European XC Championships 2009: Irish Team Announced!

Rineanna

Hi all,

Well, we're in November (where did October go!?) and the major European XC season kicks off this weekend with meetings in Mol, Belgium and in Spain.

The season will climax, of course, in our very own Santry Demesne on Sunday 13th December with the 16th edition of the European Cross Country Championships.

The likes of Hilda Kibet, Marta Dominguez, Serguiy Lebid and Mo Farah have confirmed their participation at the event, with more name to be announced in the coming weeks.

Mary Cullen and Martin Fagan spearhead our challenge, backed by the likes of Linda Byrne, Deirdre Byrne, Fionnuala Britton, Mark Kenneally, Mark Christie and company.

Our Junior women's team shows promise with Mageean joining the two O'Ffrench Carrolls who are expected to fly home from the U.S where they're on scholarship.

A squad of 28 fly out to Belgium for that race, while Cullen and Christie race in Spain:

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=10482

Enjoy!

Stupid_Private

Cullen confirmed she'd definitley be running the Inter Counties in the indo today.

Kiptanui

Does anybody know who is actually running?
What seniors? Juniors?

myflipflops

Missing this event will be a major regret for me. Mary Cullen has a real shout at a medal. I wish Dominguez wasn't running though.

The junior womens team has a real shout too if the twins aren't being churned up over in the states.

ecoli

pwhite587 wrote: »

Missing this event will be a major regret for me. Mary Cullen has a real shout at a medal. I wish Dominguez wasn't running though.

The junior womens team has a real shout too if the twins aren't being churned up over in the states.

I reckon they shouold be fresh enough as i havent seen much mention of them racing alot so far in the season add Ciara Mageean and few others and they should do well howevever in recent times British team has gotten very strong at the younger levels especially in the womens

brutes

http://www.sport.be/nl/atletiek/article.html?Article_ID=400364

Anyone speak Dutch?? !! Results - top finishers in Mol, Belgium today,some Irish interest, good runs from Irish ladies by the looks of it..

Rineanna

Yeah, three Irish in top 5 of women's:

1. Almensch Betele (Eth)
2. Fionnuala Britton (Ier)
3. Deirdre Byrne (Ier)
4. Veerle Dejaeghere (Bel)
5. Linda Byrne (Ier)

myflipflops

Rineanna wrote: »

Yeah, three Irish in top 5 of women's:

1. Almensch Betele (Eth)
2. Fionnuala Britton (Ier)
3. Deirdre Byrne (Ier)
4. Veerle Dejaeghere (Bel)
5. Linda Byrne (Ier)

Dejaeghere was 14th in Euro X last year so that's a good indicator of form for Britton and the 2 Byrnes. This womens team is actually really strong if they all stay fit.

anrait

Mary Cullen had a Great Race In Burgos - Came in Fourth

Dibaba - Ethiopia - 14.53.00
Chenonge Kenya - 15.01.00
Monteiro Porugal - 15:15:00
Cullen Ireland - 15.16.00

Men did well too against tough opposition...

Mark Kenneally - 11th in 25:59:00
Mark Christie - 15th in 26:18:00

ecoli

anrait wrote: »

Mary Cullen had a Great Race In Burgos - Came in Fourth

Dibaba - Ethiopia - 14.53.00
Chenonge Kenya - 15.01.00
Monteiro Porugal - 15:15:00
Cullen Ireland - 15.16.00

Men did well too against tough opposition...

Mark Kenneally - 11th in 25:59:00
Mark Christie - 15th in 26:18:00

Any word on how Hazel Murphy got on?

anrait

ecoli wrote: »

Any word on how Hazel Murphy got on?

There's a "Karen" Murphy listed for Ireland - so I'm assuming that's (meant to be) Hazel

She came in 57th in 17:06:00.

ecoli

anrait wrote: »

There's a "Karen" Murphy listed for Ireland - so I'm assuming that's (meant to be) Hazel

She came in 57th in 17:06:00.

