In a week when not much was happening in terms of high profile races 3 significant events took place.
Firstly Oonagh Cochrane and Sharon Connor ran 10 miles for the first time and were mightily pleased. Well Done to them, remember when you said you could never do that? Only another 16.2 to add on to hit your target!

The second  was the food free post Christmas Do on Saturday at which members tried out the new training strategy of never eating on an empty stomach.  It obviously worked a treat as everybody bar one of those attending felt so fit and energetic that they skipped running on Sunday morning, though in fairness, most were probably at church instead.

The third was that I managed to run 2 miles non-stop on Friday morning which represents a major step forward, several thousand steps actually.  So delighted was I that I repeated it again on Sunday, a company free experience, for the aforementioned reasons. After that it turned into a series of walk /jog, walk/jog until I remembered someone suggesting that perhaps if I tried to run faster the higher tempo might eliminate the tripping sensation which has become second nature to me over the past year or so.  I tried that and was hit with a triple whammy.  One, I realise I can't run any faster, two, when I do, the tripping mode sets in after the same distance only quicker, and three, I hit the ground harder. After some further thought, expletives deleted, I came to the conclusion that interval training is the answer. So my new schedule is Run 2 Miles, Rest for 1 day, Run 2 Miles Rest for 1 day and so on.  Might be worth making a fitness video out of this perhaps?

SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY

Several of the Junior members were in action at Delamont on Thursday in the Co Down Schools Cross Country races with Ellen Erskine and Laura Gardiner taking 3 and 4th places in the Minor Girls race, with Harriet Pele and Amy Godfrey in 23rd and 48th places respectively

Mark McGrady and Paddy Erskine took 18th and 29th places respectively in the Intermediate Boys race with Tom McMeekin 32nd finisher in the Junior Boys event. Matthew Carrick was just outside a top twenty placing in the first Year Boys race, taking a respectable 21st spot.

The Club had 5 representatives in the First Year Girls race and acquitted themselves admirably with Aoife Cochrane 11th, Laura Green 12th, Tara Findlay 23rd, Elisha Surginor 26th and Eimear Connor 54th just to prove to mum that there's talent throughout the family. Aoife qualified for the Ulster finals as a member of the winning Assumption team.

My apologies if I missed anyone out of this report as Boys and Girls were running for their schools and I may have overlooked someone.  Well done to all anyway as they continue to prove that their more structured training tutelage under the guidance of Simon McGrattan and Kim Surginor is paying off.

WHERE ARE THE OLYMPIC TORCH BEARERS?

Does anyone know anyone who has been selected to be one of the Torch bearers when the Olympic Flame travels through this district, Newcastle to Santfield, by Relay on 7 June?  I ask because I haven't found anyone among the local running clubs who has been or knows anyone who has been. If I had been selected, which I wasn't, but would give my right arm and even throw in my gammy left leg for good measure, for the once in a lifetime experience, I would be shouting it from the rooftops.  In fact I'd be selling tickets to my family and friends to come and take the photos, though that's probably illegal.  I have been told that there were 11 nominations for every place in the relay and that the selection panels which had to chose were faced with very difficult decisions – I have no doubt of that but if every person selected only gets to carry the torch 300 metres that's a lot of people. So how come everyone is keeping silent about this great privelege?

Probably the greatest scandal of this selection process is that the inspirational John McKeag, Ballydrain Harriers and honorary life member of East Down AC, who is in his 90th year and has been running for over 70 of those years, and is still an active runner and cyclist, was not selected!  What better advert could there be for the Olympic spirit than John's participation in the Relay, especially if he was paired with youngest  torch bearer?

Anyway the information to hand states that there is no appeal process if you haven't been selected but in the FAQ section in answer to the question What should I do if I no longer wish to be a Torchbearer? the answer given is “Individuals wishing to opt out of being a Torchbearer are asked not to respond to the conditional offer they receive, thereby informing us of their decision to no longer be a Torchbearer.”

This doesn't really answer what happens if at a later stage, after responding positively to the conditional offer, someone drops out – it suggests though that there could be a place for a substitute – and John would be the very man. I know this is all speculation but it strikes me that it will be a serious injustice if John is not chosen to be involved in the occasion.

Can we do something about this even at this stage? I'd like to hear your views joemarathon50@btinternet.com

Online entry for Jimmy's Ten on 18 March 2012 is now available at www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac and with numbers restricted to 600 you're advised to get your entry in as soon as possible. Any problems contact me at above email address or on 07933214894.

Further details next week.

