A massive day for Irish Masters at International Cross-Country – first ever overall title!

November 12, 2022

International Cross Country: Pauline and Mags leading Ireland to Masters success at Santry

After a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 33rd Annual British and Irish Masters International Cross Country finally took place today.

The Republic of Ireland/Irish Masters Athletics Association had waited since the last running of the event at Aintree Racecourse in 2019 to be hosts. And it was well worth it.

Santry was the venue this year for these very competitive cross country races.

Continuing their excellent record of participation over the past twenty years, this year Mayo AC had three club members in Irish vests – a great achievement.

Pauline Moran W65 and Mags Glavey W70 were joined on the Irish team by Paraic Sweeney making his debut in the competition.

As we reported during the week, Paraic got a late call up to join the M70 team and was suitably delighted!

The whole Irish team ran their hearts out on an exciting day of cross country racing as athletes from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales competed on the famous Santry Demesne.

The overall top prize (combined men and women) is between the five nations.

England had dominated the event in both men’s and women’s sections over the entire span of the event so far. Yes – had dominated! – until 2022 that is, when they met their Waterloo at Santry.

And our runners contributed in no small measure to the Irish team winning the overall trophy for the first time.

As team and individual results were announced at the medal presentation banquet at the Clayton Hotel, it became clear that Ireland had won a significant number, and the points they gathered were enough to claim a massive overall victory.

This they did amid keen competition between age category teams and individuals from o35 to o75 with medals for the first three on each – similarly with team medals.

In the first race at 11.00 men and women 65/70/75 plus ran 6k.

Mags ran a brilliant race and finished second individual W70 . Teammate Eileen Kenny came home first and Mary Lynch fourth, and with those points the Irish team won gold.

Pauline showed she is in great form in the recent Connacht eventd, and she led her late W65 team home finishing first individual and the team in silver. She has an amazing individual record in this competition over many years- that’s gold/ silver Aintree /gold Swansea in the last three years. Brilliant achievements – a fitting and well deserved end to a fantastic year.

Paraic Sweeney was troubled by a hamstring problem in the M70 6k race. However, the Irish team won bronze so he’ll have a little extra luggage as he resumes holiday in Portugal! Then he really will be flying. Well done, Paraic!

Congratulations to our three runners who proudly wore their Irish vests with great success at Santry today.

Contributing to the Irish success were a number of runners from other Connacht Region clubs –

Paddy O’Toole Westport AC and M45 team won gold with 1,2,3 in the category ,

Mark Davis Craughwell AC M50 silver team,

Eamonn Murphy North Sligo AC M55 team silver,

Mari Johnston Sligo AC W50 team gold,

Also Ballinrobe native Mary Browne Lucan Harriers AC : W60 team bronze.

Ready to party! Mags, Paraic, and Pauline

The Masters International Cross-Country ended with the traditional banquet and medal presentation, hosted this year by the Irish Masters Athletics Association at the Clayton Hotel.

Full results from Santry :

33rd Annual British and Irish Masters International Cross-Country

https://www.myrunresults.com/events/british__irish_open_international_masters_xc/4580/results