Open field can spark Mageean medal run

CIARA MAGEEAN can make another bit of history tomorrow by claiming a medal in the junior women’s race at the European cross-country championships in Albufeira.

If the 18-year-old Portaferry girl succeeds, she will become the first Irish junior woman to figure, while there are also podium hopefuls in former under-23 silver medallist Fionnuala Britton, and what has to be regarded as our best ever men’s U23 team, which is led by Ciarán O Lionáird and David McCarthy.

Unlike the past three years when Stephanie Twell of Great Britain and Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal from Norway justified favouritism, there is no standout in this year’s junior women’s race, although five of last year’s top 10 from Santry will feature.