Cross County League Champions Crowned

24th Jan, 2020

Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross County League Champions Crowned

After months of training and two qualifying rounds, Emer McKee from St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff and Brandon Downey from Sacred Heart Primary School, Omagh were crowned winners of the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross County League after securing first place in the girls’ and boys’ races respectively.

Over 400 local athletes, aged 9-11 years old, competed in the Final, which was held at Mallusk Playing Fields on 22nd January 2020.

St Brigid’s Primary School, Mayogall, Magherafelt was recognised as the overall best-performing boys’ school and King’s Park Primary School, Lurgan was recognised as the overall best-performing girls’ school.

The league, which is committed to encouraging children to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, was launched by Olympian and 2018 European Championships athlete, Kerry O’Flaherty and para-athlete James Hamilton. In the biggest year-to-date, over 4,000 runners aged between 9 and 11 years old from across Northern Ireland, took part in the league.

Kerry and James presented the successful competitors with their medals at the Final, speaking at the event, Kerry said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many runners competing in this year’s league. The standard of the competition this year has been fantastic and is testament to the primary schools’ dedication and hard work throughout the year.

James Hamilton added: “All the competitors should be very proud of their efforts this year. It’s fantastic to see so many young people coming into the cross country community and laying the foundations for a potential athletics career.”

Alice Quirke, Brand Manager for Flahavan’s, concluded: “We’re proud to have sponsored the league for the past nine years and during that time we’ve seen thousands of young athletes progress through the competition, with many going on to have successful athletic careers.

“A healthy diet is vital to every runner and whether it’s starting the day with a bowl of porridge, or enjoying our products post-training, Flahavan’s is the perfect fuel. Well done to all the runners who took part in the league from everyone at Flahavan’s – you should be very proud of your efforts!”

Following the final, the top 20 girls and top 20 boys are invited to join the Flahavan’s ANI Junior Endurance Squad to support their development as athletes in the year ahead.