Just another manic Monday? It could certainly be described as that such was the level of effort expended by the when Newcastle AC played host to East Down's Junior members at Shimna College's superb playing fields on Monday night. And what an enthralling night of competition and fun ensued, sufficient to warm the hearts of parents and officials from both clubs, which was just as well as the temperature was more Siberian than Shimna.  But what an array of talent was on show as 80 youngsters ran and jumped their socks off in front of appreciative parents, coaches and teachers, some wearing all three hats. This surely augurs well for the future of athletics in the area. The most inspiring aspect of the night however was the spirit in which every competitor took part, fiercely competitive but with smiles on their faces, win or lose, to display the true Olympian values.

Prominent among them were Ross McCrickard and  Caoimhe-Grace O'Donnell who both won 3 Gold medals, and Aidan Hawkins and Michaela Quinn who each had 2 Gold and 1 Silver medals to show for their night's efforts. But it was not about winning or losing, this meeting represented the first occasion on which the 2 local clubs had come together for such an event and much praise for that must go to Jim Patterson, who recently attained his level 2 Coaching Licence and Club Children's Officer Martina Hawkins.  They have generated great enthusiasm among senior members who turned out in force on the night to assist with the smooth running of the Sprints, Long Jumps and Middle Distance races and enlisted the support of the Shimna Integrated College in providing a venue for the competition.  Thanks go Rory Friel , Principal and Ellen McVea, Vice Principal for making the facilities available and also to Supervalu's Barbican Store who provided water and fruit for the contestants.

Full results and lots of pictures are available on the Junior Section of  the Newcastle AC website www.newcastleac.org

All at East Down AC would like to thank everyone concerned for the welcome  they were given and for making the occasion such a success and have invited Newcastle AC to a return meeting on Monday 28 June in Downpatrick.

Earlier in the day, when the Sun ironically was providing warmth in unwelcome quantities, and to confirm it was a truly manic Monday, Michael McKeown , James Magennis, Gavin Oakes and Jackie Gilbride all tackled the Newry Half Marathon, with Jackie carving 15minutes off her previous best while the others were happy to finish without setting new records. Newcastle's ubiquitous Paul Fegan did the full distance in under 4 hours to warm himself up for his help with the Juniors later.  Michael then produced a 40.34 time in the Craigavon Lakes 10K on Wednesday night to add to his 1.33 time in Newry – manic or what?

And an action packed Monday drew to a close with the transfer of James O'Hare to Annadale Striders.

 James has been a highly successful member of East Down AC for the best part of 10 years, during which time he has grown into a fine young man.  He was a tremendous standard bearer for the Club and and a credit to his family who supported his endeavours in every way. 

While we are sad he is leaving it is regarded very much a case of moving up to the Premier league as most ambitious sportsmen do and he will undoubtedly strengthen the current Annadale squad in team competitions.
Everyone at East Down wish him well content in the knowledge that, irrespective of what colours he wears he will continue to represent Down District in exemplary fashion.

Joe Quinn
6 June 2010