From beneath the two great oak trees at the top of the hill, the finish line beckoned and the cheers grew louder. Across the grounds of Fota House & Gardens, school colours streamed towards home as nearly 800 children took their turn in the third edition of Fota House Cross-Cup on Tuesday, October 6.
Hosted by Great Island Athletics, the event brought together 38 primary schools, with 797 finishers across 12 races. It was a considerable undertaking for a young club, rewarded by the sight of the grounds alive with children eager to run and classmates determined to make themselves heard.
Two schools made an immediate impression on their first visit. St Catherine’s NS, Bishopstown, claimed the girls’ overall team trophy, helped on their way by an impressive third class victory from Leevale AC athlete Charlotte Stephens. Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown, took the boys’ honours, completing a memorable day for the newcomers.
Local supporters had plenty to cheer as Seán St John Crowley gave Scoil Iosaef Naofa, Cobh, a winning start in a hard fought first class boys’ race. There were podium finishes too for host club athletes Bradley Guerin, representing Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigtwohill, and Bobby O Chaoimh of Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Cobh, adding to the Great Island interest at the sharp end of the racing.
Louise Twohig of Rathpeacon NS signed off with a memorable victory in the sixth class girls’ race. There was particular warmth for a popular winner whose parents, both athletes themselves, have given so much support to athletics locally. Her success was a moment to savour for a family held in great affection by the athletics community.
Peter McLaughlin of Ballintemple NS brought the programme to a close with an emphatic sixth class boys’ victory. The Cork City AC athlete and Cork County champion stretched clear in his familiar flowing style, delivering an impressive farewell to the event.
Irish Olympian and European cross-country team gold medallist Lizzie Lee presented the honours, making the occasion all the more memorable for the young runners.
Across distances of 400 to 800 metres, established club athletes shared the course with pupils experiencing their first organised race. Through the Cross-Cup, Great Island Athletics strives to reach children who might otherwise have little opportunity to try the sport, encouraging them towards their local clubs. A first race in such a setting can be the beginning of something lasting.
The club thanks the volunteers and school staff whose work made the day possible, Fota House & Gardens for hosting the event, and Fota Wildlife Park for its support in delivering such a well presented course for the young athletes.
KCM Urban Retreats generously supported the event as main sponsor, with Fenero sponsoring the girls’ overall team trophy and Icon Accounting the boys’ trophy. Thanks also go to race sponsors Doyle Shipping Group, FDC Group, Caltech, Trigon Hotel Group, NeoDyne, Toppa Tapes, GXP Recruitment and Cuskinny Court.
The Cross-Cups travelled home with the winning schools, but many more children left Fota with a reason to want to race again.
Yours in sport, Trevor Cummins, Great Island Athletics
Photos HERE
