Local athlete to compete at World Championships this weekend
Hugh Armstrong competing in the Marathon during day 5 of the European Championships 2022 at the Odseonplatz in Munich, Germany. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Members of Sinn Féin across Mayo, along with the rest of the county, will be holding their collective breaths on Easter Saturday morning, as Hugh Armstrong dons the green vest to represent Ireland at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade at 12.30pm (Irish time).
The 29-year-old Knockmore man is one of eight Irish competitors chosen to compete in Belgrade this weekend. He also has the honour of being the first Mayo runner in 52 years to represent Ireland at world level in cross country.
“Hugh has had many injuries in the last few years, it says a lot for his dedication that he’s now running at the highest level, he deserves every success,” says Mayo Sinn Féin TD, Rose Conway-Walsh.
“We’ve seen Hugh face many challenges and he’s always come back stronger and fitter. His determination and commitment is a huge example to us all. We are delighted for him, and for his proud family, Ollie, Eileen and Kevin.”
“And Hugh has shown the same diligence working with our two local election candidates in Ballina, Úna Morris and Antonio Cafolla and all the Sinn Féin activists in Ballina. I know that they are all extremely proud of him, and deeply appreciative of the key role he has been playing in the local election campaigns.”
In late April, Hugh will take part in the Hamburg Marathon in an attempt to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Two years ago, he set a personal best of 2.12.26, just four minutes shy of the Olympic qualifying time of 2.08.10. The race can be viewed on Virgin Media from 9.50am, Easter Saturday morning.
