(Updated 22 Oct - Christy Creagh selected for Masters Home Countries team)

Following his convincing win in the Rathfarnham 5km Road Race two weeks before, Mark Christie recorded another big win on Sunday 18th October, this time in cross country, when he raced to victory with a brilliant sprint finish at the Gerry Farnan Cross Country in the Phoenix Park leaving some of the very best senior men in Ireland in his wake. Mark ran a great tactical race over the 5 mile course and stayed right on the shoulders of the leaders throughout and timed his finish to perfection with a confident display of speed and strength showing that he is coming into perfect form for the cross country season ahead, with his eye firmly on a place on the Ireland team to compete at the European Cross Country in Santry in early December.

The men’s race was a combined senior and master race and also competing were Liam McGlynn, Aidan Gorry, Kieran Nolan, Justin Murtagh, Brian Boyle, Doug Bates and Christy Creagh who all ran well over the tough course. Christy finished 4th in his master age category and as the race was a trial for the Ireland team to compete at the Masters Home Countries Cross Country in Birmingham in November, he earns his place on the Ireland team.

The women’s race over 3 miles was also a combined senior and master race and a trial for the Masters Home Countries. Mary Scully probably ran the best race she has ever run and going into the final lap she pulled clear of her master opposition to win her category by a wide margin and gains automatic selection on the Ireland team. Following her in was Paula Murray, Michelle O’Halloran, Vera McCool and then came Brigid McCabe finishing 2nd in her category to also gain automatic selection on the Ireland team.

Also competing and running well were Breda Daly, Sharon Bates, Breda McDonnell and Geraldine Walsh who finished 2nd in her category and also makes the Ireland team.

These results had to be gathered from various sources because the power failed at race headquarters when the results were being finalised and everyone had to go home not knowing the final team and some master category results. Apologies for any errors.

For Christy, Brigid and Geraldine, they have run for Ireland before, but this is Mary’s first Ireland vest, so come November the Club’s "International Roll of Honour" will have to be updated again. Congratulations to Mark on his victory and to Mary, Brigid, Geraldine and hopefully Christy on gaining International selection proving that the Mullingar underage athletes don’t have a monopoly on success.