Well done to the large number of school athletes who competed in the Connacht Schools Cross-Country at regional and provincial level in the past few weeks. Both events were well organised and took place in Calry Community grounds, Sligo.
While the weather was bitterly cold and conditions were tough on both days we were well represented and had some very good performances.
Well done to Ellie O’Rourke on her victory in the Regional Finals at Junior girls level and her subsequent second place at the Connacht Finals. A great achievement and we wish her continued success when she competes in the All-Ireland finals which will be held in Mallusk Playing fields, Newtownabbey in March.
Our minor boys and girls teams also represented our school at Connacht and all athletes should be very proud of their fantastic first performances at Provincial level. Well done to Síomha Quinn who led the girls home finishing in 8th place and her teammates of Caoimhe Mc Dermott, Emma Honeyman, Saoirse O Neill and Leah Smyth. Síomha will represent the school at the All-Ireland finals also. Pierce Mc Teigue finished strong in 16th place and his teammates were Paul Moran, Shane Smyth, Cormac Redican. Darragh Gunn, Emmet Mc Girl and Cian Sammon. Edel Shanley was the last of our athletes to perform at Connacht level and she ran a steady race to finish the Intermediate girls 3,000m.
Thank you to all the athletes for competing in athletics and for their help and behaviour when brought to these events. There is a strong tradition of schools athletics in Ballinamore CS and we look forward to seeing you all out again for the track and field season in the last term.