None An outstanding performance by Ciara Mageean, Assumption Ballynahinch, in the Senior Girls’ race at the Annual Schools’ Cross Country International in picturesque Bangor today. Ciara showed why so many predict a great future for her when she ran away from the field to win with some ease. Laura Shaughnessy, Loughrea VS, ran a fine race to take second place and Eimear Black, Dominican Belfast, was fourth. Best of the Irish in the Senior Boys’ race was John Travers, Inchicore VS, with back up coming from Chris Jones, St Fintan’s, in seventh and Dan King, St Eunan’s, in eighth to ensure an Irish victory.
In the Junior Boys’ race Shane Fitzpatrick, St Joseph’s Rochfortbridge, and Graham Power, Presentation Carlow, were at the front all of the race and finished a magnificent second and third respectively. Ireland took the silver medals in the team competition behind England. The diminutive Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner, Colaiste Iosagain, ran the race of her life to finish second in the Junior Girls’ race and with back up from the rest of the team also took second place to England in the team race.
The Intermediate Boys’ were third team behind England and Scotland with Adam Ingram, Hazelwood College, best of the Irish in sixth place. Mary Mulhare, Presentation Portlaoise, was best of a young Irish team in 19th place in the Intermediate Girls’ race.
Team Results
Senior Girls’
1. Ireland 27pts
2. Scotland 68 pts
3. Wales 114 pts
Senior Boys’
1. Ireland 49 pts
2. Scotland 58 pts
3. Wales 78 pts
Inter Girls’
1. England 22 pts
2. Scotland 75 pts
3. Wales 91 pts
4. Ireland 131 pts
Inter Boys’
1. England 34 pts
2. Scotland 62 pts
3. Ireland 91 pts
Junior Girls’
1. England 27 pts
2. Ireland 84 pts
3. Scotland 106 pts
Junior Boys’
1. England 39 pts
2. Ireland 73 pts
3. Scotland 85 pts
Picture courtesy James Veale