County Derry schools battle for crucial points in Flahavan’s XC League

Young athletes from across County Derry returned to fierce competition as the third round of the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Cross Country League kicked off at Oakgrove College, Strathfoyle.

With 240 years of milling heritage, Flahavan’s, the family-owned oat miller based in Co. Waterford, has proudly supported the league for the past 15 years. The company remains committed to fuelling young athletes and championing grassroots sport, promoting active and healthy lifestyles through its wide range of wholesome, great tasting and nourishing products, from porridge oats and ready to eat cereals to Flapjacks and Oat drinks.

Taking place on 22nd January, round three marked a key point in the season as hundreds of pupils from schools across Northern Ireland braved the cold to line up and compete, with valuable points on offer as the race for places in the league final continues.

Beating stiff competition once again, Sadhbh Callan from Broadbridge Primary School, Eglinton who currently holds the 2024-25 league title, claimed top of the podium in the girls’ race for round three. Following close behind in second place was Cara O’Donnell from Faughanvale Primary School, Eglinton with Sophia McDaid from Steelstown Primary School, Derry completing the podium in third.

The boys delivered equally impressive performances, with Tomas McCloskey from Faughanvale Primary School securing first place, followed by Flynn Laxon from Hollybush Primary School, Culmore in second and Carl McKeever from St Thérèse’s Primary School, Lenamore finishing in third.

L-R: Flynn Laxon, Hollybush PS (2nd place), Tomas McCloskey, Faughanvale PS (1st place) and Carl McKeever, St Therese's PS (3rd place) in the boys’ race at the third round of the 2025-26 Flahavan’s Athletics NI League at Oakgrove College, Strathfoyle.

School team competitions also intensified with teams of six battling it out for crucial league points to earn qualification for the final. After round 3, the leading girls’ schools were Faughanvale Primary School, St Colmcille’s Primary School, Claudy and Broadbridge Primary School, while the top boys’ teams were Faughanvale Primary School, Hollybush Primary School and St Thérèse’s Primary School.    

As the penultimate race before the Flahavan’s Athletics NI League Final, due to take place on 27th February 2026, round three represented an important milestone for the young athletes. The final will bring together the top runners from across Northern Ireland to compete for overall honours and the opportunity to be selected for the Flahavan’s Athletics NI Junior Endurance Squad. The programme offers year-long coaching and development support for the top 20 boys and top 20 girls across the season.

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As pupils settle back into routine after the festive break, Flahavan’s continue to advocate for everyday wellbeing and balanced nutrition. Whether it’s a warming bowl of oats to start the school day or a flapjack for a quick mid-day boost, Flahavan’s is encouraging families to fuel busy and active lifestyles throughout the year. To explore Flahavan’s full product range, follow @FlahavansUK on Facebook and Instagram.

For more details on this year’s league, please contact Athletics NI at aoife.cochrane@athleticsni.org or 028 9060 2707.