The Connacht Secondary Schools cross country finals took place last week in the grounds of St Marys College Galway, which will also host the All-Ireland finals on 10th March.

The 8 races saw some exceptional performances by Craughwell AC athletes to help their schools to individual and team success. Foremost of these were Matthew Barrett's and Ciara Greene's victories in the Minor Boys and Junior Girls races.

In the first race of the day, Gráinne McDaid and Leanne Freaney helped The Pres Athenry to team victory in the Minor Girls 1500m with Gráinne taking 6th place and Leanne 8th place.

In the minor boys 1500m, Matthew Barrett had an impressive performance when taking the Connacht title and in the process leading Calasantious Oranmore to silver medals with Oisin Doyle 4th, Michael O’Dowd 31st and James Delaney 37th.

In the Junior Girls 2000m, Ciara Greene (Bower Athlone) was the runaway leader with Emma Byrne 13th and Tara McNally 14th (both representing Loughrea VS).

In the Intermediate Boys 5000m, Jamie Spellman (Cal. Oranmore) and Conor Gillen (Athenry VS) had a big battle in the latter half of the race for 2nd and 3rd place with Jamie having the edge on this occasion and in the process leading his Calasantious Oranmore team to victory by a handsome margin – with Neil Greaney 7th, John Cormican 13th and Damien O’Boyle 18th.

The Senior Girls race saw Linda Porter (Loughrea VS) take 4th place with Muireann Maloney (St Raphael’s) 9th.

In the final race of the day, Finn Stoneman led his St Enda’s College team to victory when finishing in 7th place followed closely by Paul Joyce (Athenry VS) in 9th.

Summary results of the day are at:- http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=23321. Unfortunately I don't have finishing places for other athletes from the club who took part.