Turnbull ran an impressive race in county Waterford

Mark Christie took victory by 20 metres with Turnbull producing a strong late run to hold off holder Gary Murray who took third ahead of David Kelly.

Turnbull's run entitled him to a place in Ireland's European Championship team in Italy but he has declined the spot.

Another Belfastman Joe McAllister was sixth on Sunday and he may be picked.

Athletics Ireland has already pre-selected Martin Fagan for the European Championships after his fine fifth place in the NCAA Championships in the US last weekend.

It's not yet clear whether Alistair Cragg intends to run in Italy.

Turnbull told BBC Sport that his decision not to run in Legnano was "a purely athletics decision".

I almost feel a bit sorry for Mark Christie because I was getting all the attention after the race Gareth Turnbull

"It's nothing to do with snubbing the AAI or anything like that," said Turnbull, who is seeking compensation from both Athletics Ireland and the Irish Sports Council after having to spend around �100,000 in order to prove his innocence.

"The indoor season after Christmas is my priority and I really want to gear my training towards that.

"But it was a good run today. The course suited me but it was still a good performance."

Turnbull acknowledged that he did feel "emotional" as he crossed the line after the trauma that he has had to endure over the past six months.

"My brother and sister were down here today as well and that helped to make it special.

"I almost feel a bit sorry for Mark Christie because I was getting all the attention after the race."

Seamus Power had been expected to challenge strongly for his tenth win in the event after a good recent performance in Belgium but he finished outside the top-six.

Fionnuala Britton was utterly dominant in the women's race, finishing well ahead of Rosemary Ryan.

North Belfast's Stephen Scullion finished well down the field in the junior men's race.