No-one would’ve thought that Fionnuala Britton would be celebrating a sixth-placed finish at the European Cross-Country Championships.
But, whilst the Wicklow starlet might well have been disappointed not to clinch individual glory, the surprise bronze for Ireland would’ve been more than consolation as Britton helped steer the national side to rare success.
The Irish finished just one point behind France with a total of 87 to capture podium success for just the third time in the tournament.
And, although Britton clinched gold in 2012, her sixth-placed performance through the mud and snow of Samokov in Bulgaria pushed the Irish team to replicate the bronze they won back in 2003 in Scotland.
So, along with Siobhan O’Doherty, Laura Crowe, Sara Treacy – who finished in 12th – Michelle Finn and Annmarie McGlynn, Britton still takes her place amongst the medals and brings glory back to Ireland.
At the moment, Britton’s third European XC gold remains elusive. But, for now, she’ll be celebrating with her team mates.
