Callum Morgan (CNDR Track Club) and Fiona Everard (Bandon A.C.) delivered standout performances to claim the senior titles at the 9th edition of the Autumn Open International Cross Country Festival, held in association with Fingal County Council at the Sport Ireland Campus on Sunday, October 19th.
Morgan secured his first Autumn Open title in commanding fashion, breaking clear over the final 2,000m to cross the line in 24:42. The CNDR Track athlete led a strong club showing, with three clubmates finishing inside the top eight – an encouraging sign ahead of their title defence at next month’s National Senior Cross Country Championships in Derry.
William Fitzgerald (Craughwell A.C.) finished strongly to take second in 24:53, while Lughaidh Mallon (U.C.D. A.C.) impressed with a third-place finish in 24:57.
In the junior men’s 6,000m race, Frank Buchanan (St Michael’s College A.C.) made a decisive move in the final kilometre to claim victory in 19:04. He was followed home by Finn Diver (Beechmount Harriers A.C.) in 19:14 and Ryan O’Neill (Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.) in 19:17.
Fiona Everard (Bandon A.C.) looked back to her brilliant best in the senior women’s 6,000m, racing patiently before toughing it out over the final inclines to secure the win in 20:52 – an improvement on her third-place finish in 2024. Everard, the reigning national senior cross country champion, held off a strong challenge from England’s India Barwell (21:05), with Kirsty Maher (Moy Valley A.C.) marking a hugely encouraging return to domestic competition in third (21:07).
The junior women’s race featured a competitive field, with strong representation from Great Britain. However, it was United Striders athlete Emma Hickey who stole the show, dominating the 4,500m race with a solo performance that saw her finish in 15:39. Hickey, still under 17, showcased the speed that earned her a spot at the European Youth Olympics earlier this year, breaking away from the field and finishing well clear of her U20 rivals.
Abby Smith (Shercock A.C.) and Leia Ryan (Metro/St. Brigids A.C.) battled it out for the remaining podium places, finishing in 16:30 and 16:40 respectively.
The Autumn Open also hosted the Mixed Senior Cross Country Relay, which opened the day’s programme. Dublin City Harriers retained their title with Pierre Murchan once again playing a leading role in the team’s victory in 18:23. Ennis Track followed closely in 18:25, securing qualification for the European Club Cross Country Championships, while Nenagh Olympic A.C. completed the podium in 19:05.
The Inter-Club Juvenile Cross Country Relays once again proved a highlight of the day, with record crowds cheering on the stars of tomorrow. Gold medals in the mixed relay events went to St. Cronan’s A.C. (U12), Limerick A.C. (U14), and Leevale A.C. (U17).
2025 Autumn Open International Cross Country Results Summary:
Senior Men 8,000m
- Callum Morgan – CNDR Track A.C. – 24:42
- William Fitzgerald – Craughwell A.C. – 24:53
- Lughaidh Mallon – U.C.D. A.C. – 24:57
Senior Women 6,000m
- Fiona Everard – Bandon A.C. – 20:52
- India Barwell – England – 21:05
- Kirsty Maher – Moy Valley A.C. – 21:07
Junior Men 6,000m
- Frank Buchanan – St Michaels College A.C. – 19:04
- Finn Diver – Beechmount Harriers A.C. – 19:14
- Ryan O’Neill – Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C. – 19:17
Junior Women 4,500m
- Emma Hickey – United Striders A.C. – 15:39
- Abby Smith – Shercock A.C. – 16:30
- Leia Ryan – Metro/St. Brigids A.C. – 16:40
Master Men
- Conán McCaughey – North Belfast Harriers – 26:05
- Kenneth Rogers – St. John’s A.C. – 26:23
- Peter Arthur – St. Laurence O’Toole A.C. – 26:41
Master Women
- Dymphna Ryan – Dundrum A.C. – 21:54
- Sinead O’Connor – Leevale A.C. – 22:19
- Noeleen Scanlan – Finn Valley A.C. – 22:28
