Darragh McElhinney coasts home for emotional win

Cork star Darragh McElhinney cruised to an emotional victory at the Irish Life Health All-Ireland Schools Cross-Country Championships in Mallusk, Co Antrim, on Saturday.

The Pobail Scoil Bheanntraí schoolboy was fancied to claim the intermediate boys’ 5,200m race and he justified favouritism with a turn of pace up the back hill on the second lap that left his rivals trailing.

The sheer pace was a sight to behold, especially in the mud, as he built a 30-metre lead in less than 10 seconds. From there McElhinney extended his advantage to win in 20:07 and there was deep significance to his victory which he dedicated to his friend Shane Elphick who passed away last month.