The senior women's race was never in doubt as Anne Keenan Buckley bolted to the lead, a lead she would never relinquish. It appeared the North Laois runner was determined to duplicate the early fast pace that will definitely transpire at the World Cross race in Leopardstown.

The 40 year-young mother of two had other reasons to secure a victory as well. First, there was the slight revenge factor - Rosemary Ryan pulled away from her to win by ten seconds in last year's race. Second, there was money (€1,500+) to be made winning the AAI Grand Prix. Whatever the reason, a possessed Keenan Buckley ran away with the race finishing in 32.07 for the 8k-course.

Rosemary Ryan, a wee bit frazzled at the start because she couldn't locate her Bilboa club vest, made a valiant effort chasing AKB on the muddied course. Ryan managed to get within 22 ticks of the winner when she crossed the line in second.

The battle for third pitted three Providence College graduates against each other - a true testament to the coaching of Ray Treacy and subsequent longevity of his athletes.

Atlanta Olympian Marie McMahon Davenport (3rd, 33.22) edged Edmonton World Championship runner Maria McCambridge (4th, 33.37) with Geraldine Hendricken getting 5th in 33.42.

Keenan Buckley had been pre-selected to the World team by the AAI but it wasn't clear if this meant that places 2-4 were guaranteed selection to the team or just those in second and third.

With the pre-selection of Sonia O'Sullivan along with the absence of Olympians Breeda Dennehy Willis and Una English, it is anyone's guess as to who will be on the women's team.

The teams may not be solified until after the Short Course trials which will also be held the ALSAA Complex on 10th March.

After the race, a relatively mud-free (there were athletes within splashing distance) said, "I have been in great form this year but winning your championship is always special. I was never afraid about the mud."

The team title went to Patsy McGonagle's Finn Valley AC with 62 points (11, 12, 18, 21). Dundrum's chances of a clean sweep of the team title were reduced when the senior women went to the line without Aoife Byrne and Maria Lynch.

1) Anne Keenan Buckley, North Laois, 32.07; 2) Rosemary Ryan, Bilboa AC, 32.29; 3) Marie McMahon, Marian AC, 33.22; 4) Maria McCambridge, Dundrum South Dublin, 33.37; 5) Geraldine Hendricken, St L O'Toole; 33.42; 6) Pauline Curley, Tullamore harriers, 33.50; 7) Maureen Harrington, Riocht AC, 34.17; 8) Orla O'Mahoney, UCD, 34.22; 9) Teresa Duffy, Beechmount Harriers, 35.11; 10) Margaret Danagher, Templemore AC, 35.18