Moloney braves weather to land AllIreland Cross-country title for Mallow
MALLOW AC’s Paul Moloney delivered an inspired performance to land an individual gold medal on winning the overall Masters Irish Life 7k Cross-country title in Clarinbridge, Co. Galway last Sunday. Conditions were appalling on a mud plain yet Moloney revelled in the testing terrain with four of the top five finishers coming from Cork. From a 248 strong field, Moloney took his place in the over 35 category in the company of fellow internationals Karol Duggan and Tim Toomey, winners of British and Irish international cross country in Derry. Add in Alan O’Brien, marathon runner and Sean McGrath from East Cork confirmed a quality field. Duggan had set a blistering pace and was joined by Moloney for the opening 4.5k, crucially the North Cork man made a break, showing wonderful composure and conviction and belief in his own running to complete the last 2k solo and become the first Mallow AC athlete to land outright honours. To complete a rewarding afternoon in the most difficult of weather saw Moloney lead Cork to inter county gold to retain their title. Moloney’s time of 26m.03s was 14 seconds better than runner up Alan O’Brien from Eagle AC with fellow Cork man McGrath (East Cork), 34 seconds further adrift in third place. Looking ahead, Moloney is a member of the Irish O35 team participating in the European Master’s indoor championship in Madrid next month. Such outstanding dedication and commitment to the sport sees Moloney rewarded to be crowned national champion and gain international selection.