Lough Key Forest Park was the setting for another great performance by Mayo AC at Woodie’s DIY AAI Masters Cross Country Championships on Sunday. A mild misty day is usually welcomed by athletes, but many struggled in the tough conditions over hill and hollow.
Mayo AC had 17 athletes competing. There were over 100 on the start line for the 4km women’s masters race. After the usual frenzied start, Colette Tuohy set out amid the top six or seven and maintained her signature strong pace which brought her to the top three. With eventual winner Pauline Curley hitting the front, she battled with Mary Scully, passing her and being passed in turn, as they raced for the line. Colette finished a brilliant third overall and won bronze in the 40+ age category. This represents one of the best individual results in a National Masters cross-country championship in the club’s history. Her performance led the women’s over 40-team to silver place in the inter clubs section with 78 points – just reward for a fantastic team effort. The team (four to count ) had finished fourth in the past two years at this event with 127, and 85 points. Colette was followed home by a great run from Ann Lennon in 19th, winning bronze in the o45 category, with Angela O’Connor close behind in 21st and fourth in the o45, and Colette Sweeney in 38th. They were well backed up by Chris Gallagher (57 ), Ann Murray (68 ) and Mary Moylett (101 ). Pauline Moran finished an excellent fourth in o55, and Mary Naylor and Una McGrath also ran well in a very competitive o50 category. Mayo finished third in Inter County section.
More than 200 competed in the Masters men’s 7k. Brendan Gill M35, was first Mayo AC finisher in 28th place. Seamus Gaughan led home the 50+ team, displaying his recent good form and was a brave fourth in the o60 category. Danny Green (M55 ), was right behind him all through finishing 118th, followed by Tom Hunt 146th and sixth o60, with M50 Ronnie Naylor (161 ) and M55 Owen Mongan (165 ). Robert Malseed M40 ) also ran but unfortunately dropped out mid race.
Silver for Moran at indoor pentathlon championship
Patrick Moran (Mayo AC ) followed up his recent fourth place in the AAI National Quadrathon Masters Championships with a trip to the Don Valley Stadium Sheffield on Sunday for the 2012 British National Indoor Pentathlon Championships. Competing in the M55 category, he won a silver medal with excellent performances over the five disciplines.
