Gary Murray, a student at the University of Ulster, led Ireland into third place in the European Junior Cross Country championship at Valenje in Slovenia yesterday.

After losing his national inter counties title to Joe McAllister in Cork last month, the Donegal teenager bounced back to his best form when finishing eighth in the individual championship. Surprisingly, McAlister didn't figure on this occasion but with Brian Keane and Mark Smith lending Murray solid support, Ireland took the bronze medals in the team event, behind Britain and France.

The Irish senior teams found the going less rewarding, although both the men and women satisfied the AAI criteria for inclusion in the world championships in Portugal in March, by finishing in the top six.

The men, in fifth place, were marginally better and was that was largely attributable to some brave, aggressive running by Peter Matthews and Seamus Power. As was the case in the corresponding event last year, Matthews was best of the Irish in 13th place, just two ahead of Power.

John Ferrin, the national champion, came home in 27th place. Martin McCarthy had to content himself with 35th place, just ahead of Dermot Donnelly (37th) and Gareth Turnbull (38th).

The championship was won for a third consecutive year by Portugal's Paulo Gerra with John Britain of Britain taking the bronze medal.

Anne Keenan Buckley was best of the Irish women, when finishing 16th. Rosemary Ryan finished immediately behind her but otherwise, there was precious little joy for the team.

Maureen Harrington (34th) and Naoimh Byrne (36th) finished in the middle of the field.