Galvin returns to win first Munster senior cross-country title

DERMOT GALVIN (St John’s AC) heralded his return to domestic competition with his first win in the Munster senior cross-country championships at St Augustine’s College, Dungarvan, yesterday, when he put his pre-Christmas injury problems behind him to win the title at the expense of fellow Clareman James McIntyre (Tulla) and fast-finishing Bryan McMahon (Carraig na bhFear).

Dermot Galvin took control of the race on the first lap after the early pace had been set by the defending champion Philip Harty (KCK), but the Waterford man, who completed a family double last year when his younger brother, William, won the junior title, fell victim to a chest cold and subsequently abandoned the race. This left Galvin clear and he increased his lead up to halfway when he settled into a rhythm that saw him coast to what he described as one of the most exciting wins of his career.

From the club that produced Willie Keane, he was coached by the legendary Clareman during his formative years, and subsequently went on an athletics scholarship to Providence College. He returned last summer and began training with another Clare legend, Séamus Power, but after an exciting performance at the Great Ireland Run in Loughrea, he picked up an injury during the national inter-counties championships in Donoughmore and did not get back training for five weeks.