Moneynick runner on the podium in first round of cross-country league

Celebrating its 20th year, the Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League got off to a flying start at Antrim Forum, as young athletes from across Co Antrim took part in the first round of the landmark season.

Marking 16 years of league sponsorship this season, Flahavan’s is continuing its commitment of nurturing young athletic talent across Northern Ireland. The family-owned company, which has been milling oats in Co. Waterford for over 200 years, has fuelled the next generation of runners in this League since 2010, championing grassroots sport and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

In the boys’ race, first place was snapped up by Ben Butterwick from Methody Prep School, Belfast with an impressive time of 03:45, closely followed by Ezra Heron from Dunmurry Primary School crossing the line in second place in 03:52 and Kaiden Shek came in third with a time of 04:01.

Pupils from St Anne’s Primary School, Belfast led the way in the girls’ race as Catherine McKendry took the top spot in 04:10 and Cara Kelly in third place in 04:19, while Trea McCann from Moneynick Primary School, Randalstown claimed second place in 04:17.

Teams of six young athletes collected points across the girls’ and boys’ races to qualify their primary schools for the second round of heats with the hopes of making it all the way and reaching the final, which is set to take place at Mallusk Playing Fields in February 2027.

After this round, the top three boys’ teams were Stranmillis Primary School, Belfast, St Anne’s Primary School, Belfast and St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast, whilst the leading girls’ teams are St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast, Gilnahirk Primary School, Belfast and Moneynick Primary School, Randalstown.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s League was recently launched at the Mary Peter’s Track in Belfast by the official Flahavan’s League Ambassador Kirsti Foster. As the 2026/27 ambassador Kirsti will help motivate, inspire and educate this year’s young athletes, providing her training tips and sharing the importance of a healthy diet. She will also visit the winning primary schools to celebrate and meet the pupils who bring home the titles for their schools.

Round two of the heats is due to take place at Lisnagarvey High School, Lisburn, where local pupils will take part in the second of three rounds all hoping to secure their place in next February’s final. Following the final, the top 20 boys and top 20 girls will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Athletics Northern Ireland Junior Endurance Squad. This exciting development opportunity will give the young athletes a year of dedicated training sessions to help develop their skills and support their future athletic careers.