Updated at 13.09
IRELAND’S FIONNUALA BRITTON narrowly missed out on a medal at the European Cross Country Championships today.
Despite a brave performance, Britton finished just a few seconds off the medal positions in fourth place.
The Wicklow runner was bidding to make history at the competition by winning gold for the third year in succession.
Meanwhile, France’s Sophie Duarte claimed gold, while Gemma Steel of Great Britain was runner up and Portugal’s Ana Dulce Felix took bronze.
In addition, the Irish team, who were missing some key individuals such as Ava Hutchinson, finished sixth overall, with the following results — Sara Treacy (31st), Ciara Durkan (36th), Sarah Mulligan (44th), Ann Marie Larkin (49th) and Maria McCambridge (55th).
In the Men’s senior race, the Irish team were sixth overall, with Michael Mulhare the highest finisher in 15th, while Alemayehu Bezabeh of Spain claimed gold.
Earlier in the day, the Irish Men’s U23 team finished fourth overall, as Paul Robinson claimed ninth place individually. Elsewhere, Sean Tobin’s ninth-place finish helped Ireland to come ninth overall in the Junior Men’s 6k race, while the Junior Women’s Team finished in 13th place, with Siofra Cleirigh Buttner the highest placed Irish athlete in 37th.
First published at 12.59
