East Cork regain senior title as Leevale runners steal the show

The opening event at the new home of Cork cross-country at Riverstick was marked with an absorbing men’s senior race which saw East Cork regain the title from holders Leevale for their 10th win in 12 years.

However, the day belonged to the city club who won three individuals titles along with two team victories. It was a fitting tribute to the late Leevale chairman Liam Horgan who passed away during the week and in whose honour the club’s athletes wore black armbands.

On the first of five laps that made up the 10km distance, a group of 10 were all bunched together but as the race progressed this was whittled down to just Sean McGrath, James McCarthy and Tim O’Donoghue – all East Cork — and Leevale’s Canadian representative Ben Thistlewood.