POPULAR south Kent runner John Creane has finally achieved one of his biggest ambitions by earning selection for the Irish cross-country team.

The Cheriton-based athlete and schoolteacher will compete for Ireland in the British and Irish championships at Stormont at the end of November.

Creane gained selection by racing in the Irish Trials at Phoenix Park in Dublin at the weekend competing for his County Donegal Club, Finn Valley AC.

The race was over a parkland course comprising of five one-mile laps. Creane led the race from the start and at the three-mile mark he was still leading with two challengers right on his shoulder.

In the final lap Creane was narrowly edged out and eventually finished third. With six places up for grabs, Creane comfortably gained selection and will compete for Ireland for the first time.