Michael Fitzgerald from Clonmel just held on to win the Meath Grand Prix from Paul Griffin at Navan yesterday. In a six-man sprint at the end of 80 miles

Fitzgerald looked set to take it clearly but when he sat up and raised his arms in victory salute Griffin came back and only inches separated them at the line.

First and second category licence holders went off together for five laps of 16 miles and the total of 122 who took part had to contend with some heavy showers.

Breakaway groups of 12 and 13 managed to build up slight leads on the hill at Slane but they were caught and the decisive break came soon after the start of the last lap.

Fitzgerald had been involved in most of the action at the front and he said: "I could not afford not to be. After a lean spell since the Ras I wanted to win this one before the championship next Sunday."

With Fitzgerald and Griffin in the last lap break were Denis O'Shea, Mark Kiernan, Tommy Evans and Ian Chivers. Ray Clarke missed the move and went close to catching the leaders near the end but had to settle for seventh place.

Meath Grand Prix (80 miles at Navan): 1, M Fitzgerald (unattached) 3:02:25; 2, P Griffin (Morrissey's); 3, T Evans (Banbridge); 4, D O'Shea (Killarney); 5, I Chivers (Laser); 6, M Kiernan (Morrissey's) all same time; 7, R Clarke (Premier) at 17 secs; 8, C Bracken (Irish RC) 25. Juniors and veterans, 48 miles - 1, W Curtin (Kanturk) 2:03:47; 2, G Stapleton (Irish RC); 3, O McQuaid (Emerald); 4, G McQuaid (Emerald); 5, D Nulty (Navan); 6, T Lavery (Garda). Women, J McGoey (Irish RC).

Paddy Moriarty (Les Jeunes) has been selected to fill the vacancy on the Irish team for the Manx International on Friday following the withdrawal of Ciaran Power. Moriarty joins Tommy Evans, Paul Griffin and Andy Roche.