So here we were thinking, as coaches in Mid Sutton, that League 1 was a big success. Pfft, not a patch on league 2 today!!

Thank you to all of the parents for driving all the way to Tymon Park in Tallaght to lend such great support. A long trip on a Sunday morning, we appreciate the effort in giving the kids a chance to participate. The Murphy’s had an entourage which filled a full corporate box in the stadium, well done Des and Neasa!

It was a sunny day again, bright skies and big bright smiles. The setup crew got there just before 10am to mark the Mid Sutton territory. Our Blue Tent and Club Flag were perched on top of the hill towering over the other clubs. With almost 50 athletes running, it was busy getting numbers handed out, singlets distributed, warmups complete, dropping pins for the location, laces tied, carrying water bottles…phew the Irish coffee tastes good as I type this :)

If you missed today you missed a magic event. Your Athletics TEAM missed you too! Don’t forget those points for the team challenge we have going. We hope for League 3 on Sunday 28th November, we will see everyone who has not had the chance to race for their Athletics Club TEAM, sign up and give it a go or maybe for the Championships.

Jenny’s Jets were up first again for U9 500m race. Amy-May, Lena, Robyn and Adele toed the line and set the stage for Mid Sutton for the day. The course had a narrow start which meant plenty of traffic for the first 100m but the girls went out and charged together in their white, blue and red to run amazing races. 4 red smiley faces crossed the line and they couldn’t wait to spend the rest of the day together cheering on the other races. Conor was up next for the U9 boys and he stormed home in the top 10. Jennifer was very pleased to see her gang go so strongly and said she felt their preparation was very professional all week. They ate well - jellies, got plenty of rest - some had Holy communion days, hydrated - ribena and had good physio sessions in the build up - cart wheels and back bends.

The U10 crew saw coach Gerard return to duty having missed the last race due to attending the community games the previous week. Keating’s Kickers were ready to roll and he had them primed for battle. Cousins Mia and Conor  were backed up by Max and Molly. Molly was missing her two sisters today - thank god because we knew which name to shout and we were sure it was the correct name(Molly is a triplet). Max ran his best and left it all on the course. Well done tens!

Coach Stephen had the U11 teams this week and O’Reillys Rockets lived up to their name. They blasted off the line and got going quickly. The ladies were full of chat….even during the race, just joking! Arwen, Jessica, Florence, Sophia, Ella, Emma and Anna had super runs and covered the 900m course amazingly. What a team performance it was. Harry and Josh were next, with both knowing the ladies would be watching. They were definitely out to impress which they did in style. Well done 11s another great week. Both Harry and Josh asked if any other 2011s would be doing the next one. I think that’s a yes!! Correct?

U12s - wow this bunch are phenomenal. Coach Darrell lead this group and he certainly has his hands full. Darrells Dozens put on quite a display. Tara Rose, Siofra, Mia, Beth and Katie Grace set sail in their 1200m run. Beth got out fast, up with the lead pack finishing one of her best races ever. She was closely followed by her teammates with debutant Katie Grace showing she loved it by smiling at the coaches when they cheered her on as she kicked for home 200m from the line. Next up were the boys U12 who were incredible. They ran like a true team and packed together from the start. Young Ryan, Kit, Oisin and Tim were back in the club vest joining the force of Joe, Ben, Evan and Airt who secured valuable team points in League 1. This team are one to watch this year many of whom play for Liam’s Howth Celtic football team. Liam put together a super chariots of fire video which is a must see! It is up on our Instagram, check it out on @mid_sutton_athletic_club

The Bourke Bombers were next up, 2 ladies in this one, Ella and Maebh. Ella running for the first time this season but has plenty of experience over the years and Maebh in her debut race. Both went well with Maebh getting out fast and up with in the top quarter early. Ella pushed herself right through to the line leaving little to nothing in the tank. The boys took to the line with club stalwarts Bill, Louis and Charlie running with new man Elliott who is really getting the hang of this running thing and Michael also in his maiden voyage in the club vest. All ran very nicely getting the necessary preparation in before the Championships in a couple of weeks time.

U14 saw two ladies taking part, Sadie back in action again this week with her pal Robyn Murphy. A big welcome back for Robyn who has not raced in a couple of years. She did not disappoint her groupies finishing in an epic sprint to the line thrilling the crowd right to the tape. Sadie, who did not feel great on the line went out and gave it a go anyway but she had to stop when she felt dizzy with only a couple of hundred meters to go. Sadie, as always, showed us what she is made of by running despite feeling unwell. Sadie we hope you feel better and look forward to seeing you at the next one when you are fully fit and well.

Finally, it was a case of last but most definitely not least. Dan Ring went in the U15 boys. It was fantastic to see the younger athletes wait to see him and support him. Not many 15 year olds would be as accommodating but Dan engaged and chatted on the start line with the younger athletes who see him as an idol. He certainly showed them how to do it by running the perfect tactical affair. He sat in and controlled his pace, hanging in behind the strong Blackrock athlete. It took until the last 50meters for Dan to finally pass him to take the lead but he did it with a ferocious kick to take the win. It finished off a fantastic day, a brilliant league 2, a sweet sweet day for Mid Sutton athletes, coaches and parents!!

If you missed it, YOU MiSSED IT!!!! Never fear there is always league 3 and the 2 Dublin Championships to get a taste of it. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again and creating more memories.

As a good running friend and coach used to say to me, miles to run and promises to keep.
See ya, until next time!!
Euge