December 10, 2017 
With winter blowing up from the south and whirl of snow zapping around, throwing flakes all over the place, events were cancelled, snowmen were built and some of the athletes – well they just kept on running.
In far flung Slovakia – Tom O’Keeffe (KCH), seemed to have dodged the snow for a bit as he competed in the European u/23 Cross Country Championships in Slovakia today. Tom was select as a result of winning the National u/23 championships 2 weeks ago in Abbottstown. Well done on his 60th placing. Ireland selected only 2 athletes in the mens u/23 and just one in the ladies. Lauren Dearmody of Castlecomer missed out here as she was 2nd in the ladies event.
Tom is sister to Hannah O’Keeffe who runs with Thomastown AC. Hannah was selected for the u/16 development team for Ireland to run in the Celtic Cross Country in Antrim on Jan 6th. No doubt we will see Tom in action there too. A talented family.
The country training session may have been cancelled today for Carriagnore, but some hardy souls braved the elements anyhow. Amid what can only be deemed a blizzard, some mad, rare species were spotted traversing the white hills in Waterford, the venue for the All Irelands next week. Aine and Orlaith Kirwan Thomastown, Abigail and Clodagh from Carrick AC and 23 St Senan’s athletes had a bit of fun in the snow. You know it was easier to get them out the door running this Sunday morning than most. It is something that they will remember in years to come. And there was not one complaint – maybe it should snow every day. Plenty snowballs were thrown and a few snowmen built – and there were a few laps of the course done too. Well done to all who ventured out. Let’s hope next weekend won’t be as severe.
Athletics Kilkenny 
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