The Athletics Ireland Autumn Open XC festival was one of the most successful to date.
Today's event ticked all the boxes from a family day out to high level national and international runners on show. The location itself in Abbottstown where last years Spar European XC was held also added to the day. The first batch of races were the Dublin Juvenile Even Age Championships followed by the National Inter Club Uneven Age Juvenile Relay Championships. Over 600 Dublin juveniles ran with a further 170 teams entered the Relays. Juvenile runners, their families and clubs made this a day out. Many travelled from all corners of the country. The excitement and energy created from these races led us nicely to the adults races.
Next up was the Junior women, Senior Women, Masters Women and the Masters Men 65+ all running as separate races at the one time. The masters was extremely competitive with a lot at stake for athletes. Many were running to book their place on the upcoming British and Irish Masters XC on November 12th in Santry.
Favourite Sinead O'Connor from Leevale AC took the masters womens overall top spot. The women's senior race was won by Abbie Donnelly running for England. The Junior women's winner was Avril Millerick from Youghal A.C.
The Men's 65+ was won by Eugene Moynihan of Marrian A.C. Pauline Moran of Mayo AC was the Women's 65+ winner.
The final race of the day was the Men's Senior, Junior and Masters. This race, just the women's race was stacked to the rafters with quality. The level of master seems to be all time high. Again like the women's race this was a qualifier for the British & Irish Masters. The first junior home Sean M McGinley of Finn Valley AC.
The Men's Senior race was mouth watering with talent as they took the line. The world class Darragh McElhinney of UCD AC gave a master class of running and won comfortably in the end. In 2nd place was Keelan Kilrehill who gave Darragh something to think about for long periods of the race. What Came behind was also top class. The first master man home was Brian Maher of Kilkenny City Harriers.
Now that the dust has settled the tough job of selecting the womens and mens Irish teams begins. Well done to Athletics Ireland, volunteers, clubs and all athletes for a fabulous day.