 The World University cross country championships were held in the University town of Jena in Southern Germany today. The course was relatively flat, taking the runners around a series of playing pitches, with a couple of short steep climbs, sandy areas and woodchip stretches giving some variety. Two Cork brothers were part of the Irish team, with Cathal Lombard of Leevale proving the better, finishing 47th (see photo), while Irish Universities champion Fiachra was 63rd. Dubliner Nigel Brunton was 57th, with Conor McGee 65th, Gary Thornton 94th, and Gearoid O’Connor 97th. The Irish team placed 12th behind winners Morocco, with GB second. Maria McCambridge had a fabulous run in the womens race, finishing 13th, and Mary Meade from Cork will also feel well pleased with her 21st place finish. Orla O’Mahony was 48th and Emmanuel McMahon 60th as the Irish team placed 8th behind South Africa and GB in fourth. See the Championships Website for more details. |
