St Laurence O’Toole Cross Country 2026

Students from 4^th, 5^th and 6^th class headed off with Ms Brennan, Ms Dillon and Mr Byrne to Carlow Town Hurling Club to take part in the annual St Laurence O’Toole’s Cross Country Championships which were held once again in Carlow Town Hurling Club.

The weather didn’t look promising as we journeyed towards Carlow – plenty of rainfall and more ominous clouds overhead. Luckily, by the time we reached Carlow, the worst had passed and everyone stayed (relatively) dry throughout the day.

All Ballyconnell NS students performed admirably, with some of the 5^th class boys running their race twice! (A false start which nobody communicated to around 50 boys who kept going and going!).

We managed to bring home some metal too with Naoise Cahill (Rang a 4), and Rose O’Toole and Kate O’Toole (Rang a 5) winning individual medals. There was team glory for the 5^th class girls who collectively performed fantastically well. Their performance was rewarded with a team silver medal (just behind Bennekerry NS) with Rose O’Toole, Kate O’Toole, Anabel O’Grady and Jade O’Neill the first four girls home for Ballyconnell! The girls were presented with their medals by Irish Olympian and Carlow athlete, Marcus Lawler. These girls are building up quite the medal collection having won team gold last year. You can read about that here.

All in all, a very enjoyable day was had. Míle buíochas to everyone at St Laurence O’Toole’s AC for organising such an inclusive and fun event. Next up – Valleymount 2026!