Sporty types from secondary schools across County Wexford are not yet giving any thought whatsoever to one of the first big sporting events of the new year on the school calendar. However, once they are back at school after the Christmas break there are those who will be giving very little thought to anything else. For dominating the horizon before them will be the annual Wexford Schools Cross Country jamboree which takes place, just as last year, at the fabulous GAA Centre of Excellence just outside the village of Ferns on Wednesday, January 21. It is always a day of great athletics, do-or-die heroics and pride in donning one’s school colours. Packed buses come from Bridgetown and Ramsgrange, from New Ross and Bunclody, from Gorey and Kilmuckridge, from Enniscorthy and Wexford. Some come clad in the very latest gear and lightweight spikes, others in unwashed GAA short, baggy socks and boots. Everyone loves when one of the smelly GAA types puts one over on one of the thoroughbreds! Each team must field at least 4 runners, with four to score in the team event (3 points for a win, 2 for second and 1 for third). If a school has no team in any category an athlete from that school may compete as an individual. There are medals for first six across the line in each race and for the top three teams in each category. The prize for the top-performing school is the much sought after Donna Foley Memorial Cup.
There are four categories and the distances are very manageable: minor (girls and boys 1km), junior (girls 1km, boys 2km), intermediate (girls 2km, boys 3km), senior (girls 2km, boys 3km). The age cut-off per category: minor – born after 01/07/12; junior – born after 01/07/11, inter – born after 01/07/09; senior – born after 01/07/07.
Other details: schools to submit entry sheets not later than Friday, January 16; €2 entry fee per athlete payable on the day (cash); athletes may compete only in their own age group.
Needless to say, one should not think of competing if they have not prepared for the event. If you are not already a member of an athletics club, consider joining one. It won’t cost you much and you will be assured of expert coaching along with advice on flexibility, strength & conditioning, nutrition and mental toughness. And if you have any medical issues, get checked out with the medics before you do anything else.
All entries (and queries) to be directed to Ger Forde at
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