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Pressure is mounting on Connacht to produce a winning result when they host Llanelli Scarlets at the Galway Sportsground (6.30pm) in tomorrow night’s final match befor the break for the Guinness internationals.

Rugby

Connacht learned that a good start was half the battle when they overcame the Scarlets to record their second win of the Magners League.

The 22nd running of the British and Irish Cross Country International took place in Perry Park, Birmingham, on Saturday. It was hosted this year by the England Athletics Masters Association in conjunction with the famous Birchfield Harriers at their excellent facilities at Perry Barr. The event involves five teams: England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They all compete as individuals and teams in the various masters’ age categories from 35 upwards. It is highly competitive and fiercely patriotic. But overall there is camaraderie not often seen in athletics which has been matured over many meetings. A deep respect has developed for all those taking part who compete to the best of their ability. The post race prize giving function is where all of this is best witnessed. The Irish team has had a number Mayo AC participants over the past few years and this year Breege Blehein-McHale (o40) and Tom Hunt (o60) were in the Irish team having qualified at the Masters’ cross country trial in the Phoenix Park last month. Breege had previously taken part in Falkirk, Scotland in 2006, when she ran on the winning Irish o40 team, while Tom was part of the bronze medal team in Belfast (2007) and gold medal team in Swansea (2008). Conditions in Perry Park were tough, with cold blustery showers but the course — just over 2k lap — was a fair test, some soggy stretches and an uphill finish. Women and o65/70 men ran three laps, and men in remaining categories, four. The Irish women's o40 team won silver and were just pipped for first place by one point by Wales' 14pts (3,4,7). Carmel Crowley (Bandon AC) second, Lucy Darcy (Sportsworld) fifth, and a great run by Breege Blehein (eighth) gave them 15 points, with the fourth Irish finisher Helen White (Sportsworld) in 11th. The Irish o60 team were without 2008 individual winner Martin McEvilly (GCH) and drafted in two last minute replacements (including Frenchpark native Liam Hester) finishing fifth with 39 pts (6,16,17) behind winners Wales 12pts (1,3,8). Tom Meehan (Sligo AC) won silver with the o50 team in his first appearance for Ireland. England were overall winners once again with Ireland a very creditable second of the five countries. Of the 15 team categories Ireland won three (M35, M55, W50) and were second in eight, with four runners winning individual gold: M35, M50, W45, W50.

The odds may be stacked against Connacht when they face Cardiff at the new Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday (3pm), but they will travel with confidence and a greater sense of belief.

BELFAST FLUTE player Desi Wilkinson has been one of Irish trad’s leading exponents for more than three decades. Wilkinson was raised in the shadow of The Troubles in the 1970s and was drawn to music as a means of release from the horrors of war.

The Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone is holding a fundraiser to help all those affected by the flooding on Friday December 11 at 8pm. There will be live entertainment, a music quiz, raffle, and spot prizes.

Kickboxer Donna Larkin is the latest from Galway to claim an All Ireland crown.

Every Sunday between 12.30 and 4pm, the hotel’s Parnell Suite will be host to an inflatable boxing ring, face painters, children’s DVD, and much more, with a fully qualified childminder on duty. Parents can relax and enjoy their carvery lunch while the kids are fully entertained for no extra charge.

Athlone Community Radio hosted a monster table quiz last Friday night December 4 at the Prince of Wales Hotel in aid of the Athlone Flood Relief Fund.