The inaugural Great Island Cross Cup got off to a flying start when held in Cuskinny Court, Cobh, on Wednesday, February 7th 2024.
All six of the Cork Harbour island based primary schools were represented on a day where many of the 250 participants were enjoying their first experience of cross country running.
Individual honours were contested for over the course of a twelve-race card, with team scores tallied at the end of the day to decide the destination of the two perpetual cups which were kindly sponsored by BellaVista Hotel & Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh.
The history books will note that Bunscoil Rinn An Chablaigh were the first ever winners of the Great Island Cross Cup for Girls, while Scoil Iósaef Naofa claimed the boy’s title.
World Champion racewalker and five-time Olympian, Rob Heffernan, led from the front with a typically enthusiastic performance as master of ceremonies, introducing each and every one of the young runners to the excited crowd of spectators before conducting fun and light-hearted interviews with each of the race winners afterwards.
Medals sponsored by Bardsley Developments, were presented by local running legends of yesteryear, Mick Kinsella & Derry O’Driscoll, who were joined on stage by Anne Stols, daughter of the late Phyllis Kidney, always fondly remembered as a loyal servant to Cobh athletics.
The intimate nature & multiple viewing opportunities presented by a twisting, turning course, coupled with the high-octane soundtrack that filled the country air made for a buzzing atmosphere that children, parents and teachers all appeared to revel in.
Meet Director, Trevor Cummins, was hugely encouraged by how well the event was received and is already looking forward to next year.
“It just goes to show how fun and inclusive sport can be when children are given an environment to really shine in. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful venue, generous sponsors and a supportive stewarding team that allowed us to give so many children a positive experience of cross country running here at Cuskinny Court today. We’ll be back next year, only bigger and better, I imagine.”
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