This Saturday will see close to 1,000 athletes battle it out for honours at the 123.ie All-Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships, which take place at Mallusk Playing Fields, Park Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, on Saturday March 7th. It promises to be another thrilling day of cross-country action, getting underway with the minor girls’ race at 12 noon.

The intermediate races are scheduled for 1.30pm and 1.50pm, with the girls’ race set to include the now-familiar names of Freya Renton (SHS Westport) and Holly Renton (SHS Westport), who finished first and fourth respectively last year. Freya led the field home on that occasion, in a race that also included current European U20 cross-country medallist Emma Hickey, who has since moved up to the senior ranks.

The Renton sisters once again dominated the Connacht Schools Cross Country Championships this year and are likely to face strong challenges from fellow provincial winners, including Madison Welby (Friends School Lisburn), last year’s junior champion, Munster champion Saoirse Ferguson (St Angela’s Waterford), and Leinster champion Isabel O’Reilly (St Andrew’s).

The intermediate boys’ race should be another compelling watch, with Darragh Whelan (Castletroy College) stepping up from last year’s junior success as he looks to build on his dominant win at the Munster Championships. Strong performances are also expected from Kyrell Mtinsi (St Kieran’s Kilkenny), Evan Tosh (Belfast Royal Academy), and Greg Lyons (St Clare’s Manorhamilton).

The senior races will welcome several of the rising stars of Irish cross country. Odhrán McBrearty (St Columba’s Stranorlar) won last year’s intermediate title and will be right in contention once again. Andrew Hinds (Presentation Brothers Cork College), who finished second to McBrearty last year, impressed again this season by claiming the senior Munster title. Others expected to feature prominently include Noah Watt (Campbell College Belfast), Jamie Wallace (Coláiste Mhuire), and Lucas Lyons (St Clare’s Manorhamilton).

The senior girls’ race also promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a host of Ireland’s most exciting endurance athletes set to take their place. U20 European Cross Country bronze medallist Emma Hickey (St Mary’s New Ross) is expected to line up following her fifth-place finish in the 1500m at last weekend’s National Senior Indoor Championships.

The line-up is also set to include Dearbhla Allen (St Mary’s College), who finished third in the race last year, along with Saoirse Twomey (St Mary’s), Freya Woodhead (Methodist College Belfast), and Emma Brennan (Moyne CS), all of whom claimed their respective provincial schools titles.

• Athlete Registration will open at 10.00am. All athletes will be called up 15 minutes prior to their race time, please check timetable of races.
• Bib Number Collection: All athlete numbers will be collected in the changing room area before the event.
• Getting There: Google Maps Pin to entrance gates: There is only one entrance to the venue. Click here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hFRxyjmSCys3Wg7d7

• Spectator Event Tickets: 123.ie All Ireland School Cross Country – Buy Tickets
• Timetable: HERE
• Course Map HERE
• Link to entries: https://myrunresults.com/events/123ie__all_irelands_schools_xc_2026/6050/participants

SIAB International Cross Country Selection Criteria

First 10 athletes across the line at the All Ireland Schools Cross Country in that current year who are within the correct SIAB Age Category at Junior & Intermediate Age Categories only will be selected.

(NB. In 2019 SIAB introduced a (4x1500m mixed relay) and as a result the first 10 athletes at Junior and Intermediate level with the correct age will be selected.

Schools International Athletic Board – Age Categories

• Junior: Under 15 years of age on 1st September in the year of competition
• Intermediate: Under 17 years of age on 1st September in the year of competition

Best of luck to everyone competing and thank you to Ulster Schools for hosting these championships.