There have been bigger days in Fionnuala McCormack’s career, but few that felt as sweet. Not only did the 35-year-old stamp her supremacy over her rivals at today’s National Cross Country Championships in Abbotstown, winning her ninth senior title, but she was able to share the podium with her younger sister Una.

He can remember hurtling down the hill on his cousin’s bike, moving at a nonsensical pace, the summer breeze buffeting his face. 

Cork star Darragh McElhinney cruised to an emotional victory at the Irish Life Health All-Ireland Schools Cross-Country Championships in Mallusk, Co Antrim, on Saturday.