Orienteering Intervarsities, 14th March 2009

The Irish Orienteering Student Intervarsities 2009 were held in Oughaval Forest in Stradbally, Co. Laois on Saturday, 14th March. Nine different Third Level colleges were represented in the event hosted by the Military College. There were six courses available and 44 competitors.
The courses were long and well planned by the organisers. Bramble bashers were an advantage, depending on route choice. Weather conditions were perfect for orienteering.
The Men’s Long course at 8.7km was the most competitive category, which saw UCD’s Christian Foley-Fisher take first place, followed closely behind by DIT’s Colm Hill and UL’s Oliver Breiling.
DUO’s Niamh O’Boyle took the Women’s Long course (7.4km) in an incredibly fast time, ahead of UL’s Sharon Lucey and DUO’s Audrey Martin. Teammate Farina Freigang finished in fourth place, giving the DUO Women’s team the overall women’s prize for 2009.
UCC’s Gearoid Ryan finished strongly ahead of UL’s Andrew Guckian to take gold in the Men’s Medium (5.2km). Similarly, Isobel Abbott of UCC took first spot in the Women’s Medium (4.3km), with Sarah O’Regan of the Military College in second place. Sarah Conlon, also of the Military College took poll position in the Women’s Short course (3.1km). UCC claimed the overall men’s team prize.
A sample of photographs from the event can be found on the BOC Picasa photo gallery
Congratulations to all those who took part and well done to UCC and Trinity on taking the team prizes. Many thanks to Brendan Delaney, Pat Farrelly, Maeve O'Grady, Ray Holohan, Pat Healy and the Military College for producing a very enjoyable event.