Cross Country all-Ireland juniors Derry

aerodynamix

My son has only recently gotten into running, he had his first ever race in Mullingar last weekend, did really well and has qualified for his county for the all Ireland race which I understand is on Sunday 28 November next.

We're completely new to this (a completely non-sporty family except for him!) and have no idea how these things are generally planned. Do we need to drive up and organise our own accommodation or do the counties generally provide buses or organise accommodation? We really haven't the money at the moment for this but I obviously would like him to have this opportunity.

Also would the county board (or whatever it is called) co-ordinate training for all the children who qualified or do they just do their normal training with their own clubs and just turn up on the day?

All advice welcome!!

a_non_a_mouse

first up...congrats.
much of this probably depends on the county.
I know some counties do provide buses and if buses aren't availed of then some contribution to travel is made.
but it probably depends on how much money the counties have and how far away from the venue it is.
My advice, ask within your club.
the coaches there should know the usual setup and if not they should probably be able to get the info for you from someone in the local county board.

Some clubs do provide some small contribution also to athletes competing in all-irelands....depends on club and the state of the accounts!

with regard special training before hand.....I doubt it, but again depends on counties.

and my 2 cents worth...
Athletics can be a very expensive past time if you have to do a lot of travel.....and while its undoubtably a huge achievement to compete in first all-ireland. weight up the chances of a good performance/medal versus the cost to you. If you son is good, then he will have opportunities next year also.
An expensive trip to see him come home outside the first 100, isn't going to do anyone any favours.
Don't worry about him not being selected again if you turn this down...I've not seen any "grudges" in situations like this.

aerodynamix

Thanks very much for your reply. I'll check the details with the club.

Thanks also for your suggestion - however his very proud Daddy wouldn't hear of him not going to this!! So much expense for a run that lasts less than ten minutes...

The problem is that as it's in Derry it's a good 4-5 hour drive, so they will have to stay overnight, which really increases the cost.

YFlyer

Congrats on your son in getting to the All Ireland.

When I was younger we had to at times travel a fair distance to such places in Cavan and Antrim.

There will be other All Irelands much closer to home on other years.

When looking for accommodation, you can always get a place an hour or more drive from the race site.

a_non_a_mouse

ah yes...the proud daddy!
I remember driving one of my kids to their first all-ireland A...6 hour drive each way.
Luckily we had a medal and a very happy car on the way home and many more all-irelands and medals since....
so....I wish you and yours the best of luck and hopefully it will be the start of a very fullfulling athletics carear.

aerodynamix

lol well you never know, he won't know til he has tried it I suppose.

Maybe his dreams will move from being the next Messi to being the next John Treacy! (though personally I'd prefer the soccer so he can buy us a nice mansion lol!)

Thanks for your help. Looks like we'll have to suck it up. So far Mullingar, Wexford and Derry - maybe after that some races will start being closer to home...