Joe Quinn

5 February 2012

Rollecoaster Races day at Downpatrick Racecourse dawned bright but cold after a widespread overnight frost and certainly had the the salt spreaders of East Down at full tilt to ensure that underfoot conditions were safe for the opening race at 12.00 noon. 105  P4/5 Boys and Girls competed in the first 2 races of the day.

The opening event saw over 40 P4/5 Girls take on the mighty Heartbreak Hill from near the 2 furlong post and the field was led home by Cedar's Daisy Lyndsay with All Children's IPS Newcastle's Eve Keneally second and Kate McAuley from Newcastle AC in third.

Cedar IPS made it a double when the P4/5 Boys race was won in splendid fashion by Andrew McGrattan, who led from start to finish with Newcastle AC's Conor Murray a close second from John Joe McDonald of Loughview IPS in third.
The cheers of proud teachers and parents could be heard miles away as they raised the roof of the grandstand while every one of the starters made their way past the winning post.

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEAM SHIELDS

The P6/7 Girls race was dominated by Beechmount Harriers with a clean sweep of the podium places as Rebecca Duffy finished a massive 11 seconds clear of Alexandra Lynch and Carol Browne.
As they do every year Kilmaine Primary School turned up in force and their strong Girls Team re-claimed Team Shield with Zoe Thompson 6th, Samantha Coburn 8th and Emma McIlwaine 12th  giving them a score of 36 points.

The Boys Shield was retained by the squad of Caoilin Quinn 2nd , Tom Smyth 4th , Owen Edwards 5th and Caoilin Logue 9th representing Our Lady and St Patrick's Primary, formerly St Patrick's Boys Primary, whose score of 20 points was enough to edge out a battling St Patrick's Legamaddy quartet

However Tim Prenter's impressive winning run for Legamaddy ahead of Caoilin Quinn and Caolan Hawkins from All Children's IPS Newcastle  made sure that the honours were shared.

UNDER 13's
Paul McMeekin followed up his Christmas Handicap Run success by comfortably claiming victory in the Boys Under 13 over 1500 metres with Ballyclare's Emma Hutchinson taking the Girls title just ahead of Beechmount's Lauryn McCabe with East Down's Aoife Cochrane in third.

UNDER 15's AND UNDER 17's
Newcastle's Patrick Sheridan fairly romped home in the Under 15 Boys race over 2.5K and had half a minute to spare over his second placed rival. This race marked the debut of Daniel McClean in the East Down colours. Shauna Browne from Beechmount won the Girls race from Newcastle's Dearbhla Magee after Laura Gardiner faded after a bright start.  A disappointing turnout of 2 Boys and 2 Girls in the Under 17 3K race starngely provided the most compelling contest of the afternoon. David Devenney, newly confident following some regular training with the Seniors threw down the gauntlet from the off to Adam Prenter, the pre race favourite and  held the lead until the final lung bursting hill to the line, where Adam summoned up his last reserves of energy to squeeze past.  Nevertheless a great performance from David which brought richly deserved praise from former teacher Bro. Christopher and well done to Adam for sticking to his task.

BRENDAN'S RECORD

Brendan Teer turned the formbook upside down in devastating fashion on his home ground in the Senior race over 5K, in the shadow of the magnificent snow capped Mournes.  Racing to the front from the off he never gave his clubmate and recent nemesis Liam Venney the ghost of a chance, winning by just under a minute in a new record time of 15.50. Liam was second and Noel McNally from Beechmount was third.

HAT TRICK FOR PATRICIA

Patricia O' Hagan, St Peter's AC Lurgan completed a superb hat trick in this event retaining her Ladies crown in a new record time of 18.37 over what is a unique but demanding circuit, a full 23 seconds faster than last year with North Down's  Julie Balmer in second and Lagan Valley's Ruth Magill in third. 

FIRST TIME SUCCESS FOR MARTIN

Other to retain their titles from last year were Danny Skeffington, first Over 45,  and Maureen Oliver, first Over 50 for the ladies. Tom Crawford Orangegrove AC and Elaine Burch Lagan Valley were Under 20 winners. Cheryl Denvir was first Over 35 Lady with Virginia Ervine taking the Over 45 prize, after a stewards inquiry.  Apologies are offered to Virginia for the mix up.

Greg McClure took the Over 55 Male prize but the  most eyecatching performance of the day was that of new recruit Martin Wilcox who posted 17.49 to take a splendid 5th place and first Over 35 prize on his debut run for east Down.  He certainly looks like being a very valuable addition to the Senior squad.

