Sean Tobin crossed the line in tenth place at the European Cross Country Championships in Tilburg, Netherlands this afternoon.
The gold medal went to Norway's Filip Ingebrigtsen, Isaac Kimeli of Belgium took silver and Aras Kaya claimed bronze.
The Irish men's team earned a seventh place finish overall, Kevin Dooney was next home after Tobin in 26th, he was joined by Kevin Maunsell, Kevin Batt, Mick Clohisey and Damien Landers.
Tobin, who finished 15th last year, was delighted with the progress he made over the last 12 months.
"I knew there was more there last year," said Tobin.
"I came back from the NCAA, I had a long season, I think coming off nationals I was tired, I made most of the recovery for the last two weeks, I came out, I had a solid race.
"I tried to stay as conservative as possible, we knew that the course would be challenging, the system felt great the whole way through, it was the legs that felt a bit like jelly, so I was always trying to be conservative.
"A solid performance we will take it for now and keep pushing forward."
Earlier the Ireland women's Cross Country team finished 11th with Sara Treacy the best of the Irish.
The race was won by Turkey's Yasemin Can, Switzerland's Fabienne Schlump took silver and bronze went to Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal from Norway.
Treacy finished in 26th place, Ciara Mageean came home in 43rd place, she was followed by Michelle Finn, Ann-Marie McGlynn, Fionnulala Ross, Kerry O'Flaherty.
"I love being here I love being at this level of competition," said Treacy after the race.
"It brings out the best in me. I race better with good competition. I just loved it out there, I really enjoy getting stuck in. There was a whole load of pain in the middle of the race but that is normal for Cross Country or any race.
"It feels really good to be back hopefully I can get some consistency an continue to push on, I’m still on my way back.
"I want to be better than 26th and I want to continue to develop from here but it is class to be back and having the craic with the girls. It’s such a good competition. This is why I love athletics there is such a buzz."
Earlier in the under-23 race Ryan Forsyth narrowly missed out on a medal, he finished fourth on his debut, the Irish team of Garry Campbell, Paul O’Donnell, Jack O’Leary, Cathal Doyle, Brian Fay and Forsyth were sixth overall.
"Running in the Irish vest for the first time was a great honour and I'm really pleased to be part of something much bigger than I am and I was thrilled to be able to run strong for the team and the country," said Forsyth.
"I plan on being back here again winning medals with the team and individually, this is only the beginning."
Rising star Sarah Healy collided with a competitor during the under-20 race and took a tumble. She managed to get back on her feet but couldn't make up the lost ground and had to settle for a ninth place finish.
Emma O'Brien was just ahead of her in eighth, the team finished sixth overall.
