Trio set for European Cross Countrys

Three Offaly athletes have been selected on Irish squads for the Spar European Cross Country Championships in Turin, Italy, later this month.

Laura Mooney (Tullamore Harriers) is joined by fellow Offaly woman Danielle Donegan who now runs with UCD AC as part of the Women's Under 23 team, which also includes Sarah Healy (UCD AC), Aoife Ó'Cuill (St Coca’s AC), Jodie McCann (Dublin City Harriers), Niamh O'Mahoney (An Ríocht AC) and

Offaly native Ann Marie McGlynn (Letterkenny AC) is part of a six-strong squad to compete in the Women's senior event, headed by European silver-medalist Ciara Mageean (City of Lisburn AC)

Mageean and McGlynn are joined by Michelle Finn (Leevale AC), Roisin Flanagan (Finn Valley AC), Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise AC), and Aoibhe Richardson (Kilkenny City Harriers) for the senior race where Ireland will look to better last year’s agonising 4th place finish.

The 28th edition of the SPAR European Cross Country Championships takes place at La Mandria Park, on the outskirts of Turin, on December 11

Athletics Ireland, National Endurance Co-ordinator, Matt Lockett said: "We must acknowledge the outstanding work from athletes to put themselves in contention for selection for these championships.

“The depth in cross country running at present is fabulous to see, and is a testament to the work of coaches and athletes.

“We enjoyed a superb home European cross country championships in Dublin last December and we are in no doubt those who have been selected are primed to take on the best in Europe on December 11 once again.”