CIARA Mageean has withdrawn from this weekend’s European Cross Country Championships due to illness. The European and Commonwealth medalist had been due to take part in the championships in Turin, Italy, but revealed on Monday that illness would rule her out of competing.
Mageean qualified for the event after finishing second in the recent Irish Championships in Donegal, despite losing a shoe along the way.
The Portaferry native wrote on social media: “Disappointed to have to withdraw from the EuroX this weekend. Unfortunately the flu managed to get me so I have to sit this one out. Good luck to the Irish Team, I'll be cheering you almost on.”
Mageean will be replaced by Tyrone’s Eilish Flanagan on the Ireland team.
Athletics Ireland said in statement:
“Ciara Mageean has withdrawn from the Irish team set to compete at the European Cross Country Championships in Italy (December 11th).
“While disappointed not be joining her teammates in travelling to Turin this week, Ciara and her team have made the decision to allow Ciara to recover from a recent illness. It has been a season to remember for the City of Lisburn star and we look forward to seeing Ciara back in the green singlet in 2023.
“Eilish Flanagan (Finn Valley AC) will now join sister Roisin on the senior women’s team as Ciara’s replacement. Eilish and Roisin will join an experienced senior women’s team which also includes Michelle Finn, Ann Marie McGlynn, Mary Mulhare, and Aoibhe Richardson.”
