Kenneally & Byrne win in Dublin

Mark Kenneally of Clonliffe Harriers delivered an impressive front-running performance to win the senior men's race at the Woodie's DIY Inter Club Cross Country Championships in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Sunday.

Kenneally, who works as a physiotherapist, was in control at the front from an early stage and finished strongly in 34 minutes 37 seconds for the 12,000 meters course. He was 14 seconds clear of Gary Thornton of Galway City Harriers, while third home Gary Murray of St Malachy's was 35.06 secs behind the winner.

Kenneally also had the satisfaction of leading his club to victory in the team event.

'It is a great feeling to have finally won a national title after winning silver on seven previous occasions at cross country and track,' the Clonliffe clubman said.

'My coach Mark Carroll had advised me not to go up front too early in the race, but I ran as I felt on the day and I am chuffed to bits to have won the national title.'

Kenneally admitted to having felt a bit under pressure coming into the race. 'I had a bad run in Armagh a week ago and so I did feel the pressure in the build up to the nationals,' he said. 'I felt that pressure a bit in the race up to about half way but in the end it was just very satisfying to win.'

The Clonliffe runner has his sights set on a big performance in the European Track & Field Championships in Barcelona this summer.

Linda Byrne of Dundrum South Dublin AC delivered a virtuoso display in the senior women's race, coasting to victory in 27.10 mins for the 8,000m event.

The DSD woman raced into an early lead and was never challenged. Siobhan O'Doherty of Borrisokane AC finished second over a minute behind the ultra-impressive Byrne in 28.11, while masters runner Annette Kealy of Raheny Shamrock AC claimed bronze in 28.15. DSD went on to win the club team title.

'I had raced well in the build up to today's event and I am delighted to have won the title,' Byrne said in the aftermath of her rout.

Controversy reigned in the junior women's event, where Siofra Clerigh Buttner of Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club led the field a merry dance only to be disqualified when it was discovered that at the tender age of 14 she was too young to compete in this competition over 6,000 metres.

It is understood that Clerigh Buttner was not on the original DSD team sheet as club officials understood that she was not eligible for the event. She was only added to the team on the morning of the race.

Following on from an objection that was lodged, Mary Mulhare of North Laois AC was declared the winner.

It was a day of special celebration for host club Donore Harriers when their young star athlete John Travers powered to victory in the junior men's event.

Travers achievement was all the more remarkable given the fact that he was racing with a dislocated shoulder sustained recently while playing indoor football.