Menu
Keelan Kilrehill (Moy Valley A.C.) defended his Autumn Open International title in impressive fashion at the Sport Ireland Campus this afternoon (Oct 13th), running a patient race to stretch clear of the field into the final two laps to cross in a winning time of 23:51 over the 8000m distance.
Kilrehill settled back from the leading pack led by Sean Tobin (Clonmel AC) in the early stages of the race, before gradually reigning in the leading trio which also included juniors Sean Quinn (Dundrum South Dublin) and Noah Harris (Parnell A.C.).
Kilrehill would stay on strongly to take the win with Tobin crossing in second in 24:16, with Spain’s Isaac Hirshmanchandler third in 24:20.
Speaking after the race, Kilrehill said, “Any day you win you have to be happy, and I felt good out there. I thought I’d have to do more of the work today, but Sean (Tobin) and the lads up front made it hard over the first few laps, so it took me two or three kilometres to get to the front. When I got there, I said there was no point messing around and to make it harder.”
The junior men broke away from the seniors on their way to completing their respective 6000m route. Sean Quinn (Dundrum South Dublin AC) led them home in 17:56 with Noah Harris (Parnell A.C.) hot on his heels in second (18:18). Lughaidh Mallon (Lagan Valley A.C. ) completed the podium in third in 18:28 with many commenting on what looks a particularly strong U20 division with eyes now turning to cross country championship action over the coming months.
Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick A.C.) put up a brave defence of her title in the senior women’s race, ultimately having to settle for second to England’s Sophie Tarver who took victory in a time of 20:12 with the defending champion crossing 13 seconds later.
The race for the podium places looked quite open for much of the race with Fiona Everard of Bandon A.C. staying on strongly for third in 20:32, while Nakita Burke of Letterkenny A.C. battled bravely up the home straight to take fourth in 20:43.
Emily Bolton (Clonliffe Harriers) dominated a quality junior women’s race to cross in a winning time of 15:23 ahead of England’s India Barwell (15:48) and the ultra-consistent Dearbhla Allen of St. Peter’s A.C. (16:01).
There was no shortage of action and drama in the master’s races throughout the day with the Jim McNamara trophy up for decision. Cork’s Michael Harty (East Cork A.C.) seems to thrive at the venue and took the men’s title in 25:03, while Fiona Gettings (Longford A.C.) topped a quality field in the women’s race to cross in a winning time of 21:37 for 6000m.
For the second time, this year’s Autumn Open incorporated a Mixed Senior Cross Country Relay which saw Dublin City Harriers (17.53) go one better than last year in taking first place. The team was in the envious position of calling on Olympian Jodie McCann to bolster their ranks alongside strong performances from Niamh Carr, Pierre Murchan, and Philip Marron.
Dundrum South Dublin chased DCH all the way, crossing in second in 18.04 which also confirms their qualification for the European Club Cross Country Championships in Portugal next February.
There were thrills a plenty in the battle for relay honours in the Inter-Club Cross Country Relays. More important than the titles on offer, the event offered the opportunity to further whet the appetite for cross country running. The event proved a huge success with a host of superb team performances across the hour of non-stop action. Ratoath claimed the first relay title of the day in the U11 girl’s race, shortly followed by St Cronan’s A.C. in the boy’s race. Finn Valley and Clongiffin A.C. enjoyed superb wins in the U13 races, while Middleton and DSD took honours in the U15 races.
Taking home gold in the mixed races were Limerick A.C. (U12), DSD A.C. (U14), and Leevale A.C. (U17).
Provisional Inter-Club Cross Country Provisional Results can be found HERE
Full Autumn Open Results are available HERE
Get all the latest news about upcoming sporting events, top tips on training and exclusive interviews.
