The Inishowen AC senior ladies team has finally been crowned Ulster & NI Cross-Country novice for 2022.
There was confusion on the day of the championships last month in Stranorlar.
Controversy arose when there was a difference of opinion on whether it was the top three finishers to score, or the top four.
The title was awarded to Finn Valley AC’s trio of Maggie O’Hara, Joanne Campbell and Bridgeen Dolan.
Had the first four finishers from each side counted, the Inishowen team, which is made up of Kirsty Downey, Sara Marie Doherty, Caoimhe Ní Shuibhne and Aileen Devlin, would have won on countback.
Following the event, a spokesperson for Athletics Northern Ireland confirmed there was an error on their own website and that placings should be decided on a top three basis.
However, the matter has since been reviewed by an Independent Appeals Panel.
The panel was made up of two officials from Athletics Northern Ireland, two from the Ulster Athletics Council and an independent coach as chairperson.
The panel has acknowledged the three to score format was changed to four in 2020, meaning Inishowen are crowned champions.
A spokesperson for Finn Valley AC said: “Finn Valley AC notes that officials considered the outcome of the race at length before awarding medals on the day. Finn Valley AC officials were not a part of these discussions.
“The club also notes a subsequent clarification from Athletics NI, which admitted an error on the website before the race. Finn Valley AC will consider the matter at its next executive meeting.”
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