Round-up of Inter County Cross Country C'ships

Andrew Ledwith (Fr Murphy's AC) has won the senior men's race at the Woodie's DIY Inter County Cross Country Championships at Kilbeggan.

In what were incredibly difficult race conditions, Ledwith finished in a time of 29.45 minutes to take the gold medal and guarantee his place on the Irish team for next month's European Cross Country Championships in Dublin.

Ledwith was involved in a tight race, but made his break with two laps to go and ran out comfortable winner ahead of Sean Connolly (Tallaght AC) and Mark Kenneally (Clonliffe Harriers). Ledwith only arrived back in Ireland yesterday after completing his altitude training in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Earlier today in the competition's other main race, Mary Cullen of North Sligo won the senior women's event in a time of 26.43 minutes ahead of Deirdre Byrne (Sli Chualann), Linda Byrne (Dundrum South Dublin) and Fionnuala Britton (Sli Chualann).

The Junior Men's race was won my 2008 Paralympic Gold medallist, Michael McKillop (St. Malachy's) who strode to victory ahead of Liam Trimble in second.

One of the country's most promising athletes, Ciara Mageean (Lisburn AC) dominated the Junior Women's race finishing 20seconds ahead of Laura Shaughnessy (Loghrea AC) in second and Emma Mitchell (Banbridge AC) in third.

Irish Cross Country Team Manager, Anne Keenan-Buckley, was pleased to see her athletes perform well: 'Today's conditions were not easy for any by any stretch of the imagination. I am very pleased with the performances of the athletes out here today but in particular it was great to see Mary Cullen win the senior women's race in the manner she did.

'She has been in great form and this underlines the talent she has. I am very confident ahead of the European Championships next month, I believe we have a great team and our build up has been first rate.'

Full results:
Senior Men: 1st: Andrew Ledwith (Fr. Murphy's AC); 2nd Sean Connolly (Tallaght AC); 3rd Mark Kenneally (Clonliffe Harriers)

Senior Women: 1st Mary Cullen (North Sligo AC); 2nd Deirdre Byrne (Slí Chualann); 3rd Linda Byrne (Dundrum South Dublin)

Under 23 Men: 1st Michael Mulhare (Portlaoise AC).

Under 23 Women: Sara Treacy (Moynalvey AC).

Junior Men: 1st Micahel McKillop (St. Malachy's); 2nd Liam Trimble (Metro St. Brigid's); 3rd Ryan Creche (Cork).