JIMMY's TEN
And now it's all energies towards the fast approaching Jimmy's Ten which takes place this year on Sunday 18 March at 12.00 noon.. And of course as well as the usual top prizes on offer plus increased bonuses for new race records and all sorts of special prizes to mark the Cub's 25 Anniversary Year, all finishers will be included in a draw for a £700 holiday voucher, thanks to the continued sponsorship of MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants. 

A special feature of the race is that pacers will be provided again this year for sub 40, 45, 48, 50 and 60 minutes targets.

Entries will be limited to 600 and the recommendation is get in early to avoid disappointment, if entries are taken on the day the fee will be greatly increased.  Walkers are also welcome and will be included in the holiday draw – but remember you must be present at the draw to qualify. More details next week.

Online entry will be available by the weekend.
For further details contact Joe Quinn 02844614235 or 07933214894 or log on to www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac      Rollercoaster Race photos www.cathedralimages.com

Joe Quinn

30 January 2012

The two extremes.  Last year bone hard frozen ground and freezing fog, this year shin deep mud in places with the bright sunshine overhead only occasionally broken by the sleety rain driven on gale force gusts of wind.  In other words near perfect cross country weather as the international stars descended on Greenmount campus for the annual IAAF International Cross Country. European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala Britton logged another victory over arch rival Gemma Steel  in a closely fought head to head contest which was only decided in the last 600 metres.

But it was the under 13 Girls who had the best of the conditions, getting to run the course before it was churned into a quagmire.  Aoife Cochrane and Eimear Connor found the going tough nevertheless but stuck to their task to complete creditably in 35th and 40th places respectively in a top class field. The Under 15 Girls saw a gutsy performance from Ellen Erskine, who had to battle for 2 laps of the 1800 metre course
and finished in 34th place.

Big brother Paddy finished 2 places better in the Boys equivalent, running a finely judged race throughout. The highlight of the day however, came in the Boys Primary School race where Tim Prenter placed a splendid 4th just ahead of  the ever improving  Caoilin Quinn in 7th with Andrew and Matthew McGrattan, Johnny Erskine and Padraig Rogan fairly flying home close behind.   Had there been a team prize for this event then the East Down lads would have won it hands down.

But perhaps these performances proved the perfect inspiration for the Senior men over a gruelling 10.8 kilometre distance which saw many talented club runners almost reduced to a walk by the finish. Brendan Teer again led the East Down squad home and could be pleased with his 42nd position in the muscle wrenching conditions. Ryan Hagen and Mark McDowell were next from the county town club to finish with Declan Teague and Michael McKeown just 50 seconds and 4 places apart at the line.

The Kenyans once again dominated the event  with last year's winner Mike Kigen powering to a third win with St Malachy's Joe McAllister the best of the local runners in a tremendous 12th place in a field of 136 runners, over 100 more than last year, evidence that the new Cross Country League is having a positive effect on the current season's numbers, though combining it with the N.I. Senior Cross Country Championships was an inspired move too.

All but the top 25 were lapped, some twice, by the high class athletes at the front but there is no shame in that – all deserved credit for finishing on a course which could easily have finished them. Brave and tenacious efforts by all involved.

Of course one side effect of the bitingly cold conditions is that they offer new challenges to other usually quite mundane tasks. Take for instance the routine answering of a call of nature.  It is vitally important to remember while trying to breathe some life into numb fingers just how many layers of clothing were applied earlier. If it was 4 and you think 3, then the warm glow of satisfaction and relief which follows will become cold comfort long before you emerge into the elements again. On the other hand if it was 3 and you think 4, trying to remove a layer of skin thinking it to be a thermal undergarment will prove painful in the extreme! How do I know this? Use your imagination!

ROLLERCOASTER RACES AT THE RACECOURSE

Next weekend will be the Racecourse Rollercoaster races, beginning at 12.00 noon with Primary Schools races followed by Age Group races at Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 level climaxing with the Senior race over 25 furlongs (5K or 3.1 miles in non horse racing parlance) at 2.00pm in the unique setting of Downpatrick racecourse.  This is not a Cross Country event as all the races take place on the perimeter road so there will be no wet or muddy feet to contend with and while there are neither hurdles nor fences to negotiate they are not flat races either! Come along and find out why.

Entries for all races will be taken on the day. Online entry for Jimmy's Ten will be available from next weekend too.

Joe Quinn

23 January 2012

Michael McKeown was the sole senior East Down representative in the City of Lisburn promoted Cross Country event in Moira Demesne on Saturday, coming in 41st in the  54 runner race won by North Belfast's Conor Magill while Anne Sandford continued her very successful season on the grass by taking the Ladies Over 45 prize.

