Mallusk Playing Fields were uncharacteristically firm and wind free for the running of the Ulster Schools Cross Country Championships and the weather, though cold, remained dry throughout the afternoon. Over 3000 district competitors had been whittled down to just under 800 and those who qualified for the All Ireland’s had to produce some high quality performances. The Minor Boy’s and Girl’s races both produced runaway winners with Katie Conn (Friends) finishing ahead of Tamara Boyle (St Cecelia’s) and Maria Kincaid (Our Lady’s Grammar , Newry) while Jack Turley (St Malachys) saw off the staunch efforts of Anthony Kane (St Mal’s) and Conall Kirk (Sullivan). St Cecelia’s took the girls team gold and the influence of Francis Shaw at St Michael’s Enniskillen was evident in the boys event, an influence, like that of Paddy McKillop’s at St Malachy’s, which was to continue throughout the afternoon. 
The Junior Girls race was the closest competition of the day with seven runners still in contention as they dropped down to the lower pitches with 400 metres to go. Sophie Magee (Dominican) was the first to head for home taking Katie Kirk (Sullivan) and Rebecca Ward (Royal & Prior) with her. In the last 100 metres Kirk, the indoor 800 metres champion, just got the edge from Ward and Magee. This was probably the best field in depth in this age group ever. Down High won the team race led by the outstanding young orienteerer Aine McCann in fifth place. The Junior Boys race went true to form with Adam Ingram (Hazelwood) and Patrick and Andrew Monaghan (St Coleman’s Newry) dominating the race from the start. The performance of the twins ensured St Coleman’s took team honours. The Intermediate Girls race was always going to be a war of attrition between two of the best talents in local middle distance running. Eimear Black (Dominican) blasted off from the gun and by the end of the long opening straight she had begun to open a slight gap on the all conquering Ciara Mageean (Assumption Grammar) with Rachel Campbell (Ballyclare High) making a valiant attempt to stay in touch. For a brief moment out in the country it looked as if a gap was developing but approaching the sharp climb at the back of the hotel Ciara closed the gap. Those who thought that Eimear had blown it were quickly convinced otherwise as she continued to force the pace well into the second lap. The strength of the Irish Senior 1500 metres indoor Champion however eventually told as she eased into the lead mid way through the second and final lap. Eimear to her credit fought every metre of the way to take the silver for a repeat of the 2007 result. Campbell was passed by last years Junior Champion Joanne Mills (Shimna) but led her school to the top of the team placings. The Intermediate Boys race proved to be a triumph for St. Michael’s in both team and individual stakes. Nial Cullen was quickly to the fore and and although Cian O’Reilly (St. Pats Cavan) fought hard throughout the race he could never close the gap thus giving a repeat of the 2006 Junior Boys first two. Cullen’s performance should give hope to many as in his first year he finished in 85th in these championships. Dromore High School’s Ryan McDermott just held off a fast finishing Robbie Idle (MCB). The Senior Girls, who still bizarrely run less than the Intermediates, was a triumph for Michelle English (Loretto, Letterkenny) who improved from sixth last year to emulate sister Joanne’s previous win. Runner up Emma McShane (St. Mary’s Downpatrick) was another to show improvement having finished fourth in the Intermediate race last season. St Mary’s Newry packed well to take the team result. The Senior Boys had to contend with the stickiest conditions although most of the course had held up well. Last year’s Champion Andrew Doherty (Belfast Metro) found himself up against Ian Ward (Royal and Prior) making a rare appearance at the Ulster Schools. Doherty was the early pace maker but by half distance the Royal and Prior man was out to go one better than sister Rebecca. The gap never became really decisive until late in the last lap as Doherty continued to fight. Behind him Michael McKillop gave Belfast Metropolitan their second medal as he finished just ahead of former school mate Ryan Faulkner (St Malachy’s) who led the North Belfast outfit to team victory. Results
The Junior Girls race was the closest competition of the day with seven runners still in contention as they dropped down to the lower pitches with 400 metres to go. Sophie Magee (Dominican) was the first to head for home taking Katie Kirk (Sullivan) and Rebecca Ward (Royal & Prior) with her. In the last 100 metres Kirk, the indoor 800 metres champion, just got the edge from Ward and Magee. This was probably the best field in depth in this age group ever. Down High won the team race led by the outstanding young orienteerer Aine McCann in fifth place. The Junior Boys race went true to form with Adam Ingram (Hazelwood) and Patrick and Andrew Monaghan (St Coleman’s Newry) dominating the race from the start. The performance of the twins ensured St Coleman’s took team honours. The Intermediate Girls race was always going to be a war of attrition between two of the best talents in local middle distance running. Eimear Black (Dominican) blasted off from the gun and by the end of the long opening straight she had begun to open a slight gap on the all conquering Ciara Mageean (Assumption Grammar) with Rachel Campbell (Ballyclare High) making a valiant attempt to stay in touch. For a brief moment out in the country it looked as if a gap was developing but approaching the sharp climb at the back of the hotel Ciara closed the gap. Those who thought that Eimear had blown it were quickly convinced otherwise as she continued to force the pace well into the second lap. The strength of the Irish Senior 1500 metres indoor Champion however eventually told as she eased into the lead mid way through the second and final lap. Eimear to her credit fought every metre of the way to take the silver for a repeat of the 2007 result. Campbell was passed by last years Junior Champion Joanne Mills (Shimna) but led her school to the top of the team placings. The Intermediate Boys race proved to be a triumph for St. Michael’s in both team and individual stakes. Nial Cullen was quickly to the fore and and although Cian O’Reilly (St. Pats Cavan) fought hard throughout the race he could never close the gap thus giving a repeat of the 2006 Junior Boys first two. Cullen’s performance should give hope to many as in his first year he finished in 85th in these championships. Dromore High School’s Ryan McDermott just held off a fast finishing Robbie Idle (MCB). The Senior Girls, who still bizarrely run less than the Intermediates, was a triumph for Michelle English (Loretto, Letterkenny) who improved from sixth last year to emulate sister Joanne’s previous win. Runner up Emma McShane (St. Mary’s Downpatrick) was another to show improvement having finished fourth in the Intermediate race last season. St Mary’s Newry packed well to take the team result. The Senior Boys had to contend with the stickiest conditions although most of the course had held up well. Last year’s Champion Andrew Doherty (Belfast Metro) found himself up against Ian Ward (Royal and Prior) making a rare appearance at the Ulster Schools. Doherty was the early pace maker but by half distance the Royal and Prior man was out to go one better than sister Rebecca. The gap never became really decisive until late in the last lap as Doherty continued to fight. Behind him Michael McKillop gave Belfast Metropolitan their second medal as he finished just ahead of former school mate Ryan Faulkner (St Malachy’s) who led the North Belfast outfit to team victory. Results
