Battling brave, James Kelly has been selected on the Irish masters O35 national team for the International Masters Cross Country on the November 12 in Santry.
James joined Castlecomer AC as an U12 athlete His selection is testament and just reward for his years of hard work and training.
He competed throughout his teenage years and collected honours at County, Leinster and National level.
While less involved for a few years, he returned to competitive running and has been going from strength to strength.
The Leinster cross country was at Belurgan Park, Dundalk on October 23.
Underfoot conditions were very testing and athletes had to draw on all their stamina to get around the course.
Nevertheless, Castlecomer athletes performed very well. Emma Lawlor competing U18 and Junior secured 11th in the U18 and 13th in Junior.
James Morrissey led the county novice team home but both athletes were outside of the medals.
For many juvenile club athletes the date to focus o is November 27 when the Kilkenny County B Championships will be held.
Teams are made up of three athletes; so in each age group the opportunity is calling to both to running with friends and perhaps be among the medallists.
A really appealing element of this day’s racing is the venue – The Castle Park in Kilkenny; here we can anticipate an event where the course with its gentle undulations and manicured underfoot nature will be kinder to young athletes than many a course.
For those with All Ireland in mind, Rosappena, Donegal and Garryann, Cork beckon, while the second day of Leinster Juvenile competition will be in Mountain View, Ballyhale on November 5.
Pictured are Emma Lawlor in Dundalk, James Kelly and James Morrissey
