Mayo’s magnificent seven get ready to run for Ireland
John Jennings, in the colours of Mayo AC on the right, with Moy Valley runner Kirsty Maher in the foreground,, at the Open Autumn Cross-Country trials.
Athletics: Mayo AC are proud to confirm that seven of their masters athletes have been selected to represent Ireland in the British and Irish Masters International Cross-Country Championships Leeds on November 15.
They were selected following the Open Autumn Cross-Country trials at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown on Sunday, October 19.
Their selection further enhances Mayo AC’s excellent record and phenomenal success in the championships over many years.
Mayo AC are particularly delighted to see Castlebar-based John Jennings get his first ‘cap’ in the M70 team. He’s been a consistent committed competitor on road and cross-country since he joined the club.
Paraic Sweeney from Achill will be part of the Irish M75 team. He ran in last year’s Championships in Belfast as a M70 competitor.
All five of the Mayo AC masters women who ran in the trials also make the team. Most of them have competed in the international event over many years and are valued members of the Irish squad.
Norah Newcombe Pieterse from Ballina, who last competed in the championships in Glasgow in 2023, is listed in the F45 team. Newport's Pauline Moran will lead the Irish F65 team again and is joined by Ballinrobe native Mary Browne. Swinford-based Mags Glavey (currently in F75 category) leads the F70 team as there are not enough F75s for a full team – they will run as individuals.
Colette Tuohy from Castlebar is in the F55 team where she’s joined by Mari Johnston of Sligo AC.
Meanwhile, the following day, Sunday, November 16, the 60th edition of the Hollymount International Road Race takes place.
It promises to be a hugely exciting day for the South Mayo village as they celebrate a significant milestone in Irish athletics history.
Entries are now open at Eventmaster for the 3k and 10k races.