In the year 8 Girls race Aoife Cochrane took 4th place again to replicate last year's performance but was only a few seconds adrift of the 2nd place athlete at the line.

Earlier Declan Teague recorded a comfortable 19.13 placing 8th in the Victoria Parkrun, leaving his PB of 18.39 untroubled while Gavin Oakes 21.36 was 10 seconds outside his best with Paul Rogan clocking 23.59 on his first attempt at the event which had 121 runners this week.

Sunday however brought children and their parents in droves to the stunning setting of Castleward where, courtesy of the National Trust, the penultimate round of the McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series took place. In contrast to the previous round the weather could not have been kinder with bright sunshine in a clear blue sky showing the magnificent House and Strangfod Lough beneath its elevated position to perfection.  Almost 100 Boys and Girls from East Down and Newcastle AC competed in 14 categories on the testing 800 metre circuit across the lawns and through the trees where once more sedate pastimes were the norm.

Once again Newcastle dominated the P4 and Under races with only Emmett O'Donnell and Ciaran Ledlie appearing for the home team on their debuts with no Girls at all. In the P5 boys race Andrew McGrattan finished like an express train to claim 2nd spot on the line while Natasha Savage had a more comfortable passage also taking 2nd behind Eve Kenneally in the Girls race with debutantes Caitlin Burke and Caitlin Ledlie doing well behind Grace Surginor in 6th 7th and 8th places.

The P6 Boys event was again dominated by Caoilin Quinn who led from the whistle and steadily extended his lead throughout to win by 10 seconds from Newcastle's Ben McGuigan and Josh Faulkner. It was a similar story in the Girls race with the county town club's Caoimhe Grace O'Donnell just holding off the finishing surge of an improving Chloe Galloway ahead of Newcastle's Eabha Campbell in 3rd.  Niamh Ledlie was another East Down debutante in this race finishing 9th ahead of clubmates Tia Branniff and another first timer Molly Enright.

Next up it was P7 Boys and another strong and dominant performance from Tim Prenter, who looks an exciting prospect,  ahead of the battling Caolin Hawkins and Gabriel Corrigan with Owen Edwards making an impressive return ahead of a somewhat subdued Matthew McGrattan  and the battling Johnny Erskine.  The P7 Girls in contrast had no East Down entrants at all and was won impressively by Sarah Dougheerty from Michaela Quinn and Marie Claire McVeigh.

Year 8 Boys was something of a stroll in the park for Matthew Carrick, though he might not agree while Daniel Atkinson recovered well from a mid race crisis to take an excellent 3rd place behind Newcastle's Ross McCrickard.

It was East Down who dominated the Year 8 Girls race with 8 runners to Newcastle's three and featured a race long tussle between Aoife Cochrane and Laura Green with just a second between them at the line while  Jemma Black, improving with every outing, coming from a long way back to take an impressive 3rd place ahead of the first Newcaastle girl Jade Casement. Tara Findlay and Emily Forte were next  with Ellen Boden and Emily McAlinden the filling in the sandwich between them and the next East Down duo of Elisha Surginor and Eimear Connor.

Another prolific winner in the series, Jack Quinn didn't disappoint  as he romped to victory ahead of team mate Daniel Molloy with Marc Breteche a fast finishing 3rd and  a below par Dillon Morgan in 4th.  The year 9 Girls race was a fascinating contest as Ellen Erskine gradually reeled in the early and long time leader Laura Gardiner with Newcastle's  Doyle family Eilis, Niamh and Caitrona filling the next 3 places ahead of Lucy Prenter.

In the final race of the day Boys and Girls ran together Patrick Sheridan literally ran away with the Year 10 Boys medal over 3 laps of the circuit and had over a minute to spare over the ever willing Paddy Erskine with Ewan Findlay and Ethan Branniff in 3rd and 4th places ahead of the resolute Niall Rogan. Only 2 Girls turned out in this Age group both from Newcastle and Derbhla Magee was a deserving winner, 3rd  overall, with the hard working Anna Rogan taking the Silver medal.

Next weekend it's the big International Cross Country meeting at Greenmount where local club runners can rub shoulders with some of the best athletes around including European ladies champion Fionnuala Britton. Even if you're not running why not go along to watch and marvel.

Meanwhile preparations are under way for the next local event, the Rollercoaster races at Downpatrick racecourse on 28 January around the course perimeter road.