Yeah that here as only four of the irish went out to that race. Cheers

Philosophress

Link to the full results from Belgium - the international races are towards the end of the spreadsheet

http://www.sport.be/lottocrosscup/2009/uitslagen/mol.xls

thirtyfoot

Promising start by the women. Good to see Mary progress onto another level again.

ecoli

Tingle wrote: »

Promising start by the women. Good to see Mary progress onto another level again.

One second behind Monteiro given her recent form is great running. John Travers winning in Belguim also is a great run should book his place on the junior team

thirtyfoot

Mary Cullen of North Sligo AC was encouraged by her performance in Saturday's Burgos International Cross Country International in Spain where she finished fourth behind Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia.

Cullen, who is training at home in Sligo for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships which take place at Santry Park in Dublin on 13 December, was happy to finish ahead of several European runners who will be travelling to Dublin next month.

The Sligo woman was just a second behind third place finisher, Ines Monteiro of Portugal - the only European runner to finish ahead of her, as Iness Chenonge of Kenya took the silver medal.

Cullen finished strongly in15.16, with high profile runners like Nuria Fernandez of Spain, (8th), Sarah Moreira of Portugal, (9th) and Marta Dominguez of Spain, (19th) all finishing behind her.

'I was pleased with my performance and it was good for my confidence,' Cullen said.

Last year Cullen finished fourth in the European Cross Country Championships and she has made no secret of her ambitions to deliver a big home run in Santry.

'I am looking forward to this year's European Championships and I want to run well at home,' she said.

'The race here in Burgos was fast, which is what I was looking for and I know that it will benefit me in my preparations for Santry.'

Mark Kenneally of Clonliffe Harriers was best placed of the Irish men. The strongly built Kenneally placed 11th in the 8 kilometer event in 25.59 behind reigning World Cross Country Champion, Gebre Gebremarian of Ethiopia who won the race in 24.41.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/athletics/2009/1108/cullenm.html

Rineanna

I wouldn't read anything into Dominguez finishing 19th; I wouldn't be suprised if she's back in top shape come December.

deadlybuzz

Brian Maher was in action on the road this weekend, winning the Crookstown Motorway 10k in 31:26. The second half was run into a fairly strong headwind, as the split times testify (15:22/16:04).

myflipflops

Rineanna wrote: »

I wouldn't read anything into Dominguez finishing 19th; I wouldn't be suprised if she's back in top shape come December.

I'd be shocked if she wasn't alright.

I'll never forget the image of her standing on the podium in Edmonton embracing and smiling with Olga Yegerova after they were 1-2 in the 5k at Worlds.

thirstywork

2 weeks away from the trails now:
at the moment in the womens we have Cullen,Britton,Deirdre Byrne,McCambridge,Linda Byrne and ????
mens:Fagan(anyone know if Cragg running?)Kenneally,Christie,Ledwith,thornton(29.59 10k in hollymount the weekend)Joe Mc(64min half marathon)Connolly(improved since gerry farnham)
Mick Claw.other outsiers Mark Hanrahan,Mark McCormack.

ecoli

pwhite587 wrote: »

I'd be shocked if she wasn't alright.

I'll never forget the image of her standing on the podium in Edmonton embracing and smiling with Olga Yegerova after they were 1-2 in the 5k at Worlds.

Word is her training hasnt gone well due to media commitments since her win in August

Rineanna

thirstywork wrote: »

2 weeks away from the trails now:
at the moment in the womens we have Cullen,Britton,Deirdre Byrne,McCambridge,Linda Byrne and ????

McGettigan would be an obvious choice, but think she favours the indoor over the XC prior to the Outdoor season.

That's just pure surmising, though.

shels4ever

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/8328709.stm

"The Santry Demesne course is a typical British Cross Country Course but it is all weather dependent,"

Eurox

Rineanna wrote: »

McGettigan would be an obvious choice, but think she favours the indoor over the XC prior to the Outdoor season.

That's just pure surmising, though.

Heard McGettigan was racing XC last weekend in the US. She finished 6th:)

myflipflops

Eurox wrote: »

Heard McGettigan was racing XC last weekend in the US. She finished 6th:)

Was she not talking about really focusing on Euro X because it's in Dublin?

Rineanna

I gladly stand corrected; a lot of depth in that team so.

