Alistair Cragg to lead Irish cross country team

Alastair Cragg will lead the Irish team in the European Cross Country Championships scheduled for Tilburg in Holland on December 11.

South African-born Cragg has returned from a recent injury that forced him to miss the track season and will be looking to use the championships to help launch his comeback after a couple of good runs in the US.

Gary Murray, who won the Inter Counties Championships at Sligo Racecourse yesterday, is also included in the men’s squad, along with Martin Fagan who is based in Providence University.

Jolene Byrne leads the women’s team after an impressive run in Sligo, with US based Sligo athlete Mary Cullen also included. The first five from Sunday's race in Sligo are included.

Mick Clohissey leads the Junior men’s team, which includes both Colin Costolloe and Danny Darcy who, if fit, will be included after missing Sundays race through injury.

The women’s Junior team includes the first five from the inter counties with Breffni Twohig also included.

Senior mens: Alastair Cragg (Clonliffe) Martin Fagan(Mullingar) Gary Murray(St. Malachy's)Mark Kenneally (Clonliffe) Gareth Turnbull (St. Malachy's)David Kelly (Sligo)

Semior Womens:Jolene Byrne(Donore) Fionnualla Brittton (Sli Chuallain) Rosemary Ryan (Bilboa) Aoife Byrne (DSD) Orla O'Mahoney (Raheny) Mary Cullen (Sligo)

Jumior Women : Linda Byrne( DSD) Ashling Baker(DSD) Aoife Cooke(Youghal) Roseanne Galligan (Newbridge) Azmere Gebrezga(DCH) Greffni Twohig (DSD)

Junior Mens: Mick Clohissey, Kevin Lawlor(St. Laurence O'Toole) Paul Pollock(Abbey A.C.)Colin Costolloe(Star of The Sea) Danny Darcy (St. L.O'Toole)Daire Bermingham (Raheny)