The senior race over an accurate 5K distance will be at 2.00pm and has already attracted widespread interest - a large turnout is anticipated.

There will also be races for P4/5 and P6/P7 Colts and Fillies, commencing at 12.00 noon, with special shields for the Best Boys and Girls P6/7 Primary School Teams (first 4 finishers to count) over a 1,000 metres distance as well as at U/13 (1.5K), U/15 (2K) and U/17 (2.5K) age group levels in both categories.

Free soup and rolls for all participants.

Joe Quinn

16 January 2012

Officially it was New Year's Day though it was the 2nd January - it could only happen here – and perhaps fortuitous in that the excesses of the festive season had had another day to recede. Or perhaps, having committed to running in East Down's first ever club handicap race on the first Monday of 2012, no one had over indulged anyway.  No pun intended here but Fat Chance!  The day was sunny, indeed not a cloud was in sight, but with a strong wind making it feel colder than it was.  I don't understand that statement – how can it feel colder than it is unless it is actually colder? But since they say it on TV it must be right.

Anyway there was a very strong wind as the runners assembled at Tyrella Beach for the 12 noon start. The route, a brilliant mixture of beach, boardwalk and grass,  had been identified as an appropriate arena by Declan Teague, with a challenging 3 and a bit laps of a 1.6 mile circuit marked out to make up the 5 mile challenge distance.  Handicapper in chief Liam Keenan had worked long into the night to calculate fair time penalties for those who had “form” with the intention of all 35 starters crossing the finish line together.  Much to the relief of the timekeepers and line judges this did not happen but apart from the unknown quantities it worked out pretty well.

With the assistance of a strong tailwind the first group comprising Paul and Tom McMeekin, Catherine Woods, Tara Findlay and John Oakes set off with a start ranging from 6 to 20 minutes over the other groups and while everyone tried their utmost Paul and Tom retained their advantage to cross the line in first and second places ahead of  first lady Lisa Milligan. My handicap was not the time but the requirement to continuously put one leg past the other.  I reckon my left leg is sponsored by Long John Silver,  only there's more life in his and despite on one occasion making a passable attempt at digging in the sand with my face for buried treasure, I managed to get round.  Might have a word with Jake the Peg for next year though.

But everyone enjoyed it, especially the soup and sandwiches laid on afterwards at Minerstown Tavern and the superb Christmas cake provided by Declan's Mum – she may have missed the New Year's Honours list but was unanimously awarded an MBE – Minerstown Baker Extraordinaire – by the assembled crowd.

After the refreshments Paul was presented with the magnificent John Cullen Cup and it is hoped that it will be the first of many annual jousts for this coveted trophy. Paul nominated the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to be the recipient of the entry fees.

The results are as follows, finishing order only shown, as due to a technical hitch the times could not be accurately recorded (the stopwatch was dropped in the sea between start line and finish and developed hypothermia but the culprit has been deported).

It's obvious that the handicapper did not do himself any favours but also that we all know who will rule the roost in the McDowell household, at least until the next handicap.

1 Paul McMeekin
2 Tom McMeekin
3 Lisa Milligan
4 Betty McCartan
5 Helen Vint
6 Brian Donnelly
7 Linda Cunningham
8 Gareth Kimpton
9 John Findlay
10 Tom MCClean
11 Denis McKay
12 Peter Morgan
13 Stephen Heasley
14 Stephen Shannon
15 Colum Surginor
16 Gavin Oakes
17 Michael McKeown
18 Charlie Ataliotis
19 Declan Teague
20 Brendan Teer
21 Cheryl Denvir
22 John Oakes
23 Philip Vint
24 Tracey McDowell
25 Mark McDowell
26 Raymond Milligan
27 Ryan Hagen
28 James Magennis
29 Ethan Braniff
30 Gary McLoughlin
31 Wendy Findlay
32 Tara Findlay
33 Catherine Woods
34 Joe Quinn
35 Liam Keenan

NI AND ULSTER JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

On Saturday Liam Venney and Brendan Teer made the long journey to Scotstown, Co. Monaghan
for the NI & Ulster Junior Cross Country Championships over a heavy, muddy course. Hot Junior  favourite Jarlath Falls 42.21 of Ballymena went one better than last year's runner up spot when his early break translated into a huge one minute victory from North Belfast's Alan O'Hara 43.26 with Liam taking a splendid 3rd place in 43.37 with Brendan  43.59 in 4th. A super result for East Down and gives hope that the team title is winnable next year if the Club can field it's best team.

Next weekend it's Moira Demesne for the annual City of Lisburn Cross Country races on Saturday and on Sunday it's all roads lead to the splendid surroundings of Castleward for round 5 of the McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series.

