RACE REPORT

After a 2 year absence the very popular Autumn Open XC hosted by athletics Ireland took place in Abbotstown's state of the art facility. This will be the same course and location for this year's European XC on December 12th. What a great dress rehearsal as participants and spectators were able to get a taste of what's to come. As for the event itself we were spoiled with the amount of great talent on show for all age categories and races. This event always attracts some fine athletes

This was also the qualifier for the Irish Masters team selection to face Northern Ireland later in the year. We also got a chance to see some of the upcoming talent in the juniors races. The atmosphere in the Abbottstown venue was filled with excitement and upbeat form by athletes and spectators. Before the adults events we had some great juvenile races to get the day kicked off. Then at 2pm the start gun sounded as the main ladies race that consisted of Junior, Senior, masters 35+and 65+ went off. 

Then at 2pm the start gun sounded as the main ladeies race that consisted of Junior, Senior, masters 35+and 65+ went off. 

The Junior lady winner was Jane Buckley of Leevale AC.  The Senior winner was Abbie Donnelly and the overall Masters winner was Ann Marie McGlynn of Letterkenny AC

The Men's race was set off at 2.45 and like the Womens race we had Junior Senior and Masters all head out on the fantastic XC course. Darragh McElhinney the Senior race. Darragh took off in the final stages in whatwas a close affair for most of the race. 

The Junior winner was Nicholas Griggs of Mid Ulster and the overall Master winner was the in form Tim O'Donoghue from East Cork AC.

Womens Start Line

Course action wowens race

Mens Course Action

Mens Senior Winner