Friday and Saturday saw the cream of Ulster Schools athletics converge on Antrim forum for the biggest athletics competition in the province. All the athletes on show had qualified by finishing in the top three in one of five districts.

On Saturday Cormac O’Rourke produced a strong finish to pull away from the field down the home straight and secure the Inter Boys (Yr11 and 12) 800m title. His time of 2.02 was a personal best. Cormac is still eligible for this age group again next year.

Conall Browne ran arguably his best race to date to pick up the silver medal in a tactical Inter boys 1500m race. Conall showed his speed on the final lap giving the heavy favourite from Omagh a scare as he came up alongside him with 50m to go. Unfortunately Conall couldn't get past, but was rewarded with second place and All Ireland qualification.

There was disappointment for Eoin Maguire as he narrowly missed out on a medal and All Ireland qualification in a sprint finish; finishing fourth in the Senior boys 5000m on Friday evening. Eoin showed great character to return the following day and post a personal best for 6th in the 1500m.

Tim Scott competed well in the Inter boys 3000m on Friday evening; he was in the lead group for the first mile, before losing contact with the leaders over the final few laps. Tim managed a very credible 5th place finish and was rewarded for his effort with selection to compete in the u16 mile event at the All Ireland Schools.

Adam Ferris found the pace too hot on the last lap of the Junior boys 1500m, but fought hard for 7th place. Adam’s strong suit is his endurance rather than his speed, so he will be glad when he can move up to the 3000m distance on the track next year. Daniel McComiskey gained valuable experience in this race as did Ruari Gallagher in the Minor boys 800m.

Aidan McGeown mixed it well in the Inter boys shot, finishing in 8th place and Joe McGann ran excellently to make the final of the Inter boys 200m where he finished in 7th in 24.5s.

Photo’s courtesy of Kieran Carlin