We’re in a new year, and what could be a better way to start it off than with a county masters? It’s like the senior except faster and you’re still carrying Christmas dinner and a few tins of Roses. This year we made the trek out to Lingstown, and came home with lots of mud and dirt, and maybe a few medals.

The Masters, for those not in the know, is a race in which only those over 35 can enter. It’s meant to provide another venue for more experienced athletes, aside from the senior. This also means that the race is a lot more open to different people, as the top 3 isn’t dominated by the same few every year. Without further ado we should probably get into the race.

The women’s race was on first, and it went out at bullet speed. Elaine Cardiff, Kilmore A.C, led the race out, closely followed by her teammate Sinead O’Brien. Belinda Kehoe brought up the back of the top 3, as they came around for their first lap. Our first Strider, Beth O’Connor, came up close behind her.

The second lap came around, and Cardiff and O’Brien had maintained their lead. As they passed the finish line they only had a single lap left to go. Belinda Kehoe was still in third, though Beth O’Connor was neck and neck with her now. We all stood eagerly anticipating the finish.

Cardiff and O’Brien came in maintaining their places all throughout. Kehoe and O’Connor had a hard fought battle for the coveted third spot, but ultimately Kehoe just squeezed past. O’Connor came through in her age category though, being the first woman in over 45.

Our next Striders were Lorraine Harrington and Bernie Cashin, both making their county cross country debuts. Rounding out our ladies team was Aine Cullen. While we just missed out on a team prize, all the women displayed exemplary examples of a cross country athletics. Special mention should be given to Harrington and Cashin, both earning medals in their first cross country races.

With the women’s race done with it was time to get the men’s underway. The start faced directly up a hill, and that only increased the enthusiasm all our men had. SBR's Myles Gibbons was first out, moving at an incredible pace. There was a chasing group nipping at his heels for the first lap, led out by Slaney’s Sean Crotty. Also in this group were our own Alan O’Connor, Colin Carney, Pat Culleton and John Byrne. As they came through the first lap, the group began to splinter.

Pat Foley, and Mark Poole, Croghan A.C, along with Alan O’Connor were following behind Myles, working together to try catch him. The next few laps continued as more of the same, as Myles utilised his long stride to only lengthen the gap between him and the rest of the group. Pat Culleton and Colin Carney moved together throughout it, dragging each other along.

As we got into the final couple of laps, drastic moves were made. Poole, Foley and O’Connor began to fight for the podium positions, while Myles continued to cruise along. As he came into the finish, he barely looked out of breath. Ultimately Poole won the fight for 2nd , with Foley coming 3rd. O’Connor came in 4th (1st over 45), leading in our team. Culleton and Carney came in neck and neck, with Culleton ultimately coming 6th (1st over 50) and Carney 7th (2nd over 40). Byrne finished out our scoring four, coming in 9th (2nd over 50), after a strong and steady run.

Our chairperson, George Delaney came in next, blitzing through the dirt to earn 3rd place over 50. Next came John Hickey and Pat Callaghan, enjoying the chaos of cross country together. Hickey earned himself 3rd place over 45, and Callaghan being 1st over 55.

We also can't forget the great efforts of Sean Meaney, Mick O’Gorman, and Emmet Malone. While Sean is a newer addition to the club he’s made a name for himself this cross country season. Mick and Emmet are club legends, both having earned their stripes many times over. Mick even earned 3rd place in the over 60 category today.

The men’s team managed to win the event, as we continue to defend our title, and it’s all thanks to the hard work of our athletes. Most clubs would find it hard to get a single team willing to run only a couple weeks after Christmas, and yet we had a team in both events, and even a second one in the mens.

I’d be remiss not to mention the efforts of our younger members, who participated in the relay race. All four of our runners ran really well, being barely beaten on the line. They exemplified the future of the club and the athletic spirit we pride ourselves on.

We should also take a moment to remember and thank the county board, and Kilmore A.C, who helped organise and run the event. None of this would have been possible. It also wouldn’t have been possible without all the amazing athletes, and other members of the club who help run and manage our community. A new year begins, and here’s hoping it’ll be a year full of days like today.

Thanks to Fabian Flood for the photos