Gerry Brady

14 November, 2010

Congratulations to the Irish Youths team for winning the Best Mountain Running Performance in 2010 at the AAI Awards night. The team comprised Eoghan Totten (Newcastle), Kevin Dooney (Raheny Shamrocks), and Carl Dunne (Dunleer). The managers were Mags Greenan (Clonliffe), Leo Dunne, and Eddie McDonagh (DSD).

The award was presented by AAI President Liam Hennessy under master of ceremonies of Greg Allen who must surely be the best commentator on athletics in Ireland. This award for mountain running is a recognition of the rising international standards in the sport and of increased participation in IMRA races.

It was a proud moment for the three runners but they are not resting on their laurels as all three are busy preparing for a shot at the European junior cross-country trials in Derry on 28th November.

Hopefully the award will evolve into three nominations next year with the AAI selection committee making the call amid the drama on the night. The girls Youths team is already shaping up for next year as are the junior boys. Brian MacMahon will be looking for a top 10 Europeans to put him in the frame. A strong masters contingent will travel to Italy with Mags Greenan looking for four in a row. Brian Furey will be hoping to put a winter of cross-country to good use both at home and abroad. Sharon Bird and Karen Alexander will be hoping to move into the top 30 in the Worlds and Europeans, and Pat Ryan will be hoping to entice more international standard athletes to enter into contention for selection.