On the famed Munich lap in the Phoenix Park, Brian Bruton lead Athenry AC home to silver medals in Grade C at the Senior Cross Country. This was a tough race with a competitive, if small, field, and toward the head of affairs was GCH's own Gary Thornton. We all know locally Gary was in great form after a sub 30 performance at the Fields of Athenry 10km, and now his form over the winter is no secret across the country. Congrats on a fine silver medal from all at Athenry AC [and thanks for the encouragement as you lapped me!]

This correspondent has been targetting this race over the winter, and though it may seem strange to many, 81st of 109 represented a good day out for me. With only a small bit of persuasion, I was joined by Brian Bruton, John O Connor, Brian O Connor, Owen Curran and Peter Lowney on the startline [and indeed Gary Thornton joined us for company in the starting chute!]. Brian Bruton had 30 seconds to spare on me at the finish, and in typical fashion, he reckoned he could have gone on all day at that pace.

Brian O Connor recovered after a sticky start to finish well, while Owen Curran ran a good steady race in front of raucous family support. Unfortunately, John O Connor ran into difficulties and was forced into withdrawal, whicle performance of the day went to Peter Lowney, who took to the course with pretty much no training all year, to represent his club on the biggest stage.

A big thanks for all the shouts from everyone on the course, especially to Martin Keane - if I knew you were there Martin I would have got you onto the startline!

Images from racepix.com

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