Writes Ciaran Dineen
Matthew Lee of Carrigaline Community School etched his name in the school’s history books recently after finishing 1st in the South Munster Schools Senior Boys’ Cross-Country race, finishing in a blistering time of 15:52.
Matthew finished the 5000 metre event, which was held at the Cork Athletics course at Slieveroe, near Riverstick, with nine seconds to spare over Ciaran McNamee (St Colman’s, Midleton) with Fearghal Desmond (CBC, Cork), who finished second and third respectively.
Lee, who is a member of the Leevale Athletics club, did far more than strike gold in the individual placings, but his fantastic performance also paved the way for CCS to finish first as part of the team result in the same race.
That recorded the school’s first-ever victory in a team event, with CCS’s points total of 63 giving them just three to spare over Colaiste Chriost (66) with Carrigtwohll Community College third on 81. On the day over 700 school students took part in the various age categories.
While Matthew’s superb time was by far the standout amongst the group, other students ran courageously and will forever be part of creating history for their school. Alan Harrington finished in an excellent time of 16:59, placing 13th out of 55 runners and finished second in the CCS team.
Seán Twomey and Jack Mangan ended up side-by-side at the end of the race, pushing each other all the way, finishing 24th and 25th. Mobolaji Mosabalaje, Lucas Bogusa, Eric Condon, James Kiely and Ronan Curley all followed for Carrigaline on their path to victory.
Athletics Co-Ordinator and CCS teacher, Mr. O’Sullivan, praised the students involved telling The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, “I want to thank the organisers, South Munster Schools Committee, who put in incredible work to host this event with the obvious Covid 19 difficulties over the last two years. I also want to thank all the students at various age grades who represented Carrigaline Community School and kept very high fitness levels throughout lockdowns and Mr. Burke Principal, and all the staff of C.C.S. who have supported our extensive extra-curricular program throughout the years.”
Due to the Orange weather warning that was in place on Friday 18th February the Munster Schools event was postponed to Thursday 3rd March, where Matthew and co will be looking to add to their success. Congratulation to Matthew, all of the Senior Boys and the other competitors from CCS on a fantastic set of achievements. A warm appreciation should also go to Athletics Co-Ordinator and CCS teacher, Mr. O’Sullivan.