Barefooted Carmody all the way winner

MICHAEL CARMODY (Castletroy College, Limerick) led all the way to win the senior boys title at the Munster Schools Cross-Country Championships at Tramore Racecourse yesterday, when the lack of teacher cover due to the cutbacks was reflected in much smaller entries.

In perfect conditions, Carmody provided a courageous display of front running. Liam Markham (St Flannan’s) beat him for the 3,000m title at the Munster junior indoor championships recently but he was caught flat-footed by Carmody’s early attack.

Running barefoot, the Limerick Emeralds athlete came up the hill for the first time with a commanding lead and increased it by halfway when Markham, Conor Rochford (Abbey CC, Waterford), Cathal O’Connor (St Caimin’s, Shannon) and Declan Power (CBS Dungarvan) got a chasing group organised.