Athletes made the running in December

The December Mayo Young Sports Stars Award winners did their country proud in European events.

Westport athlete Sorcha McAllister finished the year on a high as part of the Irish Under 23 cross country team and Moy Valley AC (Ballina) athlete Keelan Kilrehill also made great strides as part of the Irish Under 20 men's team, both competing at the European Championships in Lisbon in December.

Building on 2018, when she earned her first international vest, Sorcha won the Under 23 women’s national title and earned her place on the Irish Under 23 team for the second year in a row.

She went on to play her part on the Irish women's team who brought home silver from Portugal, a remarkable achievement by this group of athletes and by Sorcha, who is only now fulfilling her true potential and has another year to compete at Under 23 level.

Meanwhile, Ireland finished fourth in the European cross country team competition in the men's Under 20 race. Keelan finished in a brilliant 26th place and has to be delighted with his European debut.

The Irish team set out their stall early in the race and at one stage in the first lap, Keelan was in the lead as the Irish team established their place.

Britain won the team competition, Norway came second, Portugal were third, with Ireland fourth, having tied on points with the local Portuguese team.

It was a great day for Keelan's family, his coach Philip Finnerty, and Moy Valley Athletic Club in Ballina.