Twelve athletes from Enniskillen Running Club made the long journey southeast to Tramore Racecourse for the All-Ireland Club Cross Country Championships for uneven age groups, held on Sunday, December 1.

It proved to be a memorable trip, with young Harry McKenzie securing his first All-Ireland cross-country gold in the U17 boys’ race.

The 4.5k race, set against a biting sea wind and a challenging long incline, tested the athletes’ endurance.

McKenzie held a strong position throughout, covering all moves before making a decisive kick with 750 metres to go to secure victory ahead of Odhrán McBrearty of Finn Valley, with Harry Cahill of Clonliffe Harriers in third.

This capped off a remarkable fortnight for the Irvinestown athlete, who had claimed third place in the U18 age group on home soil at Castle Irvine, Necarne. He also led the Ulster team to a provincial team silver medal.

Enniskillen Running Club’s U15 girls’ team also impressed, having previously won silver in Ulster.

The team boasted 10 athletes selected for the Fermanagh county team, which finished third in Ulster.

(Image: Impartial Reporter)

Kate Kelly repeated her medal-winning performance from Necarne, finishing 8th on Sunday, while teammate Annabel McKenzie placed 28th as an Ulster scorer, securing a provincial bronze medal.

(Image: Impartial Reporter)

The club team finished 6th in Ireland out of 18 finalists, a fantastic achievement that lays the groundwork for podium finishes in the future.

The other team scorers included Meabh Donnelly and Evanna McCreesh, with strong performances from Maille Hennessy, Lucy Gallagher, and county team members Orlaith Lunny, Ava Hennessy, Beth Buchanan, and Eve Cox.

In the U19 boys’ race, Tiernan McManus delivered a solid performance, finishing 36th in Ireland.

As the athletes recharge, they can look forward to school competitions in the new year with confidence and ambition.