Odhran McBrearty helps Ireland U17 to silver in Scotland

Odhran McBrearty helped the Ireland U17s to team silver at the Celtic International Cross Country Championships in Scotland on Saturday.

The Finn Valley AC runner was the second Irish finisher, placing fifth overall.

The Drumkeen man ran superbly, digging deep to aid his team to silvers. Enniskillen’s Harry McKenzie was the lead Irish runner in second while Daire Mathews of Dunleer finished in sixth.

Host nation Scotland took the team gold with Calum Dick, Ray Taylor and Jame Alexander first, second and fourth.

The run in Renfrew was McBrearty’s debut in the Irish vest and followed an excellent 2023.

The St Columba’s College student won silver in the National U16 cross country race and also took an individual medal in the National U17, going eighth. Last year, McBrearty was also the Ulster U16 gold medalist.

Finn Valley AC duo Mark Connolly and Tom Thompson wee part of the Irish U17 management.