls </b>
1st Colaiste Iosagain
2nd Colaiste Iosagain
3rd Loreto Foxrock

<b> Junior boys </b>
1st St Benildus College
2nd Colaiste Eoin
3rd St Peters, Dunboyne

<b> Inter girls </b>
1st Loreto Foxrock
2nd St Peters, Dunboyne

<b> Inter boys </b>
1st St Marys Knockbeg College Carlow
2nd St Peters, Dunboyne
3rd Blackrock College

<b> Senior boys </b>
1st Blackrock College
2nd St Marys Knockbeg College Carlow