Ireland claimed a first men’s senior European cross country silver medal in over 20-years taking team silver in Lagoa, Portugal.
It was a dramatic day as Ireland claimed a total of four medals. Nick Griggs won U23 gold and led the team to gold. Whereas, 16-year-old Emma Hickey took U20 bronze.
Mullingar’s Jack O’Leary led the Irish charge with an excellent fifth place finish in the senior race. While Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock) took 10th place.
Cormac Dalton (Mullinagar) followed in 11th place to seal a total of 26 points for silver with Spain taking gold with 10 points.
It was an excellent performance from the Irish team with Darragh McElhinney (Bantry) 16th and Efrem Gidey (Clonliffe) 19th completing a memorable team effort.
“Watching the U23s and the other Irish teams gave us huge confidence” explained O’Leary.
“Seeing Griggs do his thing out front in the U23 race was really inspirational, and everyone on the start line was raring to go”.
“It was a tough course, so you had to be conservative early and work your way through the field.
“It’s the first senior men’s medal in 25 years, so it’s great to be back on the podium, and hopefully we can stay there for a long time.”
Ireland’s last senior men’s medal at these championships came in 2000 when the men finished third.
Thierry Ndikumwenayo of Spain claimed individual gold, finishing ahead of France’s Jimmy Gressier. Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu taking bronze in 22:23.
In the senior women’s race, national champion Fiona Everard delivered a career-best performance to finish an impressive 10th.
Everard was followed home by Niamh Allen (23rd) and Danielle Donegan (36th). The team finished eighth. Emily Haggard-Kearney (44th) and Mary Mulhare (50th) were the non-scoring team members.
Italy’s Nadia Battocletti took gold, followed by Megan Keith of Great Britain and Türkiye’s Yasemin Can in third.
Griggs Dominates as Ireland Secure U23 Double Gold
Earlier, Nick Criggs delivered gold in the men’s U23 race, with a commanding victory.
The 20-year-old, Tyrone man upgraded last year’s silver to gold adding the medal to his U20 silver and bronze medals.
Griggs showed composure throughout before making a decisive move on the final lap, pulling clear of the field to cross the line, 12 seconds ahead of France’s Aurélien Radja, with Pierre Boudy (France) claiming bronze.
“It is unreal” declared Griggs. “I haven’t cried in a long time, but there are a few tears already, and probably a few more when I see my coach.
“I can’t describe it. I’ve wanted this for so long, and to put it together today is so special. To win individual gold is something I’ve dreamed about for years”.
“Finally, after four and a half years, I’m back on top of the podium again. I’m so proud of myself and so proud of the lads beside me.”
As Callum Morgan finishing an eighth and Niall Murphy 10th. The Irish team took gold with 19 points, well clear of France in second and Spain in third.
This was Ireland’s second men’s European U23 gold medal and first since 2010.
Jonas Stafford finished 29th, with Lughaidh Mallon 48th, rounding out the non-scoring team members.
The Irish U23 women’s team finished seventh overall. Kirsty Maher took 11th place with Amy Greene 20th and Ava O’Connor25th. Anika Thompson finished 26th and Roise Roberts 34th.
Hickey Makes History with U20 Bronze
The day started brilliantly for Ireland as Emma Hickey claimed bronze in the women’s U20 race. A first ever Irish medal in this event.
16-year-old Hickey, one of the youngest athletes in the field, produced brilliant maturity to claim bronze.
“I wasn’t expecting that at all” explained Hickey. “I didn’t think it would be possible because I’m only 16”.
Hickey added, “I didn’t know if I’d be able to stay with them or what the competition would be like. I thought they might kick on the last lap, but everyone was tired, and I managed to hold on for a medal.
“It’s my first proper season and I feel like I’m better now than earlier in the year, so hopefully I can go even better next year.”
Anna Gardiner also impressed with a strong sixth-place finish. Whereas, Lucy Foster (56th), Eimear Cooney (78th) and Abby Smith (79th) completed the Irish line-up.
The mixed relay of Eimear Maher, Cian McPhillips, Laura Nicholson and Andrew Coscoran finished sixth.
The side were in contention for a medal until the final hand over.
