12 September 2011
East Down AC News
A number of noteworthy performances have been delivered by East Down's athletes over the past few weeks. As if inspired by Declan Taegue's superb 2nd place in the recent 10 Mile Rathlin Run in a time of 70.03 and Denis McKay's time of 82.07, a massive 24 minutes off his 2010 time, in the same event, Liam Keenan posted 2 credible results in the NI Masters Track and Field Championships at Mary Peters Track. Tackling the shorter 800 and 1500 metres distances for the first time in many years he clocked 5.01 in the longer distance, for 3rd overall and 2.26.6 for the 2 lap event which saw him crowned Over 45 Champion.
The following week Brendan Teer was headed only by NI's top two runners at the distance Stephen Scullion and Joe McAlister in the Laganside 10K. This race surely marked a watershed in Brendan's career as he claimed the scalps of hardened campaigners Paul Rowan and Allan McCullough for the first time in the same race. While just over a minute behind McAlister, this nonetheless marks a significant step up in class for Brendan and must greatly boost his confidence.
No doubt he is already targeting next year's Jimmy's Ten. Other East Down athletes to turn in improved and consistent times were Mark McDowell 40.21, Peter Morgan 44.59 pb, Colm McNeill, a massive improvement to 50.39pb and John Oakes 55.08 pb who just 6 months ago only broke the 60 minute barrier for the first time. Well done to all.
Last weekend Gavin Oakes and Colum Surginor travelled south and west to participate in the Achill Roar, named after the reaction of finishers as they cross the finish line. It consists of a 3K kayak paddle, a 15 K run and a 45k bike ride all in the benign weather setting of Achill Island. The official description of the meteorological conditions was “Dreadful”. However Gavin demonstrated that he is turning in to an athlete of considerable quality and versatility, completing the 3 disciplines in 2.48.52 to take 29th place, a superb effort. Meanwhile Colum was recording an equally impressive 3.54 a bit further back but nonetheless requiring as much, if not more, bloodymindedness just to finish. What will they be up to next?
By he time you read this I will have completed the Mill Hill Mile in record breaking time so next week's report will be a bit superfluous. Remember you read it here first.
Joe Quinn
12 September 2011
