The Connaught Primary Schools cross country championships were held on Saturday 15th October at the University Sports Fields in Dangan, Galway with a large numbers of competitors in each race.
Cian Mc Philips representing Ardagh National School ran a super race to finish second in the 3rd/4th class boys cross country race over 800 meters and collected his first Connaught silver medal. As usual there was an exceptionally fast start to the race with Cian taking a commanding position in the leading group after 100 meters. Cian went second shortly afterwards and maintained this position throughout the race and when the race leader dripped back into the pack Cian was left to lead and was only caught in the final stages. As this was Cian’s first inter-provincial cross country race, lack of experience at the level probably cost him the gold medal and no doubt he will learn from this. Winning Connaught medals is never an easy task so well done to Cian on collection your first Connaught medal.
In the 5th/6th class girls race over 1000 meters, Ikeya Collins ran a strong race to finish sixth and earn herself a Connaught championship medal. Ikeya ran a strong race throughout and despite the difficult underfoot conditions, indeed the course was flooded in places, she finished strongly. Ikeya was happy with her run and is looking forward to the next races. Again like Cian, winning Connaught medals is not easy and there was a very high standard in this race.
The club had a number of athletes competing through out the day and all athletes ran really well in what was an extremely competitive championship. These races provide excellent preparation for the upcoming provincial championships and all the athletes are looking forward to their next races.
