Noel Berkeley (DSD), holder of the men's senior title for the past four years, failed in his bid to complete a nap hand in the 40th annual festival of road races in Tullamore yesterday.

Berkeley had to settle for fourth place. Victory went to former English international Dermot Donnelly, just a week after he declared for Ireland.

Donnelly looked like being caught by Clonliffe clubmates Kevin Lonergan and Noel Cullen when they both briefly headed him some 800 metres from the finish. However, he rallied strongly on the run-in to win from Lonergan by one second in 18:06 minutes. Clonliffe, with their four scorers finishing in the first nine, regained the team title which they last held in 1987.

Niamh Byrne (Lucan Harriers) won the women's race in 10:16. Ann Keenan-Buckley (North Laois) led practically all the way over the two-mile trip. However, Byrne overtook her in the final half mile for a three-second victory. The team title was retained by Finn Valley.