Dublin City Harriers had their long reign as league champions halted after an unbroken run of 11 years in the Mazda National League in Tullamore yesterday. They surrendered their title to their great rivals Crusaders who finished with a winning margin of 7 points.

At the other end of the table Clonliffe and D.M.P. were relegated for next season and will be replaced by Cuchullain A.C. and Templemore, who gained promotion from Grade B.

In the women's event, Nenagh Olympic came with a late surge to pip Lisburn on the post by just three points. Here the relegated clubs are D.S.D. and Finn Valley; promoted from grade B are Lee Vale and Slaney Olympic.