Moy Valley quartet take their talents to London
Daniel Gallagher, on the right, receiving his bronze medal win in the London Cross Country Challenge in Parliament Hill.
Athletics: Four athletes from Moy Valley AC competed in the London Cross Country Challenge held on a tough course at Parliament Hill in the UK capital.
Taking place last Saturday week, January 20, it saw Moy Valley’s Roxanne Sands compete in a high class under-13 girls race, Daniel Gallagher and Tommy Tighe race in the under-13 boys, with Eoghan Gallagher taking part at under-15 level. Competing against some of the best cross country athletes from England, Scotland and Wales, the Moy Valley quartet were eager to compete at that level.
Roxanne Sands was the first to race and the 11-year-old cut a diminutive figure against some 12- and 13-year-olds. Undaunted, she raced into the top 10 and battled throughout the 3000m race to come sixth. Roxanne could be well pleased with her placing in such a high class field.
Daniel Gallagher and Tommy Tighe competed in the boys under-13 race and both were able to draw on tremendous stamina and determination to finish in the top half of the field. Daniel Gallagher got into a great battle up front and hung on bravely for third place, a split second behind the second place finisher. Tommy remained strong throughout and finished fourteenth.
Eoghan Gallagher could also be happy with his 4000m race. The 13-year-old was competing against some 14- and 15-year-olds but established a strong pace and remained strong to the finish. He will be able to run in the same age group next year.
