The Irish Schools' Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday 9th March at Clongowes Wood, Co. Kildare. A more magnificent setting and firm footing couldn't have been found as our Junior and Senior teams took on the best runners in Ireland. A combination of other sporting and personal commitments plus injury meant that not all our athletes could travel to Kildare but those that did gave it their all and we are very proud of their performances. The Juniors set off at a good pace with our front runners amongst the leading pack throughout the race. Emmy Thornton and Mabelle Wilcox pushed each other all the way with Emmy just finishing ahead of Mabelle in 10th and 11th place. Alice Browne was the next Strathearn runner across the line followed closely by Niamh Hatfield. Sophie Hoey ran a brave race as she was carrying an injury but completed the course showing great determination. Having been Irish Minor Champions last year we really wanted to be in medal contention again this year and their hard work paid off bringing home Bronze medals. No mean feat medalling at Irish level 2 years in a row, well done girls.
Our Senior team was well depleted from our District winning team but Amy Ellison stepped up from the Intermediate team to help us out. Murphy Miller had a good race finishing in 15th place, ahead of some of the athletes who had finished in front of her at Ulster level. Amy Ellison was our next runner across the line followed by Aimee Stitt as our 3rd counting score. The team finished a very respectable 7th position, one place higher than last year's Senior team. Congratulations girls on your solid performance.