Young Athletes race through round two of Flahavan’s Cross Country League

(L-R) Rosie O’Boyle in 2nd place, Saidhbhin McMullan in 1st place followed by her twin sister, Síne McMullan in 3rd place

Local athletes from across the Causeway Coast competed at the second round of the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League on Wednesday 6th December 2023.   

Taking place at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney, pupils 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 Davin Gallagher from Ballykelly Primary School, followed by Charlie Dillon from St Brigid’s Primary School, Mayogall in second place and Jackson Nellis from DH Christie Memorial Primary School, Coleraine, in third.    

There was success for twin sisters Saidhbhin and Síne McMullan from St Brigid’s Primary School, Mayogall who placed first and third place respectively, with Rosie O’Boyle from Mary Queen of Peace Primary School, Ballymena, finishing in second.  

(L-R) Charlie Dillon in 2nd place, Davin Gallagher in 1st place and Jackson Nellis in 3rd place in the boys’ race

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 Ulster University, Coleraine on Monday 15th January 2024. 

The top three boys’ teams in the second round were Drumachose Primary School, Limavady, St Canice’s Primary School, Dungiven and St Brigid’s Primary School, Mayogall, whilst the top three girls’ schools were Drumachose Primary School, Limavady, Mary Queen of Peace Primary School, Ballymena, and St Canice’s Primary School, Dungiven. 

Following the third round, the athletes will compete in the final due to take place next 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.   

For further information on the league, please contact Athletics NI at info@athleticsni.org or 028 9060 2707.   

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