JUVENILES – CROSS COUNTRY SEASON 2025/26 (Part 1 – Sept to Dec 2025)

by Ardee District · Published January 10, 2026 · Updated January 10, 2026

The Cross Country Season begins in September and for our members it begins with The Seamie Weldon Memorial 5K held on the first Saturday every September. It’s the only opportunity all our members young and hold get to run together, a special occasion in memory of a wonderful man. Congratulations to all our young athlets who compted…

Athletics Louth Open Juvenile Cross Country – Sunday, September 21st

The first competition of the Cross Country season began and it was a first also for some of our new young athletes. Competing for our club at the Athletics Louth Open Juvenile event held in Drogheda & District AC’s training grounds in Newtownstabalan were George McKenny, Jamie Rogers, Gerard Thornton, Lena Prynczynska, Aisling Musiime, Ciara Sands, Isobella McCartney, Evie Corcoran, Megan Taaffe, Lucy Whelan and Nina Prynczynska. Up first was George running the U9 500m, coming home in an impressive 8th position. He was soon followed by U11 girs, Lena and Aisling with Aisling taking the silver and newcomer Lena finishing comfortably in the middel of the field, a fantastic achievement for her first cross country competitioin. Up next were our two U10 boys, Gerard and Jamie, they too finished comfortably in the middle of a huge field of competitors and impressively so as both boys were running up an age in the U11 Boys 1000m. Next were our U14 girls, Lucy, Isobella, Evie, Ciara, Megan and Nina. Solid running from these young ladies with Lucy, Isobella and Evie finishing first 3 for the club and placting 5th as a team and an incredible first time experience for Isobella, Ciara, Megan and Nina. And finishing the day was Max who stormed home to take the gold in the U16 4000m. Well done to each of our young athletes.

Results – Top 8 positions:

George McKenny – 5th U8 400m
Shauna Mannion – U14 3000m
Max O’Sullivan – 1st U16 4000m

Louth Juvenile Cross Country Championships (uneven ages) – Sunday, October 12th

Hosted by St. Peter’s AC in the windswept grounds of the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence in Darver our young juveniles ran their hearts out. Competing on the day we had U11 Jamie Rogers in the 600m, U13s Lucy Whelan, Evie Corcoran, Ciara Sands and Mya Monagthan running 2500m and U15 TomJoe McCormack running 3500m. St. Peter’s AC also hosted a non-championship U8 race which was thoroughtly enjoyed by Emily Clinton, Rogers and George McKenny.

Results – Top 8 positions:

U13 Lucy Whelan – 7th 2500m

Athletics Louth Jevinile Star Awards – Friday, October 25th

Once a year Athletics Louth acknowledge and award nominees from all clubs across the county. These are athletes who have competed in either, or both Cross Country and Track & Field competitions in Louth. This year our club proudly nominated the following young athletes and we congratulate them on their commitment, hard work and personal achievements.

Aisling Musiime U9-U11 CC and T&F
Jamie Rogers U9-U11 T&F
Shauna Mannion U12-U14 CC
Lucy Whelan U12-U14 T&F
Liam Boyle U12-U14 T&F
Max O’Sullivan U15-U16 CC and T&F
Emma Boyule U17-U19 T&F

Leinster Juvenile (&U20) Championships (even ages) – Saturday, October 26th

Following the Louth Awards, Max O’Sullivan got up bright and early the next morning to compete in the Leinster Juvenile (even age) Championships in Gowran, Co. Kilkenny. Max had a fantastic race finishing in a 9th medal position and qualifying for the U16 4000m nationals in Derry. A wonderful achievement and testament to his hard work and dedication. Congratulations Max.

Louth Juvenile Cross Country Championships (even ages) – Sunday, November 2nd

Hosted by Glenmore AC, three of our wonderful young athletes enjoyed the beautiful grounds of Bellurgan Park for the Louth (even aged) Cross Country Championships. Fantastic running from George McKenny, Shauna Mannion and Max O’Sullivan. George was outstanding coming 5th in the U8 400m and Shauna running up an age in the 3000m. Max excelled himself storming home to take gold in the U16 4000m.

Results:

George McKenny – 5th 400m
Shaua Mannion – U14 300m
Max O’Sullivan – 1st U16 400m

National Cross Country Championships – Sunday, 23rd November

On November 23rd Max O’Sullivan competed in his first ever National Juvenile Cross Country Championship held in Derry. Max ran a fantastic race in 13:52 minutes in the U16 4000m against the best in the country in this age group. Well done Max an incredible experience.

Ardee & District AC Annual Club Awards – December 5th

On December 5th we held out annual club awards, a special evening where our club acknowledges the had work, commitment and achievements of our young athletes. Congratulations to you All.

Athlete of the Year 2025: