Mayo juveniles set to shine at the Celtic Cross Country in Leeds

The juvenile committee of Athletics Ireland have announce the eight girls and eight boys who have been selected to race in the Under 17 events of the UK Cross Challenge – Home Countries International & Celtic Nations Cross Country races being held at Temple Newsam, Leeds, on Saturday (February 8).

Leading the girls' team will be Westport AC members Freya and Holly Renton, twin sisters who have set underage athletics alight in recent years.

The athletes secured their places last November in Irvinestown by placing in the top eight and as a result of that, gained their first Irish vest, representing a proud moment for them and their parents, coaches and clubs.

Joining Freya and Holly on the Ireland Celtic XC Under 17 girls team are Madison Welby (City of Lisburn AC) and Beth Reamsbottom (Mid Sutton AC), while the Ireland Development XC Under 17 team features Emma Stewart (Dromore AC), Rachel Keaney (Newbridge AC), Kari Foster (Willowfield Harriers) and Abby Smith (Shercock AC).

The Ireland Celtic XC Under 17 boys team features Ciaran Considine (South Galway AC), Charlie O'Neill (Donore Hariers AC), Luke Walsh (South Galway AC) and David Wajrak (Portlaoise AC).

The Ireland Development XC Under 17 boys teams consists of Adam Noone (Templeogue AC), Jack Mahon (St Laurence O’Toole AC), Rory Armstrong (Lagan Valley AC) and Luke Merrigan (Leevale AC).

The Irish contingent will be managed by Mark Connolly, Niamh Fitzgerald, Catriona Duffy and Tom Thompson.