Mullingar head north in search of National Cross Country success

The less said about Coleraine last year the better but this coming Sunday (28th Nov) we're heading North again, for the AAI National Inter-County and Even Ages Cross Country Finals, which will be held at Gransha Park in Derry where we'll have a large squad in action, looking to add to the great success we had in Belvedere a few weeks ago.For some it will be their first time to compete at National level, for others they have been there before and will relish the opportunity to compete at this level again and we hope they help the younger ones to relax and enjoy the experience. Mullingar will be out in force with boys and girls Club and County teams in most underage races and a Junior Men Inter-County team.In the Senior Men's race Mark Christie will be one of the favourites to win a place on the Irish team for the forthcoming European Cross-Country Championship in Portugal. Also in the Senior Ladies race, Mary Scully will be hoping for a high individual placing. They have all trained hard and should get their rewards on Sunday and we expect many of them to return with National medals.The teams for Derry are on the notice board in the Clubhouse. Because it's too far to drive to Derry on the Sunday morning, most of the squad are staying in Derry on Saturday night to make sure they are well rested ahead of Sunday's competition. The bus to Derry will be leaving at 2pm this Saturday (27th Nov) from O'Brien's Topaz Filling Station on the Lynn Road. It's a long way to Derry, nearly three and a half hours, so please be punctual for the bus. We'll be staying in the Tower Hotel in Derry City on Saturday night and dinner will be served at 7.30pm for those staying in the hotel.All those making their own travel arrangements on Sunday should be at the course by 10.30am, as the first race (girls under 12) will be at 11.30am sharp, which is earlier than usual, so it's advisable to leave in plenty of time and allow extra time for traffic delays entering the venue, which will be well signposted. Will those travelling themselves please let Club officials know this week at training? As it's a Championship, you must wear your Club vest.Please bring water or sports drink and a light snack, wet gear and a change of clothes and of course four safety pins for your race number. Conditions are likely to be heavy, so all athletes are reminded to have long spikes to help them get a good grip.Spectators are strongly advised to bring Wellington boots, and a few pounds sterling too might be handy when looking for food and refreshments.Antrim International Cross CountryAdvance notice that the Club will be sending teams to the popular annual Antrim International Cross Country on January 22 next. There will be races for boys and girls under 13, 15, 17 and 20. As we've moved to longer cross country race distances this year, the race distances in Antrim shouldn't come as a shock, but juvenile athletes will still have to work hard in training and prove themselves in competition to convince Club coaches that they are fit enough for the longer distances to be considered for selection.Important fixtures28th AAI Cross Country (even ages, Inter-Counties) Derry12th December. European Cross Country Championships, Albufeira, Portugal19th AAI Cross Country (uneven ages, Novice) TullamoreTraining continues each Tuesday and Thursday from the Clubhouse in Grange at 7pm and of course the all important sessions in Belvedere, particularly those who have qualified for the National Finals in Tullamore. For the latest results, news and details of all upcoming fixtures check the Club's website <>at www.mullingarharriers.com.