Two individual and two team victories highlight excellent days racing at Ulster Schools Cross Country. St Malachy's claim best overall school title!
Finn Diver got the Malachians off to the best possible start. Forging to the front in the final third of the mini boys (Yr8) race he extended his lead for a fine victory. Sean Murphy 20th and Aidan Murphy 29th and Rory O'Conallain 62nd backed him up well to see the team claim 4th. The minors packed well to claim a brilliant team silver. Feidhlim Campbell led the team in 17th, Adam McCann 30th, Ryan Calo 33rd and Jake Calo 55th saw this team improve massively from their 9th place last year and claim a spot at the All-Ireland's. The junior boys won their first provincial title in style, dominating the team competition and showing that the hard work they have put in this year has paid off. Daniel Shields and Luke Ferris moved up throughout the race to achieve fantastic 4th and 7th place finishes. Diarmuid Hanna returned to form in 11th. Eoghan Breen and Conor McAlister ran their best ever races in 23rd and 26th.
The intermediate boys (Yr11&12) were strong favourites and didn't disappoint. Callum Morgan came agonisingly close to the win, pushing the pace hard and opening a slight gap on the last lap, but was just reeled in before the finish. Fintann Campbell picked up his first provincial medal with a strong run for 3rd. Matthew Lavery was close on his heels in 5th. Daniel McComiskey was slightly disappointed with his 20th place, but the team won convincingly. Conall McClean finished the day as Finn had started it with a fine win. He was pushed all the way by Adam Ferris as they claimed a fantastic 1, 2 finish. With Cormac O'Rourke finishing well in 9th, the team was in with a shout, but missed out to a strong St. Coleman's Newry team that had 3 finishers in the top 8. With 2 wins, 2 second places and a 4th across the 5 age groups St. Malachy's were the clear winners in the best overall school competition.
All four age groups that could qualify for the All-Ireland's in Kildare in 3 weeks time qualified!