The penultimate round of the McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross country Series took place on Sunday in cold, damp and uninviting Delamont Country Park but warmed the hearts of parents and supporters with several noteworthy performances. Unfortunately several regular participants had succumbed to one of the many viruses on offer and were unable to take part, but nevertheless over 100 boys and girls from the 3 participating clubs made it to the start lines for an exciting round of races.
Making an impressive debut in the P4 Boys race was Jamie McDowell, where the best placed East Down boy was Michael O'Connor in 5th place, with other first timers the Cardy and Curry sisters and Aimee McCloy also showing up well in their respective events,
Libby Maloney was the most eyecatching winner of the afternoon, cruising to victory over Newcastle's Eve Kenneally in the P6 Girls race with much improved Grace Surginor in 3rd. Caoilin Quinn cemented his overall series winner status with another front running display while Olivia Mooney lead an East Down clean sweep in the year 9 Girls contest. Laura Gardiner displayed the confidence gained from her noteworthy All Ireland performance to win the Year 10 Girls race. It was good to see the McGrattan brothers return to the action and all is set for the final round in Tollymore Park on Saturday 16 February.
INTERNATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY AT GREENMOUNT
Meantime all eyes turn to Greenmount on Saturday next for the International meeting, where top African, European, Irish and local runners will be in action. East Down have a big squad in action in the Cross Country league fixture and a number of Juniors are also taking part.
ONLINE ENTRY FOR JIMMY'S TEN
Online entry for Jimmy's Ten is now open on the www.athleticsni.org and with a limit to be imposed and possibly no on the day entries runners are urged to get in early. Uniquely the Club is offering to carry forward to next year any entries for those who for whatever reason are unable to run in 2013 – So there's no reason not to enter, you cannot lose.
Joe Quinn
7 January 2013
