Several Fermanagh athletes qualified for the all-Ireland cross-country finals, even age groups and senior competitions, held at Gowran Park Demesne, Co Kilkenny on Sunday.

Storm Debi and the recent rain deluge left large sections of the course very muddy and extremely difficult so this became as much a test of character as athletic ability. When the unbackable favourite for the Junior U20 title, the brilliant Tyrone athlete Nick Griggs, together with the strong favourite for the senior women’s race Ide Ni Domhail fail to finish, you know just how demanding this course was.

The local athletes showed great courage, all running well and finishing; while several collected individual and provincial medals. Clones AC, Amelia Davis medalled as a top 12 finisher in the U12 girls race.

While Kate Kelly, who finished 22nd despite being a year young, was a scoring member on the Ulster team which claimed provincial bronze. Enniskillen’s U14 girls, who had won a bronze at Ulster level went one better to finish second Ulster team in Gowran Park. The team comprised of Kelly followed by Annabelle McKenzie, Megan Mullally, Ava Hennessy, Eve Cox and Orlaith Lunny.

In the U16 boys 4k race Enniskillen RC’s Harry McKenzie had a brilliant run and was ever present in the lead pack. O’Connell, the Craughwell lad, made a break after 3k and the chasing pack were unable to close the 50m lead of the Galway boy. It came down to a ‘shoot out’ for the medals and Harry showing blistering pace for the final 200m thought he had done enough for a bronze.

However, following lengthy deliberation by the officials it took a photo finish to separate third from fifth and Harry was downgraded to fifth place. The timing mat was positioned just behind the line and the ERC lad will have learned a harsh lesson in running through the finishing line. Harry will take comfort that, while he missed out on third, he has been selected to run for Ireland in the upcoming Celtic Internationals cross country race in Scotland in January for his first Irish international vest.

Annabel Morrison had a strong run in the U18 category that was combined with the U20s race which made it difficult to gauge her position. Annabel had to concentrate and focus on her footing as well as her competitors it was such a tough course dealing with the very soft muddy ground. However, she focused and worked hard on passing the runner in front and holding her position.

Annabel had a very strong finish and closed the gap between her and the Willowfield runner. It was a great race and Annabel took hold of the bronze U18 medal. She was also delighted to receive the inter-provincial gold medal with her Ulster team mates.

In the boys U18 race there were three Fermanagh lads running 6k. ERC’s Jamie McDonnell had a strong run to place 16th, a notable improvement on his position last year. It was enough to secure a provincial gold as fifth placed Ulster finisher. He was followed by his St Michael’s teammates, Frank Buchanan in his St Michael’s vest and Ben Warnock running for Monaghan Phoenix.

In the senior men’s race Enniskillen man, Conal McCaughey, was part of a very strong North Belfast Harriers team in what was considered one of the strongest ever men’s fields.

The race build up didn’t go to plan for McCaughey and Conan had to be content with a 53rd place finish. His team missed out on the title to Ennis TC on count back.

The senior women had to run 9k for the first time, it was a gruelling, energy sapping experience.

Former ERC Junior Edel Monaghan worked through the field in the early laps and was the leading finisher for her Club, Dublin City Harriers.

Edel is having a great cross country season, and after recently winning the Dublin title, she claimed her highest ever finish in the national senior cross country finals coming ninth individual.

DCH, who had four scorers in the top 20, convincingly retained their national team title. They were 13 points ahead of second place city rivals Dundrum South Dublin. Edel was also rewarded with another national gold medal running for Co. Dublin. She and her team now look forward to the European clubs Cross Country in Portugal early in 2024.