British & Irish Masters International Cross Country Championships 2015

Sharon Cahill, Maria McCarthy & Niamh O'Sullivan

On Saturday 14th November, more than 400 masters athletes from the Five Nations gathered at Santry Demesne, Dublin to savour the unique atmosphere of the 38th Annual British & Irish Masters International Cross Country Championships. All categories from age 35 upwards competed over a 2k lap course - women ran 6k, men 8k. They were severely tested on what was a tough and stamina sapping course. In the undulating picturesque parkland setting, there were muddy hollows, sharp turns, slippery cambered inclines and a fast sprint to the finish.
Ireland made the most of the home advantage to have one of their most successful championships on a wet and windy day in Dublin. We had considerable success in the women's and men's teams and won a large number of individual medals. Ireland won two of the main three race events

Women's O40 Silver team winners

Farranfore Maine Valley AC were proud to have international participant, Maria McCarthy in the O40 6K race. Maria showed a fantastic display of gritty running in the difficult conditions, she revels in it when the going gets tough. Maria finished fourth in the M40 individual category and led the Irish to second place in the M40 team section behind England Our other club member, Caitriona Barry was a reserve in the same team, but did not get the opportunity to compete. We are sure she will be back again.
Also from Kerry who participated was Niamh O'Sullivan & Sharon Cahill both from An Riocht in the O50 category. Niamh was fourth individual and led the irish team to bronze

In the men's we had Pat O'Shea (Iveragh AC) competing in the O65 category where he was part of the team to finish in first place.

Full Results
Face Book Photo Album from BallyroanAbbleix District AC: HERE