Flanagan twins and Amy Greene confirmed for European Cross

Finn Valley AC trio Eilish Flanagan, Roisin Flanagan and Amy Greene have been confirmed on the Irish team for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships.

The 29th edition of the Championships take place at Laeken Park, Brussels on December 10.

The Flanagan twins are joined on the senior women’s team by Kilcoole AC’s Fionnuala McCormick, who has been selected for a remarkable 18th time.

Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise), Fionnula Roggs (Armagh) and Fiona Everard (Bandon) complete the senior team.

Greene is part of the U20 women’s team that also includes Anna Gardiner (East Down), Kirsty Maher (Moy Valley), Maebh Richardson (Kilkenny City Harriers), Avril Millerick (Youghal) and Hannah Kehoe (Kilkenny City Harriers).

Greene was second in the U20 race at the National Championships at Gowran Park on Sunday, the DCU student - who is coached by Helen McCready - second only to Gardiner.

Greene has been on a superb run of form and will don the Irish vest in Belgium.

The Flanagan sisters ran an 8km road race in Philadelphia on Saturday with Roisin second and Eilish third.

In Italy last December, their 11th and 12th placed finishes were vital as Ireland bagged team bronze medals in Turin at the European Cross.

Ireland National Endurance Co-ordinator, Mark Kenneally said: "I am confident that our athletes are capable of rising to the challenge. Our athletes will be prepared to perform at their highest level, and I am certain this will ensure it will be a successful championships.”