Derry athletes race through round 2 of Flahavan’s Cross Country League

Local Northwest athletes competed at the second round of the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League earlier this week.

Taking place at the Templemore Sports Complex, Buncrana, pupils from across the North West competed in the latest round with many young athletes taking the top spot, with hopes to qualify for the final, set to take place on Friday, 23rd February 2024 at Mallusk Playing Fields.

Placing first in the boy’s race was Rylee Moore from St Patrick’s Primary School, Derry, followed by Ronan Williams from Good Shepherd Primary School, Derry, in second place and Paul Devine from Hollybush Primary School, Culmore, in third.

Sadhbh Callan from Broadridge Primary School, Eglinton, gained the top spot in the girls’ race, followed by Maeve O’Donnell from Hollybush Primary School, Culmore, in second and Mollie Bogie from Eglinton Primary School in third place.

The pupils have also been competing in team races to collect points for their school, with the top schools due to compete in the third round of the league set to take place at Oakgrove College, Stradreagh on Monday 15th January 2024.

The top three boys’ teams in the second round were Hollybush Primary School, Culmore, Faughanvale Primary School, Greysteel and St Patrick’s Primary School, Derry, whilst the top three girls’ schools were Hollybush Primary School, Broadridge Primary School, Eglinton and St Colmcille’s Primary School, Claudy.

L-R: Maeve O’Donnell in 2nd place, Sadhbh Callan in 1st place and Mollie Bogle in 3rd place in the girls’ race at the second round of the 2023-2024 Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League which took place at the Templemore Sports Complex, Buncrana. 

Following the third round, athletes will compete in the final due to take place in February, with the top 20 boys and top 20 girls invited to join the Flahavan’s Athletics Northern Ireland Junior Endurance Squad. Participation in the Endurance Squad has long been seen as a fantastic opportunity for young athletes, helping further develop their athletic careers by providing training sessions and all-important guidance over a 12-month period.

The 2023-2024 league was launched at Portstewart Strand in September and was attended by Flahavan’s ambassador Hannah Gilliland from County Down. As official ambassador, Hannah has been providing her top tips and advice to the young athletes on how to prepare for competing in the league. Hannah will also pay a visit to the winning schools to meet and greet the young athletes starting out on their exciting athletic careers.