A Laois athlete was part of a memorable silver-medal win for Team Ireland at the SIAB Schools Cross-Country Championships this weekend.
St Abban’s athlete Laura Ayers made her international debut, donning the green of Ireland at the championships held in Falkirk, Scotland.
The Cross-Country International has been an important stepping stone for many high-profile athletes over the years, offering athletes their first international experience.
It combines athletes from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England who have been to the fore of their school’s championships.
Ayers finished 9th in the School’s Cross-Country at the beginning of March which earned her selection for the Ireland Junior team.
She travelled as part of a large group of over 40 Irish athletes which left on Friday afternoon.
Ayres finished 14th overall in the U-15 Girls race and was the fifth Irish runner home, helping the team to a second place finish.
Beth Reamsbottom led home a tightly packed Irish squad with an 8th place finish followed by Ruby Farrelly, Nellie Bateman, Lily Walsh, Ayres, May Duckett, Cassie Curran and Aine Smith.
England won the race with Scotland claiming the bronze medals.
Overall it was a successful championships for Ireland, who won silver in all four of the team events.
There were also individual gold medals for Darragh Whelan from Limerick and Freya Renton from Mayo.
