Irish Team Announced for World Cross Country Tour in Belgium

The Belgian city of Hannut is gearing up for its World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting on Sunday January 22^nd, where a strong Irish team of 24 athletes (13 male and 11 female) will take the opportunity to gain experience of Belgium cross country conditions ahead of next year’s European Cross Country Championships which take place in Brussels on December 10^th 2023.

The Irish team will face strong European opposition this weekend, including an international team from England alongside a quality domestic field.

Ireland have enjoyed remarkable medal-winning-consistency at European Cross Country Championships in recent years, securing 12 medals over the last 3 editions, and are now looking to further build on those successes.

Speaking at the team announcement, Matt Lockett, Athletics Ireland National Endurance Coordinator, said: “We have had unprecedented Irish success over the past 3 editions of the European Cross Country Championships and we are eager to build on those performances. Providing an opportunity for athletes to extend their cross-country season beyond Christmas against high-class opposition will further aid development in advance of Brussels next December.”

The following athlete have been selected for the women's teams:

Staff:

• Matt Lockett (Performance lead/Team Support Coach)
• Fintan Reilly  (Team manager/Team Support Coach)
• Ciara McCallion (Physio)
• Niamh O'Sulivan  (Team support coach)