Morgan impresses for Ireland at Cross Country International in Antrim
THE annual Antrim IAAF International Cross Country event took place on Saturday incorporating the British Athletics Cross Challenge. The event is the highlight of the Cross Country calendar in Northern Ireland and attracts many international athletes. A team from Sligo AC were amongst the participants and all competed well in the different races. Sligo AC eyes rested proudly on Michael Morgan representing Team Ireland at the Celtic International U17 Race. Despite losing a shoe in the opening lap, Morgan kept his composure to run strongly and finish an excellent 23rd in a high quality field. To cap a good day, Team Ireland were also the overall race winners. The Senior Race of 200 runners was won by Kenyan Timothy Cheruiyot. In an epic sprint finish, the IAAF World Championships 2017 silver medallist just pipped Ethiopian Mogus Tuemay with both Africans sharing the same finishing time. Sligo AC’s Men’s Captain Rory Connor can be well pleased with his 101st position in the 8,000M race as can Bill Carty who was 127th.The Female Race of 133 runners was won by Kenya’s Chelimo Kipkemboi with Ireland’s double European XC Champion Fionnula McCormack 6th having led the race. Sligo AC’s Mari Johnston had a great run to finish 57th overall and second F45. Well done also to Mari’s daughters with Tara 83rd and Kate 122nd earning Sligo AC 9th position in the team event.