The Great Ireland Run lived up to its name today, with team gold for our senior men and possibly our masters women in the National 10k Championships. A number of athletes are also in contention for individual medals. The cool, clear and calm weather conditions inspired some top class performances and a 2012 world best time for winner Kenenisa Bekele on the notoriously tough course. First across the line for the club was Barry Minnock in bronze medal position in an excellent time of 30.32, leading home teammates Eoin Flynn (31.21), Louis McCarthy (32.05), Kevin Bolger (32.56), Paul Stephenson (33.04), Brian Furey (33.08), Ronan Kearns (34.20), Jonathan Hughes (34.30), Robert Murphy (34:48), Ciaran Aylward (35:04), Peter Toomey (36:41) and Laurence McAuley (41:45). Not to be outdone, the masters women’s team of Helen Leonard (39.14), Maria Dolan (39.16, PB), Vanessa Sallier (41.59), Laura Flynn (43.02), Helen Ingram (43.26) and Norita Murphy (43.55) stormed over the line in hot pursuit of double gold, while Valerie McGuinness flew the flag for the senior women in a time of 43.22. There were some good runs from our masters men too, with John Farrelly showing a return to form in a time of 36.40, followed by Derek Bain (37.18), Andy Davies (39.22) and Terry Clarke (39.47). Well done to everyone. Full results will be posted on the AAI website, and photos are in the gallery.
Masters women's team (Norita Murphy, Vanessa Sallier, Maria Dolan, Helen Leonard, Laura Flynn & Helen Ingram)
Barry Minnock with his individual bronze medal