There was drama a plenty as the cross-country season kicked-off in Tymon Park as Shane Spring took Dublin novice gold.
In a dramatic sprint for the line with Eddie O’Connor of Brothers Pearse, both athlete’s crossed the line together. A stewards enquiry was required to separate gold from silver.
After long deliberations the race officials could not split the runners with Spring and O’Connor sharing gold. I do not believe this has happened previously and no doubt the record books will be thoroughly checked.
The Raheny team were just two points off the bronze medal which went to Crusaders. Adam Condon took 12th place followed by Andrew Hyland 14th and Dara MacRiocaird 29th.
The other Raheny athletes who raced in a very strong wind and heavy rain at times were, Eoin Keegan 36, Barry Meehan 40, Rory O’Sullivan 46, Aaron Tansey 49, Josh Chambers 53, Caleb Long 60, John Clarke 74.
Sean McDonnell 96, John O’Sullivan 98, Hugh Cronin 99, Souvik Ghosh 104 and David Keoghan 106.
The women’s team finished just off the medals in fourth place. They were led home by Mairead Roche 16, Roisin Leahy 18, Sarah Deneher 21 and Orlaith Smyth 29.
Others who ran were; Aoibhe Rooney 31, Seona O’Keeffe 33, Deirbhile O’Keeffe 44, Clare Fox 45, Molly Rickard 46, Adrienne Atkins 50, Keri Delaney 53, Livia Moore Smyth 63, Clodagh Foley 65.
