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28 November, 2009

2001 Irish Championship Races
Mullaghcleevaun - Report by Douglas Barry
Simon Fairmaner won Mullaghcleevaun by a comfortable 2 minute margin. The race was the seventh and final round of the Irish Championship and was held over the eponymous mountain overlooking Poulaphuca lakes in the west of Co. Wicklow. The DSD runner Fairmaner who had already clinched second place in the Championship behind John Lenihan easily held off the challenge of Tipperary's Ross Alexander over the boggy course. Many competitors found the going strength sapping as they sunk in repeatedly over their ankles.
Ross had a struggle to hold off an inspired third placed run by Australian Mike Burton. Burton also won the over 40s section of the race by a clear margin from an off form Simon Walters. This performance ensured that the Aussie took the Irish Veterans Championship from the disconsolate Simon.
Joe Feeney had a great run to take the over 50 vet's race and finish 9th overall three minutes ahead of the next over 50 Henny Brandsma. Joan Flanagan won the women's race and also set an over 40 vets record on the course which was hosting its first ever race. She had a useful lead over Jane Watt who had Rose Leith behind her. Caitlin Bent won the over 50s category while the over 60s categories went to Mick Kellett and Maura Higgins respectively.