Above – Steven McGarry (left) and his brother Neilly (right) of Favour Pet Foods with Mount St Michael’s P7 Cross Country Runners, Thomas, Lilla, Orlaith and Joel and their Coach Paralympian and multi Gold medal winner Michael McKillop at the launch of Primaryry Schools Cross County event at Favour Pet Foods Randalstown headquarters on Monday.
Excitement builds for major schools sporting event at Tír na nÓg GAC, Randalstown on Wednesday 15th April…
Mount St. Michael’s Primary School is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Primary School Cross Country Event in association with Favour, which will take place at Tír na nÓg GAC Randalstown on Wednesday 15th April.
The event promises to bring together young athletes from across the area for a celebration of running, fitness, wellbeing and community spirit, while also highlighting the importance of physical activity in supporting both physical health and mental wellbeing among children.
The initiative has been made possible through the support and collaboration of Favour, Contact Marketing NI Ltd, and Team McKillop Coaching, with the event set to become a standout occasion in the local primary school sporting calendar.
Promoting Fitness, Wellbeing and Opportunity
Mount St. Michael’s has placed a strong emphasis on health, wellbeing and physical development within school life, and this event reflects that commitment in action.
Principal of Mount St. Michael’s, Paudie Shivers, said:
“Mount St. Michael’s are delighted to be hosting this event in partnership with local business Contact Marketing and Team McKillop Coaching.
Everyone knows how important physical fitness is for our general health and mental wellbeing and it is certainly something that is to the forefront of our school ethos and this is lived out through our participation in initiatives like the Daily Mile which our children take part in every day and we are proud to be a champion school here in the North of Ireland.
We are very fortunate to have Michael McKillop in our school coaching our children and instilling habits which will stand to them long into adulthood. Likewise, to be supported by Steven, Neil and the entire team at Contact Marketing is testament to their commitment to investing in the community and especially in young people.
Having met both men in the sporting arena many moons ago, I know just how passionate they are when it comes to sport and physical wellbeing, so we are hugely grateful for their support.
I would like to pay tribute to Mrs McMullan, Mr Lavery and all the staff who attend Running Club each week for igniting a passion for running amongst our pupils and this is what has ultimately led to the idea for this event.”
Building a Love of Running
The event is the latest chapter in a growing cross-country culture within Mount St. Michael’s, developed through the work of Michael McKillop and Team McKillop Coaching.
Former Paralympian Michael McKillop said:
“A few months back, towards the end of 2025, I was asked to come into Mount St Michael’s Primary School to take the P7s for an after-school running session. Fast forward six months, and the coaching is still going strong.
Every week, children of all abilities show up with the same two goals: to have fun and to work hard. The progress, commitment and energy they bring is infectious.
It’s been incredible to see some of them go on to represent the school at local and county level, with one particular pupil making history by becoming the first ever pupil from the school to qualify for the Northern Ireland finals.
With the club established, the school wants to host the first ever Invitational Cross Country Race this April and I’m proud to be playing a part in making it happen. The aim is simple: to give more young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent and love for running.”
Strong Community Support
Local business support has also played a key role in bringing the event to life, with Contact Marketing NI Ltd and their well-known pet brand Favour coming on board as event sponsors.
Steven McGarry of Contact Marketing NI Ltd said:
“Contact Marketing NI Ltd, a local Randalstown-based company, is delighted to get involved in this initiative, which will only help build awareness for young children that running is fun and provides many physical and mental benefits.
Our widely known pet brand, Favour, is delighted to be brand ambassador of this event and to be interlinked with the great local Olympian Michael McKillop. Pet ownership walks hand in hand with children and people that get so much from and enjoy outside activity.
We wish everyone involved the very best for the 15th April and look forward to this event growing in stature year after year.”
A Celebration of Sport and Community
The children’s excitement and enthusiasm was evident on the day of our launch and they all added their own thoughts on the upcoming event.
Thomas: “It is really exciting to be able to put all the hard training we have been doing into practice and cool that a local business thinks we are worth supporting for our event.”
Lilla: “I found running really tough at first but Michael has a great way of making all the sessions fun.”
Orlaith: “I never thought running could be so enjoyable and to have a coach like Michael driving me on has helped me to achieve some things that I never thought I could.”
Joel: “I found the sessions really difficult at first but one of the things I have learned from Michael is to never give up no matter how hard I find something and that is what I try to do now every day.”
The Mount St. Michael’s Primary Schools Cross Country Event in association with Favour is expected to attract strong participation and create a memorable day for pupils, staff, schools and families alike.
With a focus on participation, enjoyment, achievement and healthy living, organisers hope the event will become an annual fixture and continue to inspire young people to embrace sport and active lifestyles for years to come.
