Darragh McElhinney ‘training session’ ends in race victory

It wasn’t written in the script, but a tremendous finish by Darragh McElhinney saw the Bantry teenager take the senior boys’ title at the South Munster Schools cross-country, which took place in ideal conditions at Tramore Valley Park yesterday.

Intending to use the race as part of a training session undertaken just before the start, 17-year-old McElhinney was content to sit around sixth place in the early stages as Frank O’Brien (Midleton CBS) set a strong pace.

Charlie O’Donovan of Coláiste Chróist Rí — like McElhinney, a member of the Irish junior team at last December’s European championships — took over on the second lap and looked all set for a comfortable victory.