Brady wins place on Irish Cross Country team for Europeans

National Senior Cross Country

Liam Brady will run for Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships in Italy next month having secured his place on the team with a fantastic performance at last Sunday’s National Senior Cross Country Championships where he finished fourth overall. 

The new purpose-built cross country venue at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown provided a super course set out over a challenging 2000m lap.  Both the men’s and ladies races were hotly contested as the country’s finest battled for places on the European squads.   

The men’s race had over 150 athletes in action with a strong pace set from the off. Liam went into the race hoping to make the top five and worked well to keep with the leaders which included eventual winner Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers) and Mick Clohisey (Raheny) who was chasing his fourth national title.  Brady fought bravely over the 10,000m race working his way up to an impressive fourth place finish and automatic qualification for the Irish team.  

In doing so, he also led the Harriers men’s team to both club and county gold in Grade B of the competition.  The medal-winning team supporting Liam were Pauric Ennis, Dave Fox, Padraig Berry, Eddie Garry, Fergal Leonard and Mick Conneely.  Brendan Donaher of Naomh Mhuire Daingean was also in action and scored for county team, helping to secure the gold for Offaly.

The ladies race was equally competitive with around 100 girls on the start line.  Nadine Donegan led the Harriers team putting in a strong performance over the gruelling 8000m race.  She was followed home by Maeve Lynam, Michelle Mullaney and Dmpyna Condron who made up the club team who won bronze medals for Harriers in Grade B of the contest.  Edenderry’s Caroline Donnellan also ran and contributed to the county score though the girls finished outside the medals there.

In all, it was a fantastic day for the club - with the cross country teams having medalled at every event so far this season, both the men’s and women’s teams are going from strength to strength but the club is particularly proud of Liam’s superb achievement and we wish him all the best as he prepares for the European Championships in Chia, Italy on 11th December.

Harriers results

Ladies: Nadine Donegan 33.51 (68th); Maeve Lynam 35.23 (81st); Michelle Mullaney  35.25 (82nd); Dympna Condron 37.41 (88th)

Men: Liam Brady 31.15 (4th); Pauric Ennis 35.52 (97th); Dave Fox 36.11 (100th); Padraig Berry 36.41 (115th); Eddie Garry 37.23 (115th); Fergal Leonard 39.12 (138th); Mick Conneely 40.09 (144th).

Mountain Rescue Run

Well done to Aidan and Olivia Egan who competed in the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Run the Line event. There were 2 separate races, both running through the Dublin Mountains with steep climbs along the route. Aidan did the 26k in 2.56 and Olivia did the 13k in 1.34. Great running guys.

Access to Harriers Facilities

Please note that use of the club’s facilities, including the tarmac track, is restricted to members of the club.  Walkers are not permitted on the track during training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm-8pm.

Fixtures

December

Tues 6th Harriers Winter League Rd 3, 5k

Sun 11th National Novice Cross Country, Dundalk IT

Tues 20th Harriers Grand National

Mon 25th Goal Mile, Harriers

Sat 31st Round the Houses, Harriers

January

Sun 15th Leinster Intermediate & Masters Cross Country, Dundalk IT

Sun 22nd National Intermediate Cross Country, TBC

February

Sun 12th National Masters Cross Country, Waterford IT