Power and Matthews non runners

SEAMUS POWER has pulled out of next Sunday’s national inter-club cross-country championships in Co Wicklow and, with Peter Matthews battling his way back after injury, it means the two men who have dominated the event for the past number of years will be absent.

It comes as a huge disappointment for the Clareman who suffered a bout of flu early in the year and, after recovering, he went to Spain for some warm weather training only to pick up a chest infection.

“I had to sit out the three weeks in Spain. It was most disappointing,” he said yesterday.

“I am back training but I have lost too much and I have informed the AAI I have nothing to contribute to the world cross-country championships this year.

“For my own part, I will get ready for the track and the 10,000m.”

Matthews has been struggling with injury since last summer.