European Cross Country Championships
Last weekend, the European Cross Country Championships took place in Antalya, Turkey, and featured the blue riband event of cross country in Europe. Three locally based athletes competed across the seven-race programme. Craughwell AC star William Fitzgerald (pictured) made his senior international debut in the 7.5km Senior Men’s race, up against the best in the continent and becoming the first man from the club to compete for Ireland at Senior level in a major international. Fitzgerald acquitted himself very well, prominent early on and eventually securing 54th overall, behind race winner and Olympic champion Jakob Ingebritsen. The Irish Men’s team were 8th overall, led home by Cormac Dalton, then Efrem Gidey, Pierre Murchan, Kellan Kilreehil, Fitzgerald and Sean Tobin making up the six spots.
Fiona Everard of the University of Galway AC raced in the Senior Women’s race, finishing in 73rd place, with the race won by Nadia Batticletti of Italy. Ireland's Ladies placed tenth, with Niamh Allen having a stormer to finish 11th. Cheryl Nolan was next home, followed by Ann Marie McGlynn, Mary Mulhare, Everard, and Danielle Donegan. Caitlin Hughes also racing with the University of Galway and Swinford AC was the fourth scorer on the Irish U20 team, who placed, Hughes finished in a solid 52nd spot overall. Ireland secured medal success via a superb silver from Nick Griggs in the U23 Men’s race.
Road Race Fixtures
A busy Christmas period lies ahead on the roads of Galway as the winter road racing season kicks off soon. Fixtures upcoming include the Fields of Athenry 10k on St Stephens Day at 11 am in Athenry, and the Resolution Run, on New Year's Day in Galway City at 10.15 am. Entry for both is on Eventmaster
