The first ever Home Countries Cross Country International took place in Wrexham in 1988, so it was appropriate that the 21st, or coming of age international, should be back on Welsh soil. On Saturday, more than 400 athletes from the five nations gathered at Singleton Park to savour the unique atmosphere of this annual contest. All the masters categories from age 35 upwards competed over a 2km lap course - women ran 6km, men 8km. They were severely tested on one of the toughest stamina-sapping courses of recent years. In the undulating picturesque parkland setting, there were muddy hollows, sharp turns, slippery cambered inclines and a cruel uphill finish. The overall results were dominated by England, both in individual and team medals. However, Ireland had considerable success too in the women's and men's teams and won a number of individual medals. Donna Mahon was the leading Irish woman with a great run to win the prestigious W35 category.
Mayo AC were proud to have international participants again for the third consecutive year. Ronnie Naylor from Ballina donned the kit for the first time and despite slipping and falling on the final lap, helped his team to a well-earned bronze medal in the M50 category. Tommy Payne (Tinryland ), Eugene Moynihan (Marian ), Martin McDonald (N. Laois ) were the other members of the team. Inspired by her Dad, Cathy Naylor ran an impressive 45.01 in the Brighton 10km on Sunday morning.
GCH legend, Martin McEvilly shook off a recent hamstring injury with a fantastic display of gritty running in the difficult conditions. Martin revels in it when the going gets tough. He won the M60 individual category by over a minute, and led the Irish to first place in the M60 team section. He was supported well by Pat Comey (Meath ), Liam O'Hare (Dublin ) and Tom Hunt (Mayo AC ) who added gold to the bronze he won last year as part of the M55 team in Belfast.
In the W60 race, Belmullet native Evelyn McNelis (Naas AC ) and Ballymote-based Pam Benson (Fingallians ) were on the Irish team who won silver in that category.
The medal presentation took place at a banquet hosted by Swansea Civic Council at the magnificent Brangwen Hall.
