The Avondhu

Grange-Fermoy AC’s Rachel O’Flynn represents Ireland

The wearing of the green on St Patrick’s Day was a precursor of the following week’s success for Loreto Secondary School student and Grange-Fermoy AC Juvenile athlete Rachel O’Flynn who represented Ireland on the junior girls cross-country team.

Rachel has been running with the club since she was 6 years old and it is no surprise that she has excelled in the sport given her superb lineage. Her mother Ann and her aunt Margaret were both keen and talented cross-country runners who ran with Grange-Fermoy AC Juveniles under Bob Burke.

A club interview of Rachel during lockdown when she was just 11 years old served as another forecast or affirmation. When asked if she had any goals in mind for her athletic or sporting career, Rachel responded: “My dream is to keep running and playing football and camogie to the best that I can be and keep enjoying myself playing sports, running and making many new friends. My wow dream is to run on an Irish team at the World Cross Country Championships someday”.

Just 3 years later on 25th March, Rachel took a giant step towards fulfilling that dream by representing her country as a member of the Irish Junior girls team at the SIAB cross-country championships in Liverpool. Representing Loreto Secondary School, the road to Liverpool began with the South Munster Schools Cross Country where she finished with a silver medal. A sprint finish in the Munster Schools Cross Country at the SETU arena bagged another silver medal and finally, an All-Ireland bronze earned her place on the Irish team.

The Junior Irish girls’ team scooped an impressive team silver medal against counterparts from England, Scotland and Wales. Rachel is no stranger to the podium however, she always accepts praise graciously and keeps her composure.

The well-wishes and anticipation ahead of the race are a testament to her popularity with both coaches and club members alike. She is an inspiration to all juvenile athletes within the club and is a shining example of commitment and determination. Congratulations Rachel, your coaches, your club and your school are all very proud of you. The possibility of an Irish team World Cross Country Championship doesn’t seem like such an impossible dream after all.

A HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY FOR GRANGE-FERMOY AC

Our members, their families, and friends were out in force for the St Patrick’s Day parade in Fermoy, and it was a fantastic day out. The theme this year was ‘famous athletes’ and the weather was (eventually!) kind to us which was a blessing as there was a lot of cardboard at the ready!

Thank you to everyone who came out and took advantage of the festive atmosphere which was in abundance. Everyone made a huge effort, and the club colours were worn with pride. A special thank you to club coach Clothilde ‘pomme frites’ Fitzgibbon who provided posters for everyone who thought they might escape getting into costume!

SPORT

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2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://avondhu.pressreader.com/article/283064123606450

The Avondhu (Ireland)