The grounds of the University of Ulster in Jordanstown, Belfast witnessed some of the most thrilling cross country running imaginable when the All-Ireland Schools and the Irish Universities Cross Country Championships were held in ideal running conditions over a most interesting course. With athletes representing schools from the four Provinces taking part, competition was extremely keen. All the hard work put in at training over the past months, especially in Belvedere where the Club has access to the fantastic facilities that are the envy of most Clubs in the Country, really paid off on Saturday 7th March.

It was a day to remember for all the Harriers Club members representing their schools when at the end of the day no fewer than six of them had the great honour of being selected on the Irish schools teams for the forthcoming international in Wales. This is the greatest ever number from the Club to gain international selection on the same day. It was a great occasion for the athletes to have their parents and friends present to witness a special occasion in their sporting lives.

The Junior girls race was very special with four of our finest talents in action. Ciara Hewson (Maynooth PPS) had the race of her life in 2nd place. Next came Linda Conroy (Mercy Convent, Kilbeggan) in 4th spot having been in contention all the way and becoming the first ever girl from Kilbeggan to gain International selection. Next was Elizabeth Carr (St. Finian's College, Mullingar) (7th) with another top class performance to retain her place on the team, having also been on the Irish team last year, and right on her heels came the most improved athlete in the Country, Lorraine Daly (Mercy Convent, Kilbeggan) (8th). Her improvement has been amazing and she becomes the first ever girl from Tyrrellspass to gain selection on the Irish team. Of the 8 athletes selected on the Irish team, four of them are members of the Harriers.

The Junior boys team will see two of our most impressive young talent also gain their first Irish Vests. Shane Fitzsimons (St. Joseph's, Rochfortbridge) has been earmarked for great things for some time and this should be the start of a long International career. Also showing great potential and dedication is the St. Finian’s student, Thomas Lynn. He realized his ambition with a great piece of running on Saturday and he will also take his place on the start line in Wales on the 27th March.

There were several other outstanding performances including Padraig Moran (St. Mary's CBS, Mullingar) in the Junior boys, Arlene Coughlan (Moate CC) and Rachel Yorke (Mercy Convent, Longford) in the Intermediate girls, and Thomas Fagan (Moate CC) in the Intermediate boys.

But one of the stars of the afternoon was Jake Byrne of St. Joseph’s, Rochforbridge who gave a magnificent display of front running in the Intermediate boys race to win comfortably and retain his title for the second year in a row. Here is an athlete at the very top of his form and looks to have a very exciting career ahead of him. A special word of thanks to all those who made the long journey and gave much needed support and encouragement, and to all those who took the trouble to phone and text requiring up to the minute information.