Primary School Cross Country returns to Limerick with over 150 students taking part

PRIMARY SCHOOL cross country returned to Limerick last week with 168 children from eight different schools around the county took part in a great a great day’s racing.

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The competition made its return with special thanks to Niall Shanahan, a teacher at Knockea National School, who has spear-headed the return of the competition.

"I decided to set it up to encourage children who may not have tried athletics before. There is obviously a lot of focus on GAA, soccer and rugby in schools and I felt that there wasn't much of an opportunity for children to try athletics especially at this time of the year," he said. 

It was an ideal day for running and the two pitches were in brilliant condition at South Liberties GAA.

There was a huge turnout from parents and other family members to see the children run in what were all very competitive races.

Roxborough NS were the winning school on the day just edging out Crecora NS in a very close battle.

Niall Shanahan was delighted with how the day turned out. 

"The children deserve huge credit as this would have been the first time for most of them to run this far on grass.

I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped out on the day and also South Liberties for the use of the facilities," he said.