Olympians Sarah Healy and Andrew Coscoran will represent Ireland at this week’s European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, both of whom began their athletics careers at Schools Cross-Country competitions.

This Saturday will see close to 1,000 athletes battle it out as they bid to follow in the footsteps of their heroes at the 123.ie All Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships which take place at Galway Racecourse on March 8^th.

It promises to be another thrilling day of cross country action, getting underway with the minor girls race from 12 noon on Saturday.

The intermediate races are set for a 1.20pm and 1.50pm starts with the girl’s race set to include the now familiar names of Freya Renton (SHS  Westport), Holly Renton (SHS Westport), and Emer McKee (Our Lady & St Pats Knock).

The inter boy’s race should be another compelling watch with Charlie O’Neill (Belvedere College) and David Wajrak (St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise Co. Laois) set to lead a strong Leinster challenge. Expect Odhran McBrearty (St Columbas Stranorlar) to be right there with the leaders heading into the final stages.

The senior races will welcome some of the rising cross country stars and look wide open once again. The senior boy’s race will likely see Noah Harris (ETSS Wicklow), Cillian Gleeson (Coláiste Chiaráins), Frank Buchanan (St. Michaels Enniskillen), Finn Diver (St Malachys Belfast), Francis Donoghue (Summerhill College Sligo), Pearse Gallagher (St Geralds Castlebar), and Diarmuid Moloney (Nenagh CBS) all in the shake-up.

The senior girl’s race should also be a thrilling spectacle with a host of Ireland’s most exciting endurance athletes set to take their place. The line up looks set to include Emily Bolton (The Institute of Education), Lorraine O’Connor (The Institute of Education), Elsa Moore (Royal & Prior Raphoe), Niamh McWalter (High Cross College Tuam), Gemma O’Callaghan (Mercy College Sligo), and Saoirse Twomey (St Marys Macroom).

• Event Tickets: ie All Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships 2025 – Buy Tickets
• Link to entries: Events-Events
• Timetable and event details: ISAA-XC-Championships-Information-2025-FInal.pdf
• Provisional live results will be available on MyRunResults.
• Directions to entrance: https://goo.gl/maps/TW7sUWqVER4FF2nC7

Additional Event Information:

• Athlete REGISTRATION in Pavillion at Information Area – Opens at 10.00am
• Registration (collection of Bib Numbers) will take place at information centre infield. No spikes allowed in registration area.

TOILETS

• There are Toilets next to the car park and approx. 100m from Start line.

FOOD/BEVERAGES

• Last Lap Café will provide teas / coffees and food

EVENT HOODIES

• Hoodies will be available on the day from Ken Barrett Leisure Wear on the day beside athlete registration desk

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 Castlegar AC & Connacht Schools for hosting these championships.