Martin Fagan made up for the disappointment of coming third when restricted by a groin injury 12 months ago by winning today’s SPAR Great Ireland Run while Freya Murray of Scotland won the women's version.
Fagan almost missed the event when his arrival from the USA, where he is based, was delayed by the Icelandic ash cloud, also became the first ever Irish winner of the event.
But the Mullingar man was on the last flight to land in Dublin before restrictions were imposed and he admitted it had been a long haul getting back to home soil.
He said: 'I was travelling from Flagstaff for three days and only just made it. But I wanted desperately to be here and grab a win.
'After being a really disappointed third last year this was a race I wanted to win. Because I felt pretty tired from the travel, I was happy to sit in and let others do the work. I'm really pleased that I've made up for last year.'
Fagan made his move half way through the Phoenix Park 10-kilometre test and went on to win comfortably in a time of 29 minutes and 17 seconds. For the first time in its eight year history, victory in this race also meant the winner became Irish national champion over the distance.
The minor places were also dominated by Irish runners with several international stars unable to make the trip: Portugal’s Rui Silva and Viktor Rothlin of Switzerland both missed the race due to travel problems.
Gerry Thornton took second place in 29.36 while Andrew Ledwith claimed third in 29:48.
In the women's race Scotland's Freya Murray beat Englishwoman Jo Pavey into second place.
Murray powered away in the final 2.5 kilometres of the 10 kilometres race to win by 15 seconds.
Murray, one of Scotland's up-and-coming stars, was overjoyed with her victory ahead of Pavey (32:45) and Australia's former world cross country champion Benita Willis (34:28).
The UK cross-country Champion said: 'I'm over the moon with the win and felt good throughout the race. Jo just went for it from the start ahead of myself and Benita.
'She opened a little gap and I sat in until we reached seven and a half kilometres and an uphill stretch, when I managed to pull her in and then get clear.'
Murray, clearly benefiting from the coaching of US-based British marathon record holder Steve Jones, added: 'He's been inspirational with his advice and I'm hoping to go to Boulder in May for another training camp.
'I'm just delighted with everything. This is only my third 10km race and I've won all of them at the Great Runs in Sheffield and London last year and now here in Dublin.'
