from Donore Harriers Victory for John Downes in the Dublin Masters Cross Country Championships The Dublin Masters cross country championships was held today at the Ordinance Survey in the Phoenix Park. It’s the second year the competition has been held on this course with conditions almost as muddy as last year. There was also a slight change to include a diversion into a steep downhill to cross a stream followed by a testing short uphill.
Two races were on the card with the Ladies up first at 1pm running a 2 lap race over 4K. A team including Florence Curley (10th), Ali Lougney (11th), Barbara Murray (18th) making her debut and Karen Mcloughlin (23rd) secured a bronze team medal. Donna Mahon (Rathfarnham WSAF) was the winner with Rathfarnham WSAF and Civil Service Harriers placed 1st and 2nd teams.
In the men’s race, over a 7k course, a great run by John Downes saw him take the honours. John made a brave move early on and always looked and felt comfortable to finish in front in 24.09. We had 7 competing in the race and the team finished in 4th position with Aidan McGrath 14th, Fergal Swaine 24th, Padraig McGreal 33rd, Joe Rankin 50th and Colin Moore 53rd.
Congrats to John and well done to all who competed.
Donore’s Fiona Mahon raced at the IAAF Antrim International Cross Country meeting at Greenmount on Saturday. Fiona ran well to finish 21st overall in the 5,600m race won by European Junior champion Stephanie Twell. Ireland’s Deirdre Byrne was second with Freya Murray of Scotland in third.