Derry's young athletes are oat-so fast in Round 2 of Flahavan’s League

Primary school pupils from across Derry showcased their sportsmanship at Round 2 of the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League, held at Templemore Sports Complex, Derry.

Now in its 15th year of sponsorship, Flahavan’s – a family-owned Irish company that has been milling oats in Co. Waterford for 240 years, has been fuelling young athletes in the league since 2010 and is committed to supporting grassroots sport and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles across Northern Ireland.

Battling unpredictable weather conditions, the event saw hundreds of budding athletes from local schools take to the course, competing for individual and team wins in the second round of the season.

In the girls’ race, reigning champion Sadhbh Callan from Broadbridge Primary School, Eglinton stormed to victory, followed by runner up Rose McGuinness from Faughanvale Primary School, Eglinton who claimed second place and Aoife Duffy from St Colmcille’s Primary School, Claudy in third.

The boys put on an equally strong display with Flynn Laxon from Hollybush Primary School, Culmore topping the leaderboard, closely followed by Cael McKeever from St Thérèse’s Primary School, Derry in second and Oliver Callaghan from Good Shepherd Primary School, Derry in third place.

The excitement carried through to the school races, where teams of six collected crucial points, all aiming to qualify for the third round and ultimately the final.

The top girls’ teams after the second round were Broadbridge Primary School, Eglinton, St Colmcille’s Primary School, Claudy and Faughanvale Primary School, Eglinton with the top boys’ schools being Hollybush Primary School, Culmore, Faughanvale Primary School, Eglinton and St Thérèse’s Primary School, Derry.

As the final round before the Christmas break, round two marked another challenging step in the journey to the Flahavan’s Athletics NI League Final, which is due to take place in February 2026.

L-R: Cael McKeever from St Thérèse’s PS (second place), Flynn Laxon from Hollybush PS (first place) and Oliver Callaghan from Good Shepherd PS (third place)

The final brings together the top performing runners from across Northern Ireland to compete for overall titles and for a chance to join the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Junior Endurance Squad, offering year long training and development opportunities for the top 20 boys and top 20 girls across the season.

With the festive season approaching, Flahavan’s is encouraging health and wellbeing amongst what can be a busy time for many. With routines often thrown off balance, maintaining healthy lifestyles can be a challenge and Flahavan’s is committed to helping people feel their best through the season’s celebrations, whether it’s a hearty bowl of oats to start the day, or adding a wholesome twist to your festive favourite breakfast.