What Ever Happened to Villanova's Irish Pipeline?

[sebastianc]

There is a nice piece on this subject at Villanova Running. Sort of makes you wonder about what did happen and can VU ever recruit well there again.

There are Irish runners at several colleges, but none at VU. Someone recently commmented on Sean Tobin (current Ireland XC champ) going to Mississippi St. (?) There is an 800 man, Leighio, at Arkansas. And Providence has Shane Quinn and Sarah Collins. Believe Quinn's dad is an alum. Collins is a surprise since she is originally from Cork. That is Marcus' home. Thought he would have a connection. Even Notre Dame got in the act, a few years ago, with Tom Chamney.

Since he has been coach, Marcus has tried very hard to recruit in Ireland with little success. Galligan went to Tennessee for a year and then went home. More recently, Mageean and, just this past year, Mark English. He works hard. Visited O'Lionaird and all the kid talked about was Michigan. After leaving Michigan, he wanted to come to VU, but Marcus said no.

Marcus speaks of three factors that come into play: talent, academics and $. The $ thing can be involved and explains a lot about VU recruting in general. Big thing with Marcus, though, is academics. It is no small thing. Several years ago, outstanding runner from Ireland wanted to come to VU, but Marcus was not impressed with his grades. Kid went elsewhere to what is viewed as a fine academic institutiion and was All-American. Others can remind us of additional stories.

Until recently, the Irish talent was nothing great. [Someone correct that view if I am wrong in my assessment.] So one is not missing much. But the bottom line is grades and maybe some of these kids do not measure-up. Mississippi St, Arkansas, ...? You can't be serious. Better talent in England. But VU doesn't appear to recruit there. Why?
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The latest effort will be Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner (who comes out next year). VU is in touch with her. Shane Fitzsimons or Karl Griffin would be nice, but I do not believe VU has the $, this year. Pay attention to Allanah Lally (400/800), who is probably two years away. In other words, there is some better talent coming out of Ireland, now. Hope they have the grades ...

Note: As good as Buttner is , there is a girl from Iceland, Anita Hinriksdotter, who rivals Cain, plus others coming-out in 2014.. Is there enough $?



This post was edited on 3/22 2:06 AM by sebastianc

This post was edited on 3/22 7:20 PM by sebastianc

 

[TheFoyeEffect]

Oceania > Ireland

I'd rather be landing kids from Australia and New Zealand than Ireland. I don't know if Ireland has a runner right now that's consistently world class.

 

[Or1on]

Maybe the money and jobs have changed things for Eire? They've had the best facilities and funding ever but the depth seems to have gone down hill a bit .

I think the last runner Nova really wanted was Fi Britton who I believe spent some time at the UTenn (may be thinking of someone else). She has done really well winning a Eruo CC champ and making an O-team. There were others like the Belfast girl but she never really thought of turning down that contract.

You have to remember we're talking about a place the size of Ma. Even in the best of circumstances they probably won't have more than one outstanding prospect every other year.

 

[novaclassof90]

More competition from other schools too. Back in the heyday of the pipeline we were oly school goinG over there seriously.

 

[sebastianc]

Aislinn Crossey has made her mark as a possible 2014 recruit. Check-out this video and note the girl starting on the outside - dark hair, #420 - Alanna Lally. Nice form initially, but loses form in the stretch. Coaching will fix that. Born in '96. Ireland is strange about dates of birth and graduation dates. So she is probably coming out in 2015. Might have more upside at 800 than Crossey or even C-Buttner since has more 400 speed.and is a year younger.

Pay attention to Cillian Kirwan - 1:51.5 (800), 4:19 (mile). Might be born in '96 but may come out in 2014. Finished 9th at Millrose. Olympic torch carrier.
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Ireleamd 800 W

 

[Or1on]

~ Irish AC (1st year) Gavin Kennedy delivers Ire NJCC champ Sean Tobin to Ole Miss.last winter.

~ Kennedy leaves: takes AC job at UWis. one week before school starts.

~ Tobin does not go to UMiss (not surprised). Stays home.

~ Tobin will likely go to Wisconsin if he comes over at all (in Sept 2014?). Or perhaps at the break?

 

[TheFoyeEffect]

I would be surprised if Villanova gets a good Irish kid in the near future. For one thing, Irish athletics is in the shitter, and another, Villanova means nothing to the current generation of Irish kids.