Ireland to host 2009 European Cross Country Championships

Ireland beat off rival bids from France and Poland to host the European Cross Country Championships for the first time in 2009, it emerged today.

The event will be held at the Santry Demesne course in north Dublin on December 13, 2009.

Ireland has already hosted the World Cross Country Championship in Limerick in 1979 when it was won by John Treacy and in Dublin in 2002.

Athletics Ireland compiled Ireland's bid for the 2009 event which was adjudicated upon by the European Athletics Council.

Liam Hennessy, chairman of the Athletics Ireland High Performance Committee, said he was thrilled by the result.

"It's been an odyssey and I would like to thank all the co-ordinating team for their enthusiastic hard work," he said.

The bid was assisted by the Irish Sports Council, RTÉ, Fingal County Council and Clonliffe Harriers.

"We now look forward to delivering a world-class event," Mr Hennessy added.

Athletics Ireland chief Brendan Hackett said hosting the championships was a tremendous honour.

"This will not only benefit athletics in Dublin but will also boost athletics throughout the country as a whole.

"This is now a great incentive for us to get teams together who will be contesting medals on home soil."