McCarthy completes year one in US

JJ Hurley

Kinsale’s Ryan McCarthy is currently on a three-year scholarship to McNeese State University in the US and during his recent visit home the Carrigdhoun Newspaper caught up with him.

Now heading back for his second year, we asked Ryan how he found his first year in America.

‘I’ve had a good learning experience this year as it’s been my first year competing in the states. It was a long season starting with cross country last August when I arrived. I was really

happy with how the xc season went getting pbs in the 5k, 5 mile and 10k,’ he said,

‘My favourite race from the cross season was probably the Texas  Arturo Barrios invite where I ran a 5-mile pb in 24.30. On the track it took me a bit of time to adjust to the heat and style of racing in the US, but it was a good learning experience for the first year.

‘There were also some big travel days to all parts of Texas and also places like Nashville and Florida, so it was nice to experience so many different places along with the racing.’

Scholarships are not all about the sports and Ryan emphasises the academic nature of the experience.

Ryan McCarthy, running to success in America.

‘I am currently studying sports medicine which I’m really enjoying at the moment,’ he said

‘I get a nice balance between training and classes as we usually have 6 am training, followed by classes before more training in the afternoon.

Success in the national U20 5000m final in the summer was followed by a victory in the Annual Regatta Kinsale Five Mile, all in his familiar colours of Leevale.

Like many runners and athletes, Ryan has his goals and ambitions.

‘Towards the end of the US cross country season, I’m hoping to travel home and compete in the national U20 cross country championships and to try and qualify for the European championships this December,’ he said.

As for anyone thinking of traveling across to the Atlantic on a scholarship, Ryan has some wise words.

‘My advice to anyone looking at a scholarship is to make a list of the schools that they would be interested in going to and then contacting each coach individually,’ Ryan said.

‘Most of their emails can be found on each team’s website.

This will help you to decide which school is the best fit and has what you are looking for.’