The Clonliffe U/20 teams met bright-eyed and bushy tailed for their early flight to Portugal from Dublin airport this morning. All have reported a clean bill of health and are now on their way to Albufeira for an historic date, as for the first time there will be both a Clonliffe Harriers men’s U/20 and women’s U/20 team competing in the prestigious European champion clubs cross country.
The Clonliffe men’s U/20 squad is: Sean Cronin, Tom Breslin, Matei Ursachi, Lorcan Benjacar, Harry Bogan and Leon Brady.
The women’s squad: Emily Bolton, Lorraine O’Connor, Hazel Kenny, Goda Buivydyte, Sorcha O’Connor, Isla Duncan.
There is also a men’s U/20 development squad travelling, those athletes, along with the 2 squad members who do not run in the championship race, will compete in the open race. The championship format provides for squads of 6, 4 to run and 3 to score.
The development squad is: Rory Quill, Aidan Benjacar, Harry Lynam , Jack Quinn.
The Clonliffe U/20 men qualified courtesy of winning the national cross country championships in Enniskillen last November, the women’s team qualified courtesy of finishing runner-up in those Championships. The format of the competition has also changed over the years and is now a squad of 6, with 4 to run and 3 to score.
Both teams competing in the championship on Sunday morning face top-class opposition, it really is the champions league of cross country. The entry list for the respective championships is:
The ECCC cross country championships date back over 60 years, having commenced in Arlon, Belgium in 1962. 20 years later a women’s European champion clubs cross country championship was added but held at a separate venue to the men’s competition until 2005. The following year the competition was expanded to include a junior men and junior women’s race (now of course U/20) and then in 2021 a further expansion with the addition of a mixed cross country relay.
All in Clonliffe extend our best wishes to all our athletes, the coaches, officials and supporters travelling to Portugal. Updates will be posted over the weekend.
Friday: The squad have arrived at their hotel in Albufeira. After lunch they will pay a visit to view the course for Sunday’s races.