RunToFart

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=10544

with any luck they were shown the wrong course

runjb

I think the women's team is going to be very strong, read on the AAI website about how well Rosanne Galligan is going in South Africa and by the sound of it she is intent on running the Europeans XC. They will medal if they are at full strength!!

Kiptanui

One week to go to the Nationals in Kilbeggan. There should be some great races.

The senior men should be another great battle between Mark Kenneally and Mark Christie. I reckon Christie will deliver a win in his home county.

Mary Cullen is set to dominate the ladies from Fionnoula Britton.

Ciara Mageen should win at her ease in the Junior Ladies while the Junior men is very open. Any further thoughts now that it is nearly upon us?

ecoli

Kiptanui wrote: »

One week to go to the Nationals in Kilbeggan. There should be some great races.

The senior men should be another great battle between Mark Kenneally and Mark Christie. I reckon Christie will deliver a win in his home county.

Mary Cullen is set to dominate the ladies from Fionnoula Britton.

Ciara Mageen should win at her ease in the Junior Ladies while the Junior men is very open. Any further thoughts now that it is nearly upon us?

Junior mens open? I would have though Travers to be clear favourite with tremble just lagging slightly not looking completely one the ball.
Also this weekend in the US interesting to see how McCarthy and O Lionaird both running and in an article this week with O Lionaird he revealed the ambition is both individual and team medals come Santry next month

Kiptanui

You could well be right. However,don't discount National Inter Clubs Champion Ian Ward. The Ferrybank boys of Shane Quinn and Patrick Flynn have a habit of getting it right in All Irelands. James O'Hare had a fine track season but seems to be struggling to find form. Jake Byrne will be in the van as well. Darren McBrearty will give a good account of himself too.

Cian O'Reilly and Emmet Jennings will both get involved in the race as well,

Kiptanui

I forgot about Michael Carmody as well.

limericklion

The junior mens is extremely open this year in terms of the team selection. Going on his performance last week John Travers will make the team however I believe he will not win the intercounties. I think Shane Quinn will step up and take the crown ahead of Travers. Quinn up until the last few hundred metres was well clear of every other junior in the Gerry Farnan which is a longer race than junior nationals. Tremble might make the team but one day is coming thirds in Dublins the next time beating them.

The team I think will be made up of Shane Quinn, John Travers,Jake Byrne and three others Liam Tremble, Cian O Reilly, cork athlete (cant think of his name second irish junior in mol last week I think), Darren McBreathy, Jennings, Fitzmaurice, Carmody and Ian Ward all contesting places with others Im sure in hot pursuit.

Kiptanui

Ryan Creech is the cork guy. he's on the comeback from injury and is getting there fast!!

ecoli

limericklion wrote: »

The junior mens is extremely open this year in terms of the team selection. Going on his performance last week John Travers will make the team however I believe he will not win the intercounties. I think Shane Quinn will step up and take the crown ahead of Travers. Quinn up until the last few hundred metres was well clear of every other junior in the Gerry Farnan which is a longer race than junior nationals. Tremble might make the team but one day is coming thirds in Dublins the next time beating them.

The team I think will be made up of Shane Quinn, John Travers,Jake Byrne and three others Liam Tremble, Cian O Reilly, cork athlete (cant think of his name second irish junior in mol last week I think), Darren McBreathy, Jennings, Fitzmaurice, Carmody and Ian Ward all contesting places with others Im sure in hot pursuit.

In my opinion Ian Ward should be up there with Travers. Tremble was third in the Dublins and almost a minute behind Travers in the Mol. Notably however he beat Jennings in this race though the fact that the course in Belgium is notorious for its sandy conditions which dont suit many runners. McBreaty has been conistently solid but i feel he does not have enough to break into that team. Quinn opted to keep his preparations low key avoiding races and one concerning factor could be the lack of racing but feel he still should make the team. Carmody will be an interesting one he is running tomorrow over two mile on the roads so it will give a good indication of what kinda shape he is in but from what i have heard his training has been going very well and he is usually strong at this time of the year

Kiptanui

Where is Carmody racing tomorrow?

Racing Flat

Kiptanui wrote: »

Where is Carmody racing tomorrow?

