Pupils impress for various local schools at Dunleath run

Pupils impress for various local schools at Dunleath run

24 January 2024

YOUNG athletes from across east Down have topped the leaderboard at the third round of the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League, which took place recently at Dunleath Playing Fields, Downpatrick.  

Taking the top spot in the first girl’s race of the day was Rose Henderson from Spa Primary School, Ballynahinch, followed by Daisy Mullen in second and Orlaith Keary from Our Lady and St Patrick Primary School, Downpatrick, in third place. 

First place in the second girls’ race of the day was Emily Kerr from Newcastle Primary School, followed by Chloe Townsend from St Ita’s Primary School in second place and Rose Reavy.

Harry McVeigh from Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche, Castlewellan, took the top spot in the first boys’ race of the day, followed by Jack Barr and Robin Anderson, who placed in second and third place, respectively.  

The second boys’ race of the day saw Declan McGarry finish in first place, followed by Ollie Brannigan from St Joseph’s Primary School, Newcastle, in second, and Isaac Hall in third place.  

The pupils have also been competing in the races in teams of six to collect points for their school. 

The top three schools in the first girls’ team race were Dundonald Primary School, Loughview Integrated Primary School, and Ballyholme Primary School, whilst the top schools in the second girls’ race of the day were St Ita’s Primary School, Towerview Primary School and St Bernard’s Primary School. 

The schools that achieved top points in the first boys’ team race were St Ita’s Primary School, Loughview Integrated Primary School and Dundonald Primary School, meanwhile, the second boys’ team race saw St Bernard’s Primary School, Sullivan Upper Preparatory, Holywood and St Joseph’s Primary School take the top spots. 

The successful athletes are gearing up to take place in the final round next month at 

Mallusk playing fields with the top 20 girls and top 20 boys invited to join the Flahavan’s Athletics Northern Ireland Junior Endurance Squad, a fantastic opportunity which will provide training sessions for the athletes over the next 12 months to support with their personal development. 

This year’s league has been represented by Flahavan’s ambassador Hannah Gilliland, who has been providing her top tips and advice to the young athletes throughout 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, following the final in February. 

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