ARCHIE McCartan, who is bidding adieu to his Minimus days this year, does so as a dual boys’ champion following his back-to-back success in the Lyons of Limerick DEFENDER/Irish Pony Club National Minimus Championships last weekend.

Concentrating solely on the national competition, McCartan, who turned 12 at the end of February, maintained his full 1,400 points in Saturday’s ride phase on Strapping Silver and then won both the swim (1,320 points) and run (1,252) on Sunday. For those two discipline wins, he was presented with the Warrington Cup and the Port of Cork Trophy respectively.

Archie’s mother Maria was one of those who worked hard behind the scenes last weekend and she and husband Paul own the Ballyphilip Stud, where their youngest son helps out, as do all family members.

It’s a wonder the dual champion has time for stud work as, in addition to being an active member of the Co Limerick Pony Club, he is a member of Limerick Swimming Club, Limerick Athletic Club, Garryowen Rugby Club and plays Gaelic and hurling with Dromin Athlacca Banoge. After the summer holidays, he will be going into Sixth Class at Bruree National School, where his teacher will be Limerick hurler David Reidy.

Archie started competing in Minimus when he was eight and will now make the move into Junior company. He has already tasted sport at the higher level, having competed at the British Junior home international and regional Tetrathlon championships at Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire at the end of May.