Irish claim record medal haul at European Cross Country

Nick Griggs claimed a silver in the U23 race, followed home by teammate Dean Casey. The Irish men's U23 team claimed bronze as did the senior women's team

MEDAL WINNERS: Ireland’s Michelle Finn, Eilish Flanagan, Roisin Flanagan, Aoibhe Richardson, Mary Mulhare and Ann-Marie McGlynn celebrate after winning bronze in the senior women's 8000m. Pic: INPHO/Sasa Pahic Szabo

It says so much about the talent, the ambition and the vast, seemingly unlimited potential of Nick Griggs that this – a European silver medal – could be deemed a disappointment. But when a gold had slipped from his grasp in such agonising fashion, mere metres from the line, it was only natural the 17-year-old would feel that way.

But by claiming individual silver and leading the Irish U-20 team to second place, the Tyrone teenager made a statement at today’s European Cross Country Championships in Piedmont, Italy: the future of Irish distance running looks undeniably bright.