Griggs Makes History as Northern Ireland Athletes Shine at European Cross Country Championships

Griggs etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Irishman ever to win a European Cross Country title, delivering a commanding performance in the U23 Men’s race. Showing supreme confidence and strength, Griggs moved decisively into the lead with two laps remaining before powering away from the field to secure a memorable victory.

His performance also proved pivotal in the team competition, as Ireland claimed gold thanks in no small part to Griggs’ leadership at the front. Training partner Callum Morgan produced the race of his life to finish an impressive eighth, while Lughaidh Mallon (UCD) completed the scoring team with a 48th-place finish.

There were further strong performances across the championships from Northern Ireland athletes. Anna Gardiner (East Down) continued her excellent European Cross Country form, finishing sixth in the U20 Women’s race—her best result to date in her third successive European Cross appearance. Lucy Foster (Willowfield), competing in her second consecutive championships, finished 56th.

In the U20 Men’s race, Finn Diver (Beechmount) made a highly encouraging European Cross Country debut, finishing 65th in what was widely described as the strongest U20 field ever assembled at the championships.

Roise Roberts (CNDR) also recorded her best-ever European Cross Country finish, placing 34th in the U23 Women’s race during her fourth appearance at the event.

Rounding off the Northern Ireland contingent, Emily Haggard Kearney (NBH) gained valuable experience on her European Cross Country debut, finishing 44th in the Senior Women’s race.

These performances underline the continued strength and depth of endurance athletics in Northern Ireland, with athletes delivering on the biggest European stage.