Mayo in action at National Inter Counties Cross Country

Submitted by Tom Hunt

The Woodie’s DIY National Inter County cross country championships took place at Sligo Racecourse today. Heavy rainfall over the past week made for heavy underfoot conditions and stamina testing races.The 2k lap course in a panoramic setting combined to make this a veryspectator friendly event and the day was well organised by Sligo AC.
After a number of juvenile and junior races, the senior women’s and
men’s races took place on a course that was very mucky in places.
Mayo had just the requisite four runners in their team for the senior
women’s 8k. It was always going to be a tough task for four masters
athletes to take on the seniors. However, Colette Tuohy ran a great
race in her trademark aggressive style and led the team home in 28th
place in a field of 53. She was followed by Angela O’Connor (42),
Colette Sweeney (46) and Anne Murray (49). Mayo finished 6th county in
the team placings.

There were 116 finishers in the Senior men’s race ( including u23s).
John Byrne had assembled one of the strongest teams in the county for
some time but unfortuneately he was not able to start. However, it was
great to see ten athletes from the county on the start line – some of
them competing in their first cross country race, and they certainly
found out all about it over 10k and five gruelling laps.

Roger Barrett was aiming for a top 30 finish and was in line for that
throughout, but tired over the final 3k. His 32nd place was well
earned on this terrain and in very competetive company. Ballyhaunis
native, Michael Freeley (Rathfarnham WSAF) in 56th place, was next in
for the county ahead of Robert Malseed (72). Michael Canty (75), Anto
Devaney (83), Sean Gallagher (87), Tommy Neville (91) Michael McNeela
(102), Gerry Galvin (110) and Brendan Hession (111). Mayo finished
11th of the 13 competing county teams (six to count). They came second
of the four teams in division ‘B’ .

Detailed results of the junior and seniors races are at
http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=22052

You have been sent 4 pictures all taken on Sunday at National
InterCounties Cross Country Championships at Sligo Racecourse.
Pictured above: Colette Tuohy, Colette Sweeney, Angela O’Connor
Pictured Below:

Colette Sweeney
Roger Barrett leads the Mayo team
Brendan Gill digging deep