British & Irish Masters International XC 2025 (15th Nov)
Memorable International Debut for Kevin Moore
In its 36th year and regarded as the most prestigious masters cross country competition, the British & Irish Masters International Cross Country took place on Saturday 15th November at Roundhay Park in Leeds, a regular venue for the English National Cross Country Championships. Teams from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland competed. More than 80 Irish masters athletes, including 5 from Mullingar, lined out in what proved to be an exceptionally demanding series of races. The heavy rain we experienced across Ireland in the week before the event was mirrored in northern England, leaving the course extremely heavy, muddy and very challenging underfoot. Coupled with the naturally hilly terrain, with one very steep climb, the conditions pushed every athlete to their limits and even these well-seasoned masters runners found it very difficult.
On hand to give vocal support and encouragement was a good team of supporters from Mullingar, including Olivia Cooney, Terri Greene, Joanna Tyrell, Nuala Moran, Caroline Mullen, Siobhan Farry and Michelle Kavanagh who captured all the action with her camera. Also there in support was Kevin Moore’s father, John, a stalwart of Dundrum AC in Tipperary (Kevin’s former Club) supporting Dundrum athletes in Leeds and also his son on his International Debut.
The first race was the 6,000m for Men & Women age 65 to 79. Pushing through the tough conditions in the women race, Brigid McCabe was delighted to finish well up, fourth score for the Irish team in her category, playing her part in helping the team to first place and the team gold medals. In the men’s race, finishing strong was Sean McMullin, fourth score for Ireland in his category and helping the team to second place behind England. Also running really well in the tough conditions was Nicky McCabe, third score for Ireland in his category but the team was unlucky to finish fifth behind Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, though on the same points as Wales.
Moving to the 6,000m for Women age 35 to 64, Maura Dervin put in a very determined effort to finish fourth score for Ireland, very happy to help the team to gold in her category. A shout out to Caroline Harney Ayton (Parnell AC in Wicklow), a former member of Mullingar Harriers AC who finished well up in her category, the second score for the Irish team in her category that placed second behind a very strong England team. Caroline made her International debut as a member of Mullingar Harriers AC back in 2004 and it’s great to see her still running so well on the International stage over 20 years later.
The final race with a Mullingar interest was the 8,000m for Men age 35 to 49, and Mullingar eyes were focussed on Kevin Moore making his International Debut. By now, the course had broken up significantly and underfoot conditions were extremely tough, especially on the gruelling steep uphill sections, but Kevin dug deep and with impressive determination he battled his way to the finish, fifth score for the Irish team that placed second behind a strong England team in his category.
When all the scores of the different masters’ men and women’s competitions were tabulated, Ireland placed second overall behind England. A great day of competition by the Mullingar masters representing their country and club in Leeds, but for Kevin Moore it was an even more special day as it marked his International Debut too, so his name will now be added to the International Roll of Honour in the clubhouse, the 133rd name, so far [GD].
