6,000 students in 800-race marathon

BUDDING Sonia O’Sullivans and Eamonn Coughlans were put through their paces yesterday at the biggest one-day track and field athletics competition in Europe.

More than 6,000 pupils from nearly 300 primary schools took part in the competition at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, watched by nearly 10,000 spectators.

They were attending the annual Cork Primary Schools Sports, which was first held in 1924 and has been held every year since, apart from a break during The Emergency the Second World War.

It was a marathon task for the organisers who had to officiate more than 800 sprint and relay races.

Sometimes, the sound of parents and fellow pupils cheering on their schoolpals was deafening.

“There was a super atmosphere here and we were blessed with the weather. There’s a great rivalry between the schools, but it’s always good, friendly rivalry,” organising committee spokesman Gearóid O’Murchú said.

It was the turn of the boys to race in the morning with the girls following after lunch.

Races were organised at many different levels, from under-7s to under-13s.

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places and the winners of each section then competed in the county final in their different age-groups.

“To win a county medal is very prestigious. Some children can win two, three and four in a row,” Mr O’Murchú said.

The event was voluntarily stewarded by 120 teachers.