Fingal to host 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championship

Fingal County Council has welcomed the news that the 2021 European Cross Country Championships will take place at the Sport Ireland Campus in Fingal.

The Sport Ireland Campus, located in Blanchardstown, was due to host next month’s 2020 event on December 13 but the event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This will be the second time that Fingal has hosted the event having previously staged the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in 2009 in Santry.

Italy, who had been initially awarded the 2021 Championships will now host the 2022 event in La Mandria Park in Turin.

This revised schedule was facilitated by the successful cooperation of all parties including the respective Local Organising Committees.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “Sport is an important way of promoting the health, achievement and progress of individuals and communities alike, and fosters a spirit of cooperation and resilience.

“The 2020 SPAR European Cross Country Championships were cancelled to preserve the health and safety of all involved – and it is in the spirit of cooperation and resilience that Fingal and Turin have come together to host the 2021 and 2022 Championships in their respective years.

“I would like to thank all those involved for their work and dedication in making this possible.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said: “I welcome the announcement that Fingal will host the 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships following the necessary cancellation of this year’s event on public health grounds.

“Sport brings people together and inspires us all to excel, and it is very positive for Fingal that the Sport Ireland Campus will be the venue which sees those qualities brought to the fore in 2021.

“I wish to commend all parties for their commitment to the event, and thank Turin for its understanding and solidarity.”

Director of Services for Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development Emer O’Gorman said: “The opportunity to host the SPAR European Cross Country Championships for a second time brings many positives, from the promotion of health and fitness, to the economic and tourism benefits, and the forging of links between organisations and individuals from different countries and contexts.

“I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Championships are a great success.”

Chairman of the Fingal-Dublin 2021 Local Organising Committee Liam Hennessy said: “We are delighted to be hosting the SPAR European Cross Country Championships for 2021 and we would like to thank European Athletics and FIDAL for their support in facilitating the event returning to Ireland next year.

“Covid-19 had resulted in the championships which were set to take place in Fingal, Dublin next month being cancelled, but we can now look forward to working with Fingal County Council, Sport Ireland and RTÉ to ensure the 2021 SPAR European Cross Country Championships scheduled for 12 December is a memorable occasion for both athletes and spectators.” 

European Athletics Interim President Dobromir Karamarinov said: "Unfortunately, Dublin was unable to host this year’s SPAR European Cross Country Championships this year but we would like to thank Torino-La Mandria for their cooperation to allow Dublin to stage next year’s event. 

“Ireland and Italy both have a rich tradition in staging not only continental but also global cross country events so we are naturally delighted to reallocate the next two editions of the championships to two proud and passionate cross country running nations.”