Derry to host National Senior Cross Country Championships

City of Derry Spartans will host the National Senior Cross Country Championships at Templemore Sports Complex next month on November 23.

The area now covered by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCASDC) has a rich history of cross-country running but this is the first time that the blue ribbon event will be held here.

The races for Seniors, U23s, U20s as well as U16s also incorporate trials for the European and Home Nations championships meaning Derry will be the destination for the cream of the country’s harriers.

The DCASDC Mayor Cllr Ruairí McHugh hosted the launch of the event in Derry’s Guildhall. The Castlederg man said was pleased that the City of Derry Spartans club was bringing the event to the city and district for the first time.

"It's brilliant news for the city and district and we look forward to welcoming the best of Irish athletics to Templemore Sports Complex for a day of thrilling competition and outstanding sportsmanship,” he said.

“I want to extend a huge welcome to all athletes, coaches, and spectators for the All-Ireland Cross Country Championships. This is a moment of immense pride and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Spartans club. This event is a true showcase of sporting excellence and will undoubtedly give a massive boost to our local community and inspire the next generation of runners."

The Derry area has a long association with cross country running. According to contemporary newspaper reports, City of Derry Harriers were in existence as long ago as 1894 and organising bi-weekly runs during the autumn and winter from its headquarters in the Provincial Hotel on Foyle Street. At the AGM in November of the following year, the club was stated “to be in a healthy and flourishing condition”.

Spartans chairperson Dara Furey has been the driving force in bringing the prestigious event to Derry: “We’re very proud of the achievements of athletes from this area and we will be looking to add another chapter to that history when we host the National Senior and under-age championships on November 23,” said the Spartans’ chairperson. “This will be a team effort with local clubs and schools contributing to what hopefully will be a memorable celebration of the sport.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Mayor Ruairí McHugh at the launch of the National Senior Cross Country Championships, hosted by City of Derry Spartans which will be held in the Templemore Sports Complex on November 23. Included from left, are Odhran Dunne, Visit Derry, Mark Connolly, Athletics Ireland, Jacqueline McMonagle (CoD Spartans), Oran McBride (CoD Spartans) and from right, Neil Martin, Athletic Ireland, Malcolm McCausland, Bridgeen Byrne (CoD Spartans), and Dermot Connolly, (CoD Spartans). (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)