Athletics Ireland has had its most successful European Cross-Country Championships in Portugal - coming home with four medals.
There were prizes for two individuals and two teams. The silvers came for the women's teams in the under-23 6,225 metres - and also the senior women's team who took second place int he 8,225 metres.
What a day!
Medal mania for Ireland @EuroAthletics Cross Country Championships in Lisbon
Most successful European Cross Country Championships https://t.co/r6yNkKLlfX pic.twitter.com/QlMGA5gqiB
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) December 8, 2019
The individual bronze medals came from Efrem Gidey from the Clonliffe Harriers club, who came third in the under-20 men's 6,225 metres.
Let's hear it for the European silver medallists!!
Claire Fagan, Roisin Flanagan, Stephanie Cotter, Fian Sweeney, Eilish Flanagan and Sorcha McAlister - TAKE A BOW ⭐ pic.twitter.com/dSgm5R1XhK
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) December 8, 2019
Meanwhile, Stephanie Cotter also picked up a bronze in the women's under-23s event over the same distance.
Meet the silver six!
Ciara Mageean, Mary Mulhare, Fionnuala Mccormack, Fionnuala Ross, Una Britton and Aoibhe Richardson - take a bow, ladies pic.twitter.com/4fksfIWqgE
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) December 8, 2019
Speaking after winning silver in the senior women's event Ciara Mageean said, "to know I was fighting for a silver medal for Ireland was all the ambition I needed to get across the line.
"It was very tough out there and every girl did absolutely amazing. that was probably the toughest race I've ever ran in my life. The team to come away with a medal, and a fantastic Euro-Cross for the Irish team. Couldn't ask for much more."
"I'm so happy. I don't believe it."
Meet your European U20 bronze medallist, Efrem Gidey!!!
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) December 8, 2019
