Ireland adds second gold to Britton's at European Cross Country championship

Fionnuala Britton has created history by becoming the first ever woman to retain the European cross country title and has led Ireland to the team gold.

Britton who controlled the race from the off, dominated throughout in the -3C conditions.

Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee all combined to give Ireland a first gold medal at the women’s Spar European cross country.

Britton rewrote the history books with a dominating performance leading from early in the second lap and keeping the dangerous Belgian Almensh Bekele at bay.

It was left to one of Britton most constant rivals over the last number of years - Portuguese Felix Dulce - to contest with the Wicklow woman.

Dulce who worked her way back into the medal positions was unable to bridge a five-second gap with the Irish woman, who sprinted for home with just 200 meters to go.

Europhia erupted across Britton’s face as she crossed the line and reclaimed her European crown.

Minutes later, the large Irish fan base erupted as Leevale’s Lizzie Lee secured Ireland their first ever gold medal at European cross country level.

The Irish team of Britton, Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee scored a total of 52 points tying him then with France.

With the ties scored, count back decided the destination of the gold medal with Ireland’s fourth scorer Lee finishing five places clear of France’s Laurane Pioche, giving Ireland their first ever European women’s title.

When asked to compare her 2011 victory against todays, a delighted Britton admitted: “I think it’s more exciting because of the team!”

The new double European champion went on to say, “I don’t think anyone would have said 'Oh because she won last year, she was the one to beat'!”

The ladies team sat in third place for much of the race behind Team GB and France.

With one lap to go, the Irish ladies moved in second place and as the athletes crossed the line, the Irish fans roared loudest when it was announced Ireland were new European champions.

Cork woman Lizzie Lee who final lap secured the gold medal said: “My coach Donnie told me that I was in the shape of my life and just to go for it”

Ava Hutchinson added “We always thought we could win a medal, maybe a silver or bronze but gold, this is a dream come true.”

It was a mixed day for the rest of the Irish at the championships with the senior men’s team finishing seventh with Brendan O’Neill first home in 22nd position.

Sarah Collins was the best of the under age athlete’s, the best of an inexperienced team finishing 31st in the junior women’s race.

However with joy Ireland finishing third in the medal table, it promised to be a long night for the Irish squad and many supporters in the Hungarian capital.

Irish Results:

Junior Women

31 - Sarah Collins – 14:38

36 - Siorfa Cleirigh Buttner – 14:47

41 – Mary Mulhare – 14:52

68 – Claire McCarthy – 15:27

70- Linda Conroy – 15:29

Team 8th – 176 points

Junior Men

37 – Stephen Kerr – 19:38

60 – Eoghan Totten – 19:55

88 – Killian Mooney – 20:29

106 – Ian Guiden – 21:36

Team 18th – 291 points

Under 23 Women

54 - Laura Behan – 23:28

57 - Una Britton - 23:42

Under 23 Men

44 – John Travers – 25:51

52 – Patrick Hogan – 26:07

75 – Dave Fitzzmaurice – 26:44

79 – Sam Mealy – 26:55

85 – Chris Johnston – 27:25

Team 11th – 250 points

Senior Women

1 – Fionnuala Britton – 27:45

8 - Linda Byrne – 28:17

20 - Ava Hutchinson – 28:38

23 - Lizzie Lee – 28:42

36 - Sarah McCormack – 29:22

42 - Sara Treacy – 29:45

Team 1st – 52 points

Senior Men

22 – Brendan O’Neill – 30:42

27 – Joe Sweeney – 31:05

38 – Dave Rooney – 31:22

44 – Micheal Mulhare- 31:30

52 – Sean Hehir – 31:36

73 – Brian Maher – 33:06

Team 7th - 131