Paul Pollock is third at Irish Euro Cross Country trials

Paul Pollock will hope that his performance earns him another European Cross Country Championship vest

Paul Pollock has put himself in the frame for selection for the European Cross Country Championships by placing third at the Irish trials on Sunday.

The English-based Northern Ireland athlete took the bronze in the men's senior race at the Irish Inter Counties Championships in Sligo.

Pollock finished 51 seconds behind winner Joe Sweeney.

Newcastle athlete Kerry Harty challenged early on in the women's race but finished outside the first three.

The top two finishers in Sunday's races are guaranteed spots in the Ireland team for the European Championships in Slovenia on 11 December.

But while Pollock finished third, he looks to have a decent chance of being included in the Irish team.

Holder Sweeney won in 32.07 - 46 seconds ahead of Ledwith, with Pollock a further five seconds back in third.

With Fionnuala Britton running abroad instead on Sunday, Meath athlete Sarah Louise Treacy won the women's senior race in 31.10 which left her 17 seconds ahead of Cork's Claire McCarthy while Aoife Culhane was a further three seconds in arrears in third.

World Youths Walk gold medallist Kate Veale showed her versatility by taking third in the junior women's event behind talented Dublin athlete Siofra Clerigh Buttner.

Ciara Mageean did not compete in Sunday's championship in Sligo.