Fionnuala McCormack just missed out on another European medal after finishing fifth in the cross country championship in Sardinia.

Turkey's Yasemin Can and Meryem Akda, both Kenya-born, finished first and second, while McCormack crossed the line in fifth, 42 seconds behind Can. 

The Wicklow runner found herself in a battle for third as the 8km race neared the end but was unable to hold on as Norway's Karoline Grovdal and Ancuta Bobocel of Romania overtook her. 

The Irish women's team finished sixth overall. 

McCormack, twice a winner of the event, said afterwards: “I really wanted to win. The Turks broke clear early and I never felt comfortable.

"I gave it my best out there today but I think I’m better than that. There was a deceptive wind.

"I was chasing for gold and I’m really disappointed. I’ll be back for a 15th time next year in Slovakia.”

Ciara Mageean (UCD) was 31st, followed by Michelle Finn (Leevale) in 33rd, Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) 54th, Shona Heaslip (An Riocht) in 59th and Laura Crowe (An Riocht) in 60th.

Turkey also completed a 1-2 in the men’s race with Aras Kaya and Polat Arikan, both also Kenya-born, in first and second place respectively.

Paul Pollock was the first Irish runner over the line in 36th position. Mick Clohisey was 43rd.

RESULTS: 

Senior Women 8,000M

Yasemin Can (TUR) Meryem Akda (TUR) Karoline Grovdal (NOR)

Ireland: Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) 5th, Ciara Mageean (UCD) 31st, Michelle Finn (Leevale) 33rd, Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) 54th, Shona Heaslip (An Riocht) 59th, Laura Crowe (An Riocht) 60th

Teams: 1. Turkey, 2. Great Britain, 3. Romania, 6. Ireland

Senior Men 10,000m

Aras Kaya (TUR) Polat Arikan (TUR) Callum Hawkins (GBR)

Ireland: Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) 36th, Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock) 43rd, Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers) 56th, Liam Brady (Tullamore Harriers) 62nd, Mark Hanrahan (Leevale) 65th, Kevin Dooney (Raheny Shamrock) 69th

Teams: 1. Great Britain, 2. Spain, 3. Turkey, 10. Ireland