Mary Mulhare was the crucial runner as Ireland claimed a stunning bronze medal at the European Cross Country Championships this morning.
Ireland claimed a silver medal in this event last year but were without the talented Ciara Mageean and Fionnuala McCormack.
Therefore, many pundits didn’t give Ireland a chance of repeating a medal winning feat.
However, the team timed their run to perfection as they improved their individual standings lap by lap.
Sisters Eilish and Roisin Flanagan led the team home side-by-side in 11th and 12th place as individuals.
The battle for bronze was down between Ireland and Spain with Portlaoise’s Mary Mulhare set to be Ireland’s final scorer.
The Portlaoise CBS teacher crossed the line in 27th position and that was enough to secure the medal.
Ann Marie McGlynn was 31st, Aoibhe Richardson came 46th while Michelle Finn came in 55th.
Mary Mulhare was on the Irish women’s team last year that claimed silver last year too – so this is another accolade in a glittering career.
Congratulations Mary!!
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