The All Ireland Cross Country clubs for even age groups were held in the stunning surroundings of Rosapenna Golf Club, Downings Co Donegal last Saturday. The best runners in Ireland of all ages up to Senior level made the pilgrimage to the beautiful links venue in search of that elusive All Ireland medal.

And there was some fine performances from local runners with Kate Kelly taking home a medal while Edel Monaghan was part of the Dublin City Harriers team that won the team event.

Enniskillen Running Club (ERC) had 18 young athletes qualified after the Ulster finals to run against the best athletes nationally in their age group.

The ERC U12 girls won silver at Ulster level with Kate Kelly taking the title.

Kate made her intentions clear form the gun on Saturday and after a gripping contest she finished 11th overall securing her first All Ireland Cross Country medal. Kate was also first Ulster finisher on the day. Her young team mates of Meadh Donnelly, Lucy Gallagher, Orlaith Lunny, Grace Connelly and Kasey Gallagher all had strong debuts at this level.

The U14 girls qualified coming third in Ulster with most of their team a year young. First finisher was Megan Mullally with team mates Annabel McKenzie, Maille Hennessy, Orlaith Kelly, Eva Hennessy and Grainne Gallagher backing strongly. They improved on their provincial final to come second Ulster team. All will look forward to the U13 age group championships in two weeks time in Cork.

In the U16 boys, Tiernan McManus and Charlie Reihill had strong runs and will build towards the Ulster Schools Cross Country in February. While the Senior U18 girls first finisher was Nadine

McIntyre followed by team mates Cathy Fallis and Shannon Clawson.

Another individual U18 Ulster medalist Jamie McDonnell, made his debut at this level and had a solid run.

Former ERC junior Edel Monaghan now competes for Dublin City Harriers (DCH). It was a memorable day for the Irvinestown runner when she finished her highest position in the Senior women’s race in 19th place.

DCH won the team title for the first time in 30 years beating holders Letterkenny AC by a single point. Edel was third scorer and DCH now go forward to represent Ireland in the European Clubs finals in Spain in February.

The national title was won after a titanic battle by Irish International Sarah Healy, with recent European medalist Ciara Mageean a close second.

Fellow Olympian Michele Finn won bronze.