It might be only a 45min drive but Santry Demesne felt like the eye of the storm this morning at the Leinster Schools crosscountry.

Running up hill into 50knot(90km/hr) gusts must have felt like a brick wall at times during the races by all the young athletes competing but it didn't seem to dampen their spirits.

Vivienne Larkin ran a fantastic race in a very tight finishing group to come in 28th in the minor Girls race. With only 35 secs separating the top 30 finishers, it just showed how tight the groupings were. The rain lashed down as the race began, adding massive slippy areas to an already tough course.

Jack Moran had an amazing race finishing in 38th position, just 45 seconds behind the first finisher. On the 2nd lap, the wind increased again into the athletes turning up the hill, making this a real endurance race.

This was by far the toughest weather conditions these athletes have raced in. They performed absolutely outstanding and we are very proud of them.

Well done to the supporters from each school, their teachers, parents who braved the elements to support and Coach Tony Ennis.

The Masters All Ireland Crosscountry took place last Sunday down in Castlelyons Co Cork.

Our very own Richie Bell ran another top class race finishing 22nd overall and 2nd in the Men O45 catagory. He ran the 6km tough, mucky, steep course in 23:41 which is a credit in itself!

Also shout out to Juvenile Coach Kieran Corcoran who ran an epic race also, coming 31st in the highly competitive M40 catagory.

Well done to All!