Sweeney strides to fine victory

Joe Sweeney of Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club triumphed in yesterday’s Woodie’s DIY National Inter-County Cross Country Championships at Tattersalls in Meath.

Sweeney delivered a strong front-running performance over a course that was very heavy underfoot and finished the ten kilometre distance in 33 minutes 27 seconds- thirty nine seconds clear of Michael Mulhare of Laois who had set the early pace.

Sean Hehir-running in the colours of his native Clare- also ran impressively to finish third in 34:16 with Brian Maher Of Kilkenny placing fourth in 34:32.

Antrim won the inter county team title ahead of Dublin and Clare.

Another DSD athlete had reason to celebrate victory in the women’s senior race, but Ava Hutchinson had to battle hard for her title as Cork’s Lizzie Lee set the lively early pace. Hutchinson, who represented Ireland in the marathon at the London Olympics, had the edge on finishing speed over the final few hundred metres – finishing in 31:06 for the 8km event- just four seconds clear of a gallant Lizzie Lee. Sarah McCormack, who also runs for DSD, finished third in 31:27.

Stephen Kerr from Armagh won a closely contested men’s junior race –finishing in 20:53 for the six kilometre event.

Ian Guiden (Dublin) made a bold bid for victory in this event but in the end he had to settle for the silver medal as Kerr proved the stronger runner in the closing stages. Guiden finished second in 20:59 . Eoghen Totten, (Newcastle) finished third in 21:24.

Mary Mulhare of Laois was a clear winner of the junior women’s race in 16:17 ahead of Maryann O’Sullivan, (Tinryland A.C), and Iseult O’Donnell, (Dublin).

The final team Irish team selections for the European Cross Country Championships are due to be announced later today- Monday.