Banbridge Academy Athletes Excel At District Championships

Banbridge Academy’s Athletics season got off to a great start at the Co Down Track & Field Championships held over 3 days at the Mary Peter’s track.

The star performers were Gold medallists – Emma O’Neill, in the Inter Girls Triple Jump and Ciara Patton, in the Junior Girls High Jump. Both girls jumped school records in their events with Emma jumping 9.37m and Ciara 1.44m, adding some 6cm to the existing record!

In the Inter Girls 800m, Katie McCleery also had a good day, running to a very good Silver medal in a fast time. We also collected two bronze medals with Harry Gough powering to 3rd in the Minor Boys 800m race and Alyssa Somerville jumping well for 3rd place in the Minor High Jump.

Our Minor Girls Relay Team – Alyssa Somerville, Kizzy Gley, Allegra Muldrew and Mya Jess, also deserve a mention as they were initially awarded a Silver medal for a fantastic run in the 4 x 100m relay, but were adjudged to have run out of lane at a changeover and unfortunately were disqualified.

Over the 3 days, 50 athletes competed in multiple events, as well as 6 relay teams. It was great to see all our pupils enjoying their athletics again. They all performed very well, especially as it was their first athletics championships in over 3 years and for many it was their first ever.

The five medallists will now go forward to represent Banbridge Academy in the Ulster Championships at the Antrim Forum on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May.