Cross Country Success Continues in Northern Ireland
Cross Country Success Continues in Northern Ireland
An impressive Cross-Country Season in 2021 is continuing into 2022, with both individual and team medals at the World Athletics Northern Ireland International Cross-Country competition in Billy Neil MBE Country Park in Dundonald, Belfast on Saturday the 22nd of January 2022.
“Great to see athletes continuing their fine form from the European Cross-Country Championships, particularly in the U20 Men and Women. There were strong debut performances at this competition with Senior Cross-Country Runners donning a return to the course in the Irish vest. Thank you to Athletics Northern Ireland for providing a superb course.”- National Endurance Co-ordinator Matt Lockett
Link to full results here: Cross Country Results
Highlights
Helen Obiri from Kenya was the favourite going into the race and took top spot on the day with an impressive finishing time of 26:44. Niamh Allen was the first Irish women across the line finishing in 12th position, followed by Niamh Kearney, from the U23 Women’s team Danielle Donegan was the first from her team home. Both women’s Senior and U23 Teams took home Silver Medals for their performance on the day.
The U20s Women’s race was highly successful for Team Ireland won a silver medal, Emma McEvoy secured a podium finish with bronze, with all teammates finishing within the top 20 of this competition.
The U17 Girls competition was filled with strong debut performances, with Elena Forkan coming in fourth. Team Ireland secured a silver medal podium finish for their performance
On the Development Team Holly O’Brien was the first home securing 11th position with an impressive time of 15:35. Just like their U20 teammates all of the ladies had a top 20 finish.
Zak Mahamed from Team England came in first for the Senior Men’s Competition. Team Irelands Senior Men won Silver for their performance, Ryan Creech the first Senior Team member across the line coming in 6th position for the overall race, Jamie Battle came in close behind for the U23 Team with an 8th place finish in the overall race. The U23 Men’s Team claimed top spot with a Gold Medal for their team performance.
The U20 Men’s Team kept the podium finishing traditional up at this competition coming away with Gold for their Team performance. Dean Casey putting in another strong performance after the European Cross-Country Championships, this time securing a silver medal for his individual race, teammate Scott Fagan added bronze to secure all medal colours from this Cross-Country Competition.
The U17 Men’s Team just like their female counter parts performed very well on their first international competition with a silver medal win for the team. Sean Cronin was the first to cross the finish line finishing in 5th. The U17 Development Team put in a strong performance with Conor Sherwin coming in 10th place.