Among the standout achievements, Enniskillen’s Annabel Morrison and Harry McKenzie shone brightly on the national stage.
Annabel Morrison, competing in the combined U18 and U20 women’s race, delivered a stellar performance to claim the silver medal.
This remarkable achievement not only secured her a podium finish but also earned her a coveted spot on the Irish U20 cross-country team for the European Championships in Turkey on December 7.
Annabel finished behind gold medallist Lucy Foster of Willowfield and ahead of Avril Mellerick of Youghal/DCU.
All three athletes will now represent Ireland on the European stage, highlighting the strength of talent within the region.
In the combined U18 and U20 men’s race, 16-year-old Harry McKenzie put on a brilliant display, claiming bronze in the U18 category.
Racing over the challenging 4.5km course, Harry finished behind Noah Harris and Caolan McFadden, both of whom competed at the European Youth Olympics.
Overall, Harry placed eighth in the combined race, which saw 205 athletes cross the finish line. With another year in this age group, his future in cross-country running looks promising.
Harry’s efforts contributed to the Enniskillen U18 team, alongside Charlie, Tiernan, and Alex, securing seventh place overall in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Jamie delivered a solid performance in the U20 category, laying the groundwork for a strong season ahead.
Frank Buchanan had another strong day out and led the U20 category for the majority of the race but fell down the rankings in the final lap.
The championships also saw standout performances from younger athletes. Kate Kelly led the way in the U14 girls’ race, showing incredible determination to finish sixth out of 168 competitors.
Her impressive run earned her an All-Ireland XC medal and helped her Ulster team secure silver. In the U16 girls’ race, Annabelle McKenzie was the team’s top finisher, placing 23rd in a field of 152 runners.
Despite setbacks, such as Megan’s courageous run after losing a shoe and sustaining an injury, the team finished in the top 10 nationally.
Jack Donnelly delivered a strong performance in the U16 boys’ race, finishing 25th out of 149 participants, showcasing the depth of talent among Enniskillen’s young runners.
The senior races featured outstanding performances from local athletes on a national stage.
Edel Monaghan of Dublin City Harriers finished 21st in the women’s race, helping her team secure bronze and earning a county silver medal. Meanwhile, Conan McCaughey of North Belfast Harriers placed 40th in the men’s race, contributing to his team’s silver medal.
The team of Stephen Prentice, Adrian McBride, Paul Carron, James Murphy, Dainis Tarvidi and James Naan had fantastic runs, and can all now say they competed against Nick Greggs.
The event was a landmark occasion for Fermanagh, attracting participants and spectators from across Ireland.
Thanks to the efforts of the Enniskillen Running Club and its dedicated committee, the picturesque and challenging course provided a fitting backdrop for a day of athletic excellence.
As the attention now turns to the All-Ireland uneven age finals in Tramore, the achievements of Annabel, Harry, and their teammates have set a high standard for the season ahead.
Their success not only highlights their individual talent but also underscores the strength and promise of cross-country running in the region.
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