Young athletes from Fermanagh were put through their paces at the first round of the 2022/2023 Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League, with a pupil from St. Mary's Primary School, Mullymesker taking the gold in the girls' race which took place in the Antrim Forum recently.

First place in the girls’ race was Kate Kelly from St. Mary’s Primary School, Mullymesker.

Teams of six entered the girls’ and boys’ races and collected points for their school, with the top three teams and five individuals from each area set to take part in the final on the Friday, February 10 at the Mallusk Playing Fields.

The three qualifying boys’ schools all hailed from schools based in Omagh, including; St. Colmcille's Primary School, St. Lawrence Primary School, and St. Patrick's Primary School, Eskra, whilst the three successful girls’ teams were from St. Mary’s Primary School, Strabane, and St. Colmcille's Primary School and St. Lawrence Primary School, Omagh.

The league was launched at the beginning of October with the help of Flahavan’s ambassador Nick Griggs, from County Tyrone. As the official 2022/2023 ambassador Nick will help inspire and educate the young runners taking part in the competition this year, passing on his expert training tips to sharing the importance of a healthy diet and visiting participating primary schools.

After the final, the top 20 girls and top 20 boys will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Athletics Northern Ireland Junior Endurance Squad, which will include participating in nine training sessions over the next 12 months to support the personal development of these talented young athletes.

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