This was one of the best wins, at team level, for a long time for D.S.D., and was reminiscent of our National Cross-Country Four Team wins a few years ago. Brandon Hargreaves, who just returned from sabbatical in the U.S., was always in the lead group and finished in 3rd place. Joe Sweeney (5th) showed he is returning to the form that saw him finish 5th in the European C.C. Championships, with Killian Mooney, the youngest of the top finishers, in 10th place and Mark Conway will be remembered as the 4thscorer on this momentous occasion.
Any preview of the race would have placed D.S.D. ladies as the top team and they duly delivered. They were led home by the evergreen Maria McCambridge, who finished a close up 3rd and was supported by a powerful team that included Sarah Mulligan 4th; Laura Shaughnessy 5th; Fiona Clinton 8th, Meghan Ryan 9th and Harriette Robinson 16th. Maria, who is still seeking a Rio Marathon qualifying time, proved that the speed is coming back to her legs after an injury hit season. This proved a marvellous occasion for D.S.D., with their colours dominant in the top 10. Other results as follows:
Rachel Riordan 42nd 42.37
Sarah O’Carroll 43rd 42.40
Annette Kehoe 2nd W50 43.33
Pauline Robertson 43.48
Linda Finnegan 2nd W55 44.47
Maxine Jones 2nd W60 45.05
Denis Romain 74th M40 36.38
Mark Sheridan 82nd M35 36.59
Colm Cunningham 87 M35 3717
Colin Murphy M35 38.42
Barry O’Grady M40 38.42