ROLLERCOASTER RACES

Two weeks after that the action switches to the county town and the surface from grass to tarmac as  Downpatrick Race Course will be the venue for the Rollercoaster Races around the course perimeter road.

This is the ideal opportunity for novice runners to get a first taste of running an achievable distance. The senior race over an accurate 5K distance, 3.1 miles ( about 25 furlongs in horse racing parlance) will be at 2.00pm and has already attracted widespread interest - a large turnout is anticipated. An U/20 race will also be held in conjunction with this race.

There will also be races for P4/5 and P6/P7 Colts and Fillies,commencing at 12.00 noon, with special shields for the Best Boys and Girls P6/7 Primary School Teams (first 4 finishers to count) over a 1,000 metres distance as well as at U/13 (1.5K), U/15 (2K) and U/17 (2.5K) age group levels in both categories. All local schools are invited to come along - it will be ideal preparation for the upcoming schools cross country races.

Joe Quinn

8 January 2012

Just after the Christmas crackers but before the Christmas Cracker came the Burren Townland 12 Mile race on Boxing Day which turned out to be a real cracker of a different kind.  After the gentle slopes of Rathlin, Tollymore and the Griddle, Declan  Teague concluded that Burren don't do flat nearly as well as we do. Nevertheless he coped admirably with the undulating terrain to claim a magnificent 4th place in 84.38, having shadowed the leaders throughout and harboured hopes of an even higher placing until Everest appeared at 10 and a half miles. But his verdict was Highly Recommended and he'll be back next year so well done to Burren AC for a well organised and enjoyable event.

The next day was Christmas Cracker Day. The uniqueness of the Cracker race is that it has to be run in pairs so all anyone has to do to take part is grab a partner, pay the entry fee and run. Some people had to be reminded that in this instance partners are just for Christmas not for life, a fact which was met with equal amounts of joy and despair.  Anyway having resisted the temptation to enter the run I set off on what Marty McVeigh said was the 6 Mile walk.  Now Marty's an honest guy  but in terms of distance he's generous to a fault because after I had tramped for 6 miles, or so it seemed,  I still had 2 to do, including the climb and descent of Slievenaslat, and it took me 2 hours to get round. The great thing about walking instead of running is that you can pick your steps through the muddy patches and keep your feet dry – at least that's the theory.  The reality is that you get to watch your feet disappearing in front of you while your shoes fill with goo and Marty becomes the first name to be stroked off your Christmas card list.  In fairness though it was a great course this year, runnable and fast, if you could run and were fast, though slippery on the steep descents even if there was neither frost nor snow this year. It was also well marked with coloured direction arrows sprayed generously on everything that didn't move. They say the view from the top of Slievenaslat is spectacular but I'm only taking others words for that as it's difficult to see over the treetops when your on your hands and knees.

Anyway I was back in time to miss the start of the running version but was pleased to see East Down's fancied pairing of Liam Venney and Brendan Teer in the leading group with Newcastle's McKibben twins and Newry City Runners Dale Mathers and Don Travers when the runners came back into Castlewellan again.  Unusually though Deon McNeilly and Eamon McCrickard the pre-race favourites were further back in the second group though not yet without hope of retaining their title.

I hastened to the point along the lake shore to where the route takes a sharp turn up through the trees, armed with Marty's tin of marker paint as I reckoned it was the one point where fast or tired runners might make a mistake – I had almost missed the ground painted direction arrows while walking, mainly because the earlier passage of numerous feet, buggies and bikes had started to erase the paint and could have resulted ultimately in everyone missing the turn and subsequently the view from the top. So never one to spoil anyone's fun I re-sprayed the arrows and stationed myself astride the path in a “Thou shalt not Pass” stance. I was just interfering again but wanted to feel useful – and to see grown ups cry.

Soon after that the leaders appeared and I know by their comments how grateful they were as I pointed them upwards away from the chilling lake breeze. It wasn't long though before I came to the conclusion that marshaling can have a corrupting influence even on an honest, virtuous person like myself.  It turns one into a barefaced liar and conman – “Yes this is the last hill” and “You're going really well” - and puts pressure on ones integrity as tired stragglers plead to be allowed to keep straight on. However none agreed to meet my price for doing so – as runners are notorious for not carrying folding money I'm not sure I'd have taken an IOU anyway – but the temptation to even suggest a bribe showed the extent of my decline.

