Alistair Cragg has been officially confirmed by Athletics Ireland as part of the Irish team for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Santry Park next month.

Irish team management had held off confirming Cragg on the men’s senior team until he raced at the Thanksgiving Day 5km race in San Jose yesterday. The Clonliffe Harriers runner put in an impressive performance in what was a top quality field to finish 5th in a time of 13.45. This was Cragg’s first race since he competed in Berlin at the World Championships in August.

Irish team manager, Anne Keenan-Buckley, thinks Cragg has the ability to do well next month. “Alistair Cragg is an excellent athlete who has outstanding ability and his performance yesterday showed that, which is why he will be lining out in Santry. I know that he is very excited about racing at the European Cross next month and very hopeful of what he can do there. He is feeling strong and confident and now we hope he will continue to build on that over the next two weeks ahead of the event,” she said.

Cragg’s inclusion in the team will mean that Raheny Shamrock’s Mick Clohisey will now be the 1st reserve for the men’s senior team should any of the team be unable to compete next month.

There was also a boost to Irish hopes for a medal in the women’s senior race as defending champion, Hilda Kibet has confirmed she will not be competing in the event this year. With the Dutch athlete pulling out this will give Mary Cullen and the rest of the senior women’s team an increased chance of doing well in front of the home crowd next month.

Athletics Ireland Members can avail of half price special offer of €10 (full price is €20) until the 7th December and all Juvenile members go FREE. For the Juvenile FREE entry offer, the Juvenile members will be asked to show their membership card on entry.

If you would like to avail of this adult special price there is also a button on the Athletics Ireland webpage that you can click through to purchase member tickets on Ticket Master.

There will also be a direct sales line 01-8869961 open from 8am-4pm on Monday the 23rd of November to Friday the 4th of December (Mon-Fri), to allow Athletics Ireland members and clubs purchase tickets by cheque. Tickets will be dispatched on receipt of cheques.

The special offer Member ticket will also be available for purchase at the Woodie’s DIY Novice and Juvenile even ages Cross Country on the 6th of December

Please note the €10 special offer for members ends 7th December, ticket prices will be €20 after this date for adult members.

SPAR European Cross Country Championships – Santry Park, Dublin – December 13th

Revised Men’s Senior Team

Andrew Ledwith (Fr. Murphy’s AC)
Sean Connolly (Tallaght AC)
Mark Kenneally (Clonliffe Harriers AC)
Martin Fagan (Mullingar Harriers AC)
Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers AC)
Alistair Cragg (Clonliffe Harriers AC)
1st Reserve – Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock’s AC)
2nd Reserve – David Kelly (North Sligo)