It was great to see so many Club athletes in action and performing well on Sunday 15th February at the AAI National Masters and Intermediate cross country championships in Tymon Park, Dublin.

The event was very well attended by athletes from all over Ireland and the beautiful spring afternoon meant that the underfoot conditions on this flat course were very firm. All the Harrier athletes acquitted themselves very well and it was clear that the consistent cross country training in the Club over the winter months has paid off. The Club secured five medals – Bridget McCabe, Breda McDonnell, Geraldine Walsh, Christy Creagh and Ben Vaitkavichius.

Thanks to Nicky McCabe for queuing for the numbers and all followed Nicky’s advice to “go out as hard as you can…and then speed up!” Thanks also to Liam McGlynn for providing report and results on the day’s events.

In the master women’s race, all our athletes had solid runs and first home for Mullingar was Paula Murray, followed by Vera McCool, Maura Dervin, Bridget McCabe (2nd in her age-category), Breda Daly, Breda McDonnell (3rd in category) and Geraldine Walsh (2nd in category) providing great support.

In the corresponding master men’s race, the Mullingar team was led in by Tom McGrath finishing strongly, and with great support from Ben Vaitkavichius (3rd in category), Liam McGlynn finishing strongly and Maurice Looby close behind making an impressive come-back to cross country racing after a 9 year break, Paddy Daly making his debut in a Mullingar vest, Enda Mimnagh racing cross country for the first time, Christy Creagh (2nd in category) and Aidan Daly all running well in support, the men finished a very respectable 7th Club.

No surprise that first to finish for Mullingar in the Intermediate women was Mary Scully having a good race despite being a bit disappointed with her performance, and well supported by Wendy Bates, Eva Ross, Riona Murtagh and Marie-Louise Johnston who negotiated the course very well and finished an excellent 5th Club.

The final race was the men’s Intermediate where we had just two individual entrants, Aidan Gorry and Colm Walsh and both ran well and were pleased with their performances.

Congratulations and very well done to one and all for representing the Club with distinction in these National Championships.