Mick Fogarty, on left, with his Irish teammates.

International gold for Fogarty and Ireland

Athlone man Mick Fogarty, a member of Ferbane Athletic Club, helped the Irish team to gold at the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International, which took place on Saturday, November 16, in Belfast.

This event is an annual Masters Cross Country race between the Republic of Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales and dates back to 1988. As a spectacle, it is hugely significant with up to 600 athletes taking part.

Each country holds its own trials race to determine international team members for selection. If selection for the Irish O45 Masters Team wasn’t enough of a prize, Mick wasn’t simply there to make up the numbers and ran so brilliantly that he came home as the fourth man on the gold medal winning O45 team.

It is the pinnacle of any sportsperson’s career to represent one’s country.

To do so with such distinction is a truly remarkable achievement. Ferbane AC would like to heartily congratulate Mick and his family on this monumental feat.