The green fields of Gowran have once again played host to a national cross country event. We had a convoy of Striders who headed up that way, all for a shot at glory and a chance to be the best. This was a date that the Striders over-50s team had circled in their calendars for a long time.
  The weather was cold but there was a lack of wind or rain. The course was divided into two fields, one was flat and not muddy, the other one was more traditional cross country.
  The first races of the day were the Juvenile National Bs. We had a couple of athletes who tried their hand at these, and both had exemplary runs. We had Charlie Flood in the U11 boys, who ran fast and strong, really showcasing the qualities we value in a runner. Emma Hickey ran extremely well and extremely fast in the U15 girls race, and Daniel Redmond showcased similar speed and agility in the U15 boys.
  There was a team of Striders in the U13 boys race, all four eager for a challenge. Fionn MacEocaidh, Tom Hickey, Sam Dowling, and Donagh Greenan all ran quite well, and should all be proud of themselves.
  We also had Sean Lennon in the U17 boys, who ran a very good race. He’d already ran the schools this Wednesday, yet he still shot for glory today. He dug in for the first two laps. But on the third lap he blasted off, and nobody was able to catch him. Sean came in 1st, in a sprint finish.
  The juveniles all did very well, but then it was the men’s turn to compete. We had an over-50s team, along with a few over-45 and over-55 athletes.
  The men all stood on the start line, ready to face the hurt and torment that a cross country race can only bring. All eager to get to the front, and then came that moment just before the starting shot rings out, the moment that lasts for infinity. But finally, the shot comes, and you are set free.
  The race was led out by Mick Clohisey at a pace which mortal man was never meant to reach. Our Striders followed, all settling in for the race ahead.
  The race consisted of 1 short loop, and 3 long loops, equalling 7k all together. The Striders remained mostly consistent throughout, all maintaining their places.
  The race passed, and while the front changed, our Striders held their positions, that is until the finish. Brendan Lyng was our first man home, finishing in an impressive time, and carrying the flame for the rest of the team. Next came a trio of John McGrath, John Byrne and Pat Culleton. All three came in together, and all three ran quite well, finishing and running strong throughout it.
  We had a club legend coming up behind them, with Pat O’Callaghan on their heels. George Delaney came next, loving every bit of the muck and the dirt. Ted Flannelly, another club legend, ran truly well today also, racing his way through the course. Fabian Flood came next, finishing out our team, Fabian made his return for the club and ran a strong and steady race today. We cannot forget the valiant efforts of John Hickey, who sadly had to retire due to injury halfway through.

       Next came the anticipation of waiting for results, which can lead to sorrow or joy, but thankfully for us, it was joy today. United Striders were the over-50s team winners, National Champions, a mighty impressive achievement for our little club. Wexford also won silver in the county category, with the team being made up of 5 Striders and Gerard Malony, a S.B.R man.
  Overall we had a highly impressive display of athleticism today, and all the men should be extremely proud of what they achieved today. The cross country season is officially over, and we should take this opportunity to thank all the officials and clubs who have organised races. All this would not be possible without your efforts.