The European Cross-country championships 2021, not held in 2020, were held in Abbotstown today. Competitors from 35 countries were welcomed by various speakers including Jack Chambers, minister for Sport. The home venue proved very popular with the Irish teams which had great support from the vast majority of an attendance in excess of 7000 spectators. The Irish athletes spurred on by the support gave 100+% and resulted in one of the best results from a European contest. This was especially true of our young men. The under 20 men won silver – a mere one place separating them from gold. Then the under 23, with Darragh McElhenney taking individual silver, won gold. The mixed relay, ladies under 23, Senior Men and Senior Ladies all had fourth place finishes. The under 20 Ladies were 8th.
KCH were involved. Cathal O’Reilly, a late addition to the under 20, had a great run to finish 77th . Aoibhe Richardson was tenacious as she held on to the front runners to place 23rd and be the third scorer on the national team. Niamh Richardson was an acreditted coach and Peter Lynch, first reserve on the Senior Men, waited anxiously for a possible call up. He would have relished the heavy conditions and perhaps managed to turn a fourth into a third!!! Horses for Courses?