The Leinster Masters women’s race also took place in the majestic grounds of Avondale House in Co. Wicklow over 4 x 1km laps. Both novice and masters men were put through their paces over a 2km lap that includes one of the most severe and longest hills on the cross-country running circuit. Mercifully the women’s races were run over the less arduous but testing nonetheless 1km lap. Underfoot conditions were close to perfect on Sunday, but a stiff wind combined with rain reminded us that this was the cross-country season! Jackie Carty of Kilmore AC led the 65 masters women home to take gold, followed by Paula Grant of Portlaoise AC, with Donore’s Anne Curly claiming bronze. Despite a number of Sportsworld masters athletes being away for marathons we still managed to field 8 competitors. For most this was the first cross-country race in a long time for some their first ever. It augers well for the rest of the season that despite not having our best athletes available Sportsworld were 5th in the team rankings with Lucy Darcy, Orla Jordan and Alison Ward scoring for the team. The F35 team comprising of Alison Ward, Louise Brunton and Claire Rowley picked up a silver medal and there will most likely follow a couple more medals in the individual age categories. Well done to all.