Another side effect of marshaling on me is temporary memory loss. Faced with onrushing groups of runners, many of whom I know well, my mind goes blank and I can only recall the names when they are some 30 metres past my position, resulting in the transfer of their names to the next group, and so on.  I call this use of all the correct names but not necessarily in the correct order the Morecambe and Wise syndrome – or perhaps it's an age thing?  Someone suggested that it would work itself out if I should stand 30 metres further along the route!

I even thought I saw Paul Rodgers go by but put that down to hallucination.  Anyway apologies to anyone who was called by a name other than that legally conferred on them.

East Down had 12 pairs this year out of a record entry of 191 teams and I am proud to report that Liam Venney and Brendan Teer came home clear of the 189 finishing duets in 62.12.  Brendan was half of the winning duo 3 years ago accompanied by Deon McNeilly but this was the first ever full team victory for the Club. Liam in fact led the way almost from the start and finished like he could have done another lap. Deon and Eamon finished a creditable 7th and I have no doubt they'll be back.

Philip Vint and Mark McDowell were the next to finish for the County Town based club, 24th in 74.37 with Gavin Oakes and Michael McKeown following in 68th in 84.49. Just ahead of that duo the club mixers, Anne Sandford and Megan Wilson, took the Female Under 70 category in 84.05 – perhaps the club name should be East Castle girls?  On the other hand Brian Hamilton looking resplendent in club colours almost got past unnoticed  with Unattached partner Michael Hunter, on the way to clocking 86.09.  How can you have an unattached partner? It's like running on your own in a 3 legged race.

And Paul Rodgers did appear in the results accompanied by Gary Kendall so I wasn't hallucinating after all.

Then the Club's first and only Mixed duo Cheryl Denvir and Peter Morgan weighed in with a splendid 89.59 while another half attached pair  in the form of Michael Cultra and Mark Galloway
clocked 91.09.  Then Francis Nugent and Gary McLaughlin masquerading in the results under Newcastle AC, recorded a  handy 93.33.  Is this designation a slip of the finger on the part of the registrar or an underhand attempt to coax Gary back to the Newcastle fold?  You'd better put your bid in quick if you want him in the January transfer window, though he's officially not for sale.

Father and son duos Jim and Paddy Erskine and John and Ewan Findlay could be well pleased with 96.33 and 99.31 respectively with Lisa Milligan and John Manley making it look easy with 101.45.  Colum Surginor, Denis McKay, James Magennis and Paul Rogan were more like a gang of four as only one second separated them at the line and Deirdre Mount and Emer Moore looked like it was a stroll in the park, certainly no indication that either was in need of a holiday.

The next local event is the Rollercoaster races at Downpatrick Racecourse on Saturday 28 January. Meantime a Happy New Year to runners, walkers and everyone who can still put one leg past the other – I look forward to be overtaken by you in 2012.

Of course 2012 is not only Olympic year but also the 25th anniversary of the founding of East Down Athletic Club which will be celebrated in style with a feast of Silver Jubilee events.

Joe Quinn

30 December 2011

Club Handicap race scheduled for 2nd Janury 2012. Overall winner to receive the John Cullen Cup.

Race is 5 mile at Tyrella beach car park for a 12:00 start.

Presentation and refreshments afterwards in Minerstown Tavern.

£2 entry fee, proceeds to the nominated charity of the winner.

Saturday was Juniors day -  with the nearest races being the North West Championships in Gransha Hospital Grounds in Derry no-one from the senior ranks was going to travel that distance one week before Christmas with the joys of shopping to be had much closer to home.  Well no-one that is except the indomitable Anne Sandford who puts us all to shame by taking part in races the length and breadth of the country every week. Not only that but with considerable distinction too as she claimed 13th place overall and took the Ladies Over 45 title in a highly competitive field.

But back to the Juniors. The  McGrady Financial Services Junior cross country series moved to Donard Park for Round 4 of on a cold, windy, sleety Saturday morning which saw just 67 Boys and Girls brave the elements to provide some highly entertaining races.  I can't think why there weren't more, though colds and flu accounted for several of the East Down squad.

The P4 and Under Boys saw Newcastle repeat the  Delamont result with Rory Corrigan and Ronan McVeigh taking the first 2 places but Joe Black improved his last round placing by one to claim the Bronze medal with Emmett O'Donnell showing up well to take 6th place on his first outing.  Emily Steele and Kitty McKinney had the Girls race to themselves before Andrew McGrattan claimed further East Down points in the P5 Boys race with a tremendous sprint finish to garb 3rd place despite being under the weather.

