Fota House & Gardens, Tuesday 7 October
What an incredible day of sport unfolded at Tuesday’s Fota House Cross-Country Challenge, where over 625 children from 22 of Cork’s Primary Schools embraced the magic of cross-country running in the iconic surroundings of Fota House & Gardens.
Expertly staged by the recently founded Great Island Athletics, this second edition of the now annual event produced thrilling contests across a 12-race programme, giving pupils from 1st Class through 6th the opportunity to compete both as individuals and as part of their school teams.
Team honours went to Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní and the Boys from Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Cobh, whose titles will take pride of place in their respective schools until they are brought back to be challenged for once again in 2026.
Notable individual displays included a home win for the host club’s Conor Stephenson (Scoil Íosaef Naofa, Cobh).
It was matched by what was arguably the victory of the day from a smooth-moving Molly Casey (Dungourney NS / St Catherine’s AC).
There was also a runaway triumph from Emily Donovan (Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Cailíní), whose commanding display evoked memories of her success at last year’s inaugural meet.
Fionn McGrath, a Walterstown NS, Cobh pupil and member of Great Island Athletics, stepped onto the podium to claim a joint bronze medal with Jack Ahern (Rathpeacon NS) in one of the most exciting finishes of the day.
Another highlight came from Charlie Cummins (Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh / Cork Track Club), who delivered a second gold medal in three days. Fresh from his County Championship title success in Conna on Sunday, the stylish Bunscoil pupil led home the 5th Class Boys in his now-trademark sunglasses style.
While the spotlight was firmly on the future stars of the sport, the young athletes were also treated to the encouragement of Ireland’s greatest ever athlete, double World Cross-Country Champion Sonia O’Sullivan, who was on hand to inspire and support the next generation.
A true celebration of sport, community, and the joy of running, the event was delivered in partnership with Athletics Ireland and Cork County Council, with the Irish Heritage Trust and Fota Wildlife Park providing a magnificent course that offered the perfect introduction for debutant cross-country runners while also presenting a stern challenge for the more experienced campaigners.
Great Island Athletics and the organisers of the Fota House Cross-Country Challenge wish to acknowledge the generous support of: GxP Recruitment, Train With Trevor, Cuskinny Court, Garvey’s SuperValu Cobh, Grip Visuals, Dangan Group, Icon Accounting, xSellerate, Ellen’s Kitchen Cobh, Fenero Accounting, and Coláiste an Phiarsaigh.
Photographs © Morgan Treacy / INPHO