There was more success for Donore Harriers athletes in the first Athletics Ireland Autumn Open Cross in the Phoenix Park (19/10/14) on Sunday. The 5km and 8km races incorporated various categories and acted as a trial race for the British & Irish Masters cross country championships due to take place in Nottingham on the 22^nd of November.

There was plenty to cheer in the opening 5km race with Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill (19.52) following up her recent Dublin Novice success with victory in the F35 category. Karen Behan (22.13) placed 6^th in the same age group. Anne Curley (20.50) placed an excellent 5^th in a very competitive F35 class. Barry Potts (22.15) had a great run and came 3^rd in the M65 class, whilst Terry Mee (23.13) and Joseph Maguire (17.16) were respective winners of the M70 and M75 categories. Aislinn and Anne placed 8^th and 28^th respectively in the Open race.

The 4 lap, 8km race proved to be a battle of the elements as the strong winds continued and a downpour of rain further tested the athletes. John Dunne and Niall Lynch raced together for the first 3 laps, before John (28.18) put in a big effort over the last lap to finally place 35^th overall and 6^th in the M35 category. Niall (28.44) showed plenty of determination to finish 40^th in the open race and was a clear winner in the M40 class. In the same category Ciaran McCarthy (30.41) placed 10^th on his club debut. John Dunne placed 35^th overall in the Open race, whilst Niall Lynch was 40^th.

The selection criteria for the Ireland team are as follows: – M35 through to M50, teams of 6 with the first 4 across the line gaining automatic selection, with consideration for 2 “wildcard” selections. M55 to M75 plus Women’s teams from W35 to W70, comprise of 4 Athletes, therefore first 3 across the line, with consideration given to 1 “wildcard” selection. Therefore, Aislinn, Barry, Terry, Joseph and Niall have automatic selection. Hopefully John and Anne have done enough to warrant the trip to Nottingham.

Results in brief: –

Athletics Ireland Open Cross at Phoenix Park (19/10/14)

5km race: –

F35 – 1^st Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill (19.52); 6^th Karen Behan (22.13)

F40 – 5^th Anne Curley (20.50)

M65 – 3^rd Barry Potts (22.15)

M70 – 1^st Terry Mee (23.13)

M75 – 1^st Joseph Maguire (27.16)

8km race: –

M35 – 6^th John Dunne (28.28)

M40 – 1^st Niall Lynch (28.44); 10^th Ciaran McCarthy (30.41)

M45 – 10^th Ian O’Leary (33.14)

Open Race – 55^th Colm O’Connell (29.20) debut; 97^th Barbara Cleary F40 (30.59) 6^th female; 150^th Ryan Leitch (37.52)

Other results: –

Punchestown 10km (18/10/14): – 3^rd Darren Hand (37.56)

Longwood Village 10km (19/10/14): – 23^rd Niall J. O’Reilly (40.50)

New York City 10km (19/10/14): – 16^th Stephen Dawson (39.23); 250^th Michelle Dawson (52.54)

Griffeen Parkrun 5km (18/10/14): – 1^st George Brady M35 (18.39)

Tymon Parkrun 5km (18/10/14): – 10^th Samatha Conroy F35 (21.29) 2^nd female