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28 November, 2009

There were disappointing Irish performances at the World Trophy races last weekend in Ovronnaz, Switzerland due to a combination of rising standards, some key injuries, and things not going right for some athletes on the day. Irish teams were ranked in all four categories. Michelle Finn (35th) in the junior women and Edel Mooney (38th) in the senior women were best of the Irish. Jason O?Byrne led home the junior men in 58th and Eoin McKenna was best of the senior men in 80th.

A record number of 390 athletes took part and with 35 nations sending entrants that equalled the previous highest number who raced in 2003.

Performing well at his level is a very difficult challenge and more experience is needed by athletes at international level (grand prix races etc.) and at national cross-country championships level. That is all possible so there is no reason why next year, we don't put at least one team into a top 10 placing. Well done to everybody for doing the training, taking it on, and representing your country.

<b> Senior men </b>
1. Italy 30
2. Eritrea 30
3. Switzerland 61
21. Ireland 386

1. M De Gasperi (Ita) 51.49
2. T Yohannes (Eri) 52.19
3. E Tesfazghi (Eri) 53.02
80. E McKenna 60.15
84. R Bryson 60.38
109. O Gahan 63.09
113. B Minnock 63.47
124. M Bradshaw 65.21
131. C Fitzpatrick 67.57

<b> Senior women </b>
1. USA 23
2. Czech Republic 24
3. Italy 29
17. Ireland 182

1. A Pichrtova (Cze) 39.11
2. A Mayr (Aut) 39.52
3. L Haefeli (USA) 41.19
38. E Mooney 45.37
69. A Coppinger 50.47
75. L Flynn 51.45
79. A Joyce 53.36

<b> Junior men </b>
1. Eritrea 9
2. Turkey 25
3. Italy 70
15. Ireland 196

1. G Kusoro (Uga) 34.27
2. M Semere (Eri) 34.32
3. O Tseggay (Eri) 34.34
58. J O?Byrne 43.00
64. E Pierce 44.27
74. K Jennings 49.38

<b> Junior women </b>
1. Australia 4
2. USA 12
3. Turkey 13
17. Ireland 84

1. L Tamsett (Aus) 20.48
2. H Bastug (Tur) 21.01
3. V Wallington (Aus) 21.06
35. M Finn 24.10
49. E Tangney 27.54
53. C Huet 30.47