If it's 2mile I think there's Uni relays on tomorrow

downthemiddle

I hope Carmody is no longer running barefoot over the country. He is an athlete with great potential but struggles in slippy conditions without spikes.
The junior girls team must have a chance also. They have one of the favourites for the individual title and some talented back up. Has anyone heard how the twins are doing? One disappointing and slightly strange decision has been the failure to include Tekea Gebrezgi in the junior girls training squad.

ecoli

Yeah Carmody is running the intervarsity road relays in maynooth.

As far as i know twins are yet to race in Providence however ths is not unusual for freshman but will train through and build the strength needd to sustain very good seasons

limericklion

If I was asked the makeup of the junior mens team after the inter clubs last march I would have said that Ian Ward was a certain winner of the juniors next Sunday with Michael Carmody and Shane Quinn a close second and third. However Carmody seems to have been injured and in any case knowing his training patterns as I know is coach he does not race often but his tempos are quicker than most top juniors road races so that how he keeps himself sharp. Ward on the other hand going on results of Gerry Farnan and Donegal seniors has not reached his cross country form of last year. Having said that if both of these athletes are injury free and in top form then Shane Quinn and Travers will have a job on their hands. Without doubt the most interesting race next weekend as the strenght in depth is great at this age group.

Kiptanui

Any results of the varsity relays?

ecoli

Kiptanui wrote: »

Any results of the varsity relays?

http://sindar.net/iuaa/results/meet/176/

TheRoomWrecker

Kiptanui wrote: »

Any results of the varsity relays?

Patrick Linden QUB 4.03??????? first leg split!!!

wtf?

thirstywork

Birmingham Cross Challenge Senneleys Park, Birmingham 24/10
Senior Women
1 Kate Avery Shildon 22:38
2 Kirsty Milner Loughborough Uni 22:50
3 Sara Treacy Birmingham University 22:57
4 Ava Hutchinson Loughborough Uni 23:11
5 Tara Krzywicki Charnwood AC 23:15
6 Rachel Ridley Tipton 23:19
7 Rachel Felton Shaftestbury Barnet 23:25
8 Rose-Anne Galligan Newbridge Ac (ire) 23:29

Ava Hutchinson could make the womens team !!!
Mary Cullen
Linda Byrne
Deirdre Byrne
Maria McCambride
Britton
not a bad 6 !!!

Rio 2016

Don't count out Rosemarry Ryan either, she has always been very consistant over the country

jimmylive

"I'll never forget the image of her standing on the podium in Edmonton embracing and smiling with Olga Yegerova after they were 1-2 in the 5k at Worlds."


Why would you bring that up, why would you not say "i'll never forget her standing on podium in Berlin after her winning gold"

Why even mention Olga Yegorova that we all know is a drug cheat.

You know what p.whyte, stop insinuating. You sound like a real **** stirrer to me.

belief

jimmylive wrote: »

"I'll never forget the image of her standing on the podium in Edmonton embracing and smiling with Olga Yegerova after they were 1-2 in the 5k at Worlds."


Why would you bring that up, why would you not say "i'll never forget her standing on podium in Berlin after her winning gold"

Why even mention Olga Yegorova that we all know is a drug cheat.

You know what p.whyte, stop insinuating. You sound like a real **** stirrer to me.

+1

Was thinking the same thing. Jimmylive you speak the truth!

jimmylive

Thank you belief!
Yeah this guy pwhite587 likes to try to spark controversial chat. I had a look at some of his previous posts. He should really take another look at the rule book for this site, and have a good look at the section that highlights that there is a No Tolerance for Doping allegations.

He knows he's lifted for it too lol


BTW do I know you from somewhere Belief????

Rineanna

Guys, let's get back to cross country talk. Any doping talk and back seat modding will be deleted from now on as it's dragging the thread off topic.

Rineanna.

Racing Flat

The course will play a part. Does anyone remember this from 2007? Took more out of me than the marathon...Look how wide they are - and it went wider every lap as conditions got worse.

brutes

Is that santry??, i can only imagine what kilbeggan will be like after this weeks rain,....especially coming off the marathon..!!!:eek: