It was to Cork today as UCC hosted the Irish University Cross Country Championships (IUAA) which were held on the “Farm”. A somewhat calm day with beautiful sunshine and excellent underfoot conditions greeted the 162 men and 92 ladies that competed over 8,000m and 4,000m respectively.
It was Pierre Murchan, a Trinity College Phd student that took the title in the men’s race after shaking off Queens student Callum Morgan. Despite his best efforts last year’s champion Niall Murphy (University of Limerick) could not stay with Murchan and Morgan on the final lap. He drifted back to third place, holding on to the bronze medal position at the line. Coming hot on his heels behind him was Thomas McStay (UCG). The Galway student led this team to an outstanding victory. The team of McStay (4), Oisin Murray (6), Oisin David (9), Daniel Ryan Ellis (12), Donal Farren (13) and Luke Johnson (14) packed very well to finish forty-three points ahead of last year’s winners University of Limerick with the host’s UCC in third. UCC’s third place finish ended their twelve-year medal drought on home soil.
Fiona Everard (UCG) showed her class in the ladies’ race as she led the field from start to finish, looking very much at ease throughout. She had sixteen seconds to spare over Donegal’s Amy Green who donned the DCU colours on this occasion. Green had a battle on her hands as she was pushed all the way to the line last year’s runner-up Hannah Gilliland (Queens) and Celine Gavin (Trinity). The DCU athlete got to the line first to grab the silver. Greene led her DCU team mates to the team victory. The team of Greene (2), Avril Mellerick (7), Meave Eakin (16) and Elenore Foot (18) grabbed the gold by just two points from UCC with Trinity College in third place.
UCG took the overall title from UCC in second place and DCU in third.
