McVeighs make their intentions known at Armagh XC

Report by Siobhan Grant

The Cross Country Season kicked off in Armagh at the end of September. A notoriously windy and undulating course.

Whilst the Newcastle AC seniors were warming up, it was our Junior members who got out on course first and tested the ground for them.

Moving up an age category this year to U11, Harry McVeigh ran a solid race from the front, only to be pipped at the post in the final 50m to take third place. As a junior within this category, he still has another year within the odd age group category to build further on his accomplishments. He was shortly followed by brother Connaire Og who held his own and ran a smart race to take 9th place. Both boys followed two days later at School Trials on Bunkers Hill to take 1st and 2nd place over the tough course to qualify for the Flahavans Squad.

Up next, Maisie also progressed into the older age category at U13. At this age range, one year can make a huge difference to times, as the juniors mature at different rates. Yet Maisie took her experience and applied it to every step of her race to secure 7th place. Again this will stand by her and is a great marker for the International and Ulster Even Age Group Championships at the end of October.