The 2024-2025 cross country season has been a testament to the dedication and resilience of our athletes at Limavady Grammar School. After months of committed training, their hard work culminated in a series of impressive performances throughout the district, Ulster, and even Irish competitions.
Our journey began with the District ‘C’ Schools Championships held on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, at Finn Valley A.C. Stranorlar, Co. Donegal. A formidable contingent of 54 athletes represented our school with incredible spirit. Despite the fair weather, the course itself proved to be a significant challenge – tough, muddy, and wet underfoot. Each athlete gave their absolute best effort, demonstrating immense grit, with several even losing running spikes in the treacherous terrain, yet fighting on valiantly to the finish line.
In these highly competitive categories, we are thrilled to announce that six pupils rose to victory and successfully qualified for the prestigious Ulster Schools Finals in Mallusk, Belfast, on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025.
These outstanding athletes were:
- Caitlyn Stewart – Mini Girls Category (Year 8)
- Alfie Morrow – Mini Boys Category (Year 8)
- Thomas Fox – Minor Boys Category (Year 9)
- Joe O’Kane – Intermediate Boys (Year 11)
- Anna Mc Gookin – Senior Girls (Year 13) – Silver Medal at Ulster
- Jude Williams – Senior Boys (Year 13)
The success continued beyond the Ulster Schools final, with two exceptional pupils achieving further qualification for the highly anticipated Irish Schools Cross Country final. This ultimate test of endurance took place on Saturday, March 8th, at Galway Racecourse.
This achievement marks an incredible journey and a huge milestone for both athletes:
- Anna Mc Gookin – Senior Girls Category
- Jude Williams – Senior Boys Category
Their success has been further recognised with Anna also being selected to represent Northern Ireland in the London Mini Marathon in May 2025 – a truly remarkable accomplishment!
A top 10 finish for Anna on this Irish Schools stage was fantastic and beyond her wildest dreams. Unfortunately due to injury Jude was unable to compete, but he has another year left in his category! From this event, Anna was selected for the Northern Irish Mountain running team where she travelled to Switzerland and finished with a 3rd place podium. Anna was the only Northern Irish Athlete to ever medal at this competition. I think Anna has found her niche!
What a conclusion on what has been a truly outstanding cross country season for Limavady Grammar School. Special thanks to Ms Skuce on your continued commitment and support to cross country club.
District Schools Cross Country Championships
Finn Valley A.C Stranorlar Co. Donegal – Wednesday 29th January 2025
Pupils selected to represent LGS at this event:
Year 8 – Mini Girls
- Caitlyn Stewart
- Sarah Kinsbury
- Sophia Stevenson
- Zoe Bruce-Brand
- Mollie Bogle
- Sarah Hazlet
- Faith Lyndsay
- Lily Steen
Year 8 Boys – Mini Boys
- Carter Allen
- Jack O’Doherty
- Tomas Duffy
- Alfie Morrow
- Daniel Depczynski
- James Niven
- Adam Dougherty
- Evan Forrest
Year 9 – Minor Girls
- Will Calderwood
- Charlie Calderwood
- Evan Burns
- Thomas Fox
- Luke Blair
- Joe Cooper
- Ethan Kennedy
- Lewis Mornin
Year 9 – Minor Girls
- Lydia Millen
- Megan Cooper
- Annie Connell
- Syke Stevenson
- Cara Mullan
- Charlotte Robinson
- Sophia Ferris
- Myleene Mc Crudden
Year 9 – Minor Boys
- Will Calderwood
- Charlie Calderwood
- Evan Burns
- Thomas Fox
- Luke Blair
- Joe Cooper
- Ethan Kennedy
- Lewis Mornin
Year 10 Boys – Junior Girls
- Chloe Boyd
- Lauren Kelly
- Juliet Wilson
- Rachel Pluta
- Cara Irwin
- Grace Gallagher
Year 11 and 12 Boys – Intermediate
- Tom Cormie
- Harry Butcher
- Adam Mc Gerty
- Joe O’Kane
- Conor Vakharia
- Harry Pollock
- Adam Duddy
Year 13 Girls – Senior
- Anna Mc Gookin
Year 13 Boys – Senior
- Jude Williams
Mrs Michelle Sandy
Teacher in charge of Cross Country and Athletics