The Eamonn Ceannt Trophy is a 12km scratch race which was scheduled to be run on the same day as the International GP.
 
Weather forced it to be re-scheduled for last night - and the generous prize fund ensured the troupes were out in force.

Fresh from the Irish National Championships, most of the medal winners lined up, hoping to walk away a little richer.

There was also a strong Junior presence, and the field was boosted by current indoor sprint record holder Gillian McDarby (Usher). Last weekend saw some top racing suggesting that her 200m and 500m records could soon be officially broken, with Jennifer O’Reilly (Ravens) and Joanna Hickey (Usher) setting blistering paces in the TTs.

Shortly into the 25 lap race Heather Boyle (Ravens) put in an attack, opening a gap on the field. This break stayed clear for several laps. Once the gap closed UCD rider, and former multiple National Champion, Louise Moriarty, launched an attack. Jennifer and Junior rider Rachael Withers (Fintona) went clear with her. At this point the field splintered a little - and after several laps a chasing group of Sinéad Jennings (unattached), Roisin Kennedy (Lucan) and Kate Rudd (Wolftrap) reeled in the trio, and with 5 laps to go Heather joined the front group.

As the bunch began the last lap Louise attacked on the corner, taking Jennifer with her. As they approached 250m to go the duo moved clear from the chasers, and Jennifer demonstrated a speed that is getting her noticed, moving around Louise and powering home to securing first place.

Louise, who had taken the year out from training to focus on her finals in College came in second place, showing her class, with Kate Rudd leading the rest of the field home, taking 3rd place.

Great racing from everyone.. and a credit to the work that the track commission are doing.
Check out the video of the last lap or so of the race HERE