Fay and Everard to lead 34-strong Irish team at European Cross Country Championships

Fiona Everard of Bandon AC crosses the finish line to win the senior women's 7500m during the National Cross Country Championships at Templemore Sports Complex in Derry. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

National champions Brian Fay and Fiona Everard will lead a 34-strong Irish team at the European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal on December 14.

With three to score in each race, Athletics Ireland has selected five athletes (out of a possible six) for each event, along with a mixed relay team that looks formidable, with recent world finalists Cian McPhillips and Andrew Coscoran teaming up with Laura Nicholson and Eimear Maher, a European U-23 1500m medallist over the summer.