As at Delamont Eve Kenneally and Natasha Savage fought out a tremendous duel all the way to the line with Eve just prevailing by one second and this looks set to be one of the nail biters in the next 2 rounds. I feel I should apologise to little Maeve McKinney for directing her towards the finish so badly that she fell on one of the few graveled areas on the course, but to her credit and despite suffering from a cold she picked herself up to finish.  Great fighting spirit and an example to all those who stayed at home.

In contrast Caoilin Quinn romped to a clear cut victory in the P6 Boys race and continues to impress.  A welcome return to form saw Caoimhe Grace O'Donnell take the P6 Girls race in equally impressive style ahead of Newcastle's Kaira Cairns

The P7 Boys race was won in fine style by Tim Prenter whose motto seems to be “Veni, Vidi, Vici et Abii”, which you'll know means “I came, I saw, I conquered and I left”, as by the time prize giving came round he had – and who could blame him as several including Caoilin had done likewise such was the persuasive nature of the prevailing wind.  On the positive side it's one way for me to get my hands on a medal and all the better that it was a Gold one.  I looked up the Latin bit by the way as my memory doesn't go back that far.

Caolan Hawkins again followed Tim home, though much closer this time with Matthew McGrattan ousting Gabriel Corrigan from 3rd spot and Owen Edwards and Padraig Rogan both showing up strongly with improved runs in 5th and 6th. The P7 Girls was another Newcastle clean sweep with Sarah Dougherty winning again from Michaela Quinn and Marie Claire McVeigh.  Where are all East Down's P7 Girls?

Year 8 Boys turned the tables slightly with Matthew Carrick dominating and Daniel Atkinson backing up well in second, a much improved performance ahead of Newcastle's third placed Jack Lenny. However East Down's problems with the P7Girls were mirrored exactly by Newcastle in the Year 8 Girls 2 lap event, which was won in assured style by Aoife Cochrane , with Laura green just holding off the fast finishing Jemma Black ahead of Emily Forte and Tara Findlay, now rightly ascribed to East Down.  The Year 9 Boys race was eagerly awaited after the heroics of Delamont but was turned on its head from the off by Dillon Morgan's brave attempt to run the finish out of his opponents.  Setting off at what seemed a suicidal pace he was clear by the top of the first hill and continued to lead for the next lap and three quarters.  But behind him Jack Quinn and Daniel Molloy were gathering and whittled down his lead as the home straight beckoned.  With timing to rival Lester Piggott's, Jack pounced as they came through the trees and Dillon was unable to respond.  Daniel passed too but Dillon fought back to reduce the gap to a mere second at the line.  What a race and what courage from Dillon who was  a well beaten 7th in Delamont  but exacted revenge on all but 2 of his conquerors that day. Marc Breteche took 4th place ahead of the strangely out of sorts Aidan Hawkins, winner in Delamont ,with James Magennis, Eoghan Knight and Matthew Dougherty completing the field.

The Year 9 Girls was another fascinating contest with East Down's Ellen Erskine biding her time to catch long time leader Laura Gardiner midway through the second lap to win comfortably with Newcastle's Eilis Doyle preventing an East Down clean sweep by getting the better of Amy Godfrey.  East Down had no representatives in the Year 10 and above Girls contest, won in fine style by Anna Rogan from Ellen Finnegan and Aisling Pell but had a commendable second and third in the Boys equivalent which was dominated by Patrick Sheridan. Paddy Erskine ran his best race for a long time to keep the gap to18 seconds at the line and as so often appears to happen at that age he is suddenly a young man as is his battling clubmate Ewan Findlay in third.

A special word of commendation must go to all the competitors who braved the elements  to compete – Well Done everyone and to Martina and her hard working and dedicated band a happy Christmas from all at East Down – see you in Castleward in January!

Thanks as ever go to McGrady Financial Services for their invaluable support for this series of races  and to other sponsors who supply fruit and water for all competitors.

Joe Quinn

18 December 2011

A lot happening but not a lot happening?  Maybe that's the feeling you get when you're not competing or not attending  races, as happened at the weekend, courtesy of my reluctant left leg and  recently acquired chest infection.  On Saturday Elaine Burch continued her recent good form with 7th place and a medal  in the All Ireland Girls Under 19 Cross Country Championships at the Curragh, a good springboard from which to launch future success with Lagan Valley AC and I have every confidence that she will make her mark on a bigger stage in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, there was disappointment for the quartet of Jackie Gilbride, Philip Vint, Gavin Oakes and Mark McDowell as the icy underfoot conditions led to the cancellation of the Saturday morning 5K in