Aoife Cooke is cream of muddy crop in Dungarvan
Storm Desmond thankfully cleared for a calm day in Dungarvan with running conditions naturally muddy underfoot after the heavy rain.
“I didn’t know what to expect so I’m thrilled,” said Cooke afterwards.
The 28-year-old Youghal athlete had been on a scholarship a number of years ago at Arkansas Tech and gave up running for a few years.
The Cork woman has made an impressive return under her coach, and aunt, Mary Sweeney of St Finbarr’s AC.
“It was her own hard work,” said Sweeney. “Today was a good day but it’s not going to be all good days. She’s a star, she’s a team runner.”
Stephen Lawlor (St Abban’s) won a dramatic men’s 6000m Novice race, clawing back long-time leader Patrick Roche of Naas AC in the final 200m. Jason Broderick (Craughwell) was third.
The Uneven Age All-Irelands were the prelude to the senior Novice races with the buzzing energy of the juveniles and parents creating an electric atmosphere.
Athletes who shined included Aimee Hayde (Newport) winning the U13 title over 1500m and Amy Rose Farrell (Blackrock) in the U17 girls, easing to victory over 4000m.
On the boys’ side, Louis O’Loughlin (Donore Harriers) impressed in the U15 3500m, with Craig McMeechan (North Down) a classy victor in the U17s.
