The 28^th edition of the British and Irish Masters International Cross Country Championships held at Santry Demesne on Saturday last proved a successful outing for both Ireland and its Donore Harriers participants. Seven members of the Chapelizod based club wore the singlets of Ireland with distinction. Not least first time international Michael McMahon, who was the 3^rd scorer on a strong Irish team that convincingly won the M35 team category.

McMahon has been a revelation since taking up athletics 3 years ago! The former Civil Service gaelic footballer was always near the front of the field over a tough 4 laps 8km course. Despite losing a place on the final circuit McMahon (26.23) placed a magnificent 5^th and 3^rd Irish scorer as the team won by 13 points ahead of England. The final team score read 1^st Ireland (16), 2^nd England (29) and 3^rdScotland (52)

John Dunne (26.55) placed 9^th in the same race and later admitted to feeling tired after a busy race and training schedule. Dunne was the 5^th Irish home and played a key part in reducing the England score.

Niall Lynch (27.35), another former gaelic footballer in his native Cavan, was the key 4^th scorer on the Irish team that won the M40 category. Lynch used his mountain running strength over the mud-fest 8km race and his 9^th place finish helped the Ireland team secure gold on 18 points with England (27) in second and Scotland (58) in third.

Barry Potts (25.32) was the first non-scoring athlete on the winning Irish team in the M65 race over 6kms. Potts placed 10^th as Ireland (11) outscored England (20), Scotland (32) and Northern Ireland (also 32).

In the M70 race, also over 6km, Terry Mee (29.11) struggled over the muddy terrain and had to settle for 15^th position. He was the 3^rd Irish scorer, but the team were out of the medals in 4^th place (38) behind England (8), Scotland (20) and Northern Ireland (26).

It was different story in the M75 race where Jim McNamara (29.39) led the Irish team to bronze medals when placing 5^th individual. Ireland scored 21 behind England (8) and Scotland (16), but ahead of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ann Woodlock, the Business Houses Athletics Association’s athlete of the year for 2015 and also known as ‘Wonderful Woodlock’, placed an excellent 10^th in the Women’s 70+ race over 6km. Woodlock (35.12) was the 3^rd Irish scorer as the team won silver on 23 points behind England (23) and ahead of Wales (31).

COMMENT: What a great shame that the media gives such little coverage to events like this! It was great to see the Irish teams compete so well against their English counterparts. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie among the teams of all the home nations. And the winds and rain did not deter from the spectacle and the occasion. The dedication and determination of the athletes deserves better recognition – and not just because they train so hard, but the level of human endeavours and the sportsmanship at events like this is simply outstanding. Cross-Country and athletes deserve better recognition!

Results in brief  

British & Irish International Masters Cross Country Championships at Santry Demesne (14/11/15): W70 6km: – 1^st Dot Fellows ENG (29.08), 10^th Ann Woodlock IRL (35.12) – TEAM: 1. England (14), 2. Ireland (23), 3. Wales (31):M65 6km: – 1^st Martin McEvilly IRL (23.21), 10^th Barry Potts IRL (25.32) – TEAM: 1. Ireland (11), 2. England (20), 3. Scotland (32): M70 6km: – 1^st Peter Giles ENG (24.56), 15^th Terry Mee IRL (29.11): M75 6km – 1^st Peter Covey ENG (28.47), 5^th Jim McNamara IRL (29.39) – TEAM 1. England (8), 2^nd Scotland (16), 3. Ireland (21): M35 8km – 1^st Michael Harty IRL (28.03), 5^th Michael McMahon IRL (26.23), 9^th John Dunne IRL (26.56) – TEAM: 1. Ireland (16), 2. England (29), 3. Scotland (52): M40 8km – 1^st Christopher Greenwood ENG (25.33), 9^th Niall Lynch IRL (27.35) – TEAM: 1. Ireland (18), 2. England (27), 3. Scotland (58).

Dublin Run in the Dark 10km (11.11.15): 9^th Rossa Hurley (35.27)

MoRun 10km at Phoenix Park (14.11.15): 13^th / 3^rd M40 Kevin Odgers (42.37 PB)

Naas 5km Parkrun (31/10/15): 3^rd Ian Redican M40 (20.23)

St. Anne’s 5km Parkrun (7/11/15): 4^th Alan Farrell M40 (17.51 PB), 5^th Colin Morrissey M35 (17.53 PB), 7^th Alasdair Brown (18.02 PB)

Porterstown 5km Parkrun (14/11/15): 3^rd Tom Fagan M45 (20.59)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (14/11/15): 2nd Laura Murray FS (24.16)

Juvenile Results

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (7/11/15): 3^rd Noah Synnott u/13s (21.05), 15^th / 1^stwoman Syke-Dixie Synnott u/11s (24.53)