The Aurora 10K in Bangor on Saturday morning saw East Down's top man Brendan Teer adopt a change of tactics. Instead of blazing off with the pace set by Paul Pollock and Joe McAlister he opted for a more controlled approach, settling into 6th place, running at his own pace and watching how things developed ahead. He gradually increased his pace to secure 4th place by the 8K mark and was exerting pressure on 3rd placed North Belfast man Alan O'Hara. Brendan certainly looked stronger and much more relaxed when he came past at 9K and fairly blasted his way to a splendid 3rd place by the line. Perhaps this is the blueprint for future races, as clubmate Liam Venney also picked up 4 places on the return journey to claim 7th place. With Barrie Atkinson taking an impressive 21st place the Club took 3rd Team place, behind St Malachy's and North Down.
Another uplifting performance came from Liam Keenan, who is slowly building back to full fitness again after a mid Summer operation. His first competitive comeback over the distance saw him break 40 minutes and finish 5th in his age category, an indication that it won't be long before he is again claiming podium positions. With Tony Brennan posting 40.31 and Michael McKeown 41.15 it augurs well for the Masters teams competing in next Saturday's Relay Championships in Victoria Park Belfast.
East Down will be fielding strong teams in the Masters category with at least one in with a realistic chance of medals. There will also be 3 Ladies teams taking part and a large turnout is anticipated in the Age group races for Under 13 to Under 17 Boys and Girls (age on day of race).
Organisers report that there will also be a Primary schools race over 800 metres at 12.15pm, entry free.
25TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Over 100 members and Guests gathered in La Mon Hotel on Saturday night to celebrate East Down Athletic Club's 25th Anniversary at a Gala Dinner. Tributes were paid to the late Jimmy Murray who was a founder member and inspirational leader during the first 10 years of the Club's existence. Chairperson Roisin Gaffney welcomed everyone to he occasion and thanked the organising committee for their efforts in making the night possible and all the long term sponsors of Jimmy's Ten Road Race.
Athletics Northern Ireland Chairman David Seaton MBE, spoke of the legacy which Jimmy had left and of the rising strength of the Club and the esteem in which it is held. He wished it continuing success in the next 25 years.
Among the guests were Tommy and Phyllis Welsh, David and Dorothy McKibben, Eddie and Rita Wilson and the evergreen John McKeag. A special welcome was extended to loyal and ever present sponsors Darren and Catherine Brown of Dupes Video Duplication and Tracey O'Neill from Flowers By Tracey.
Olympic Torch bearer Pat Power added a special feature to the evening by putting the golden torch on display and most of those present took the opportunity to have photographs taken with the historic emblem. Special thanks to him also.
A great night was had by all though I'm awaiting the outcome of the special two for the price of one offer to anyone booking their places now for the 50th Anniversary event in 2037. A real challenge for the optimists among you!
Joe Quinn
30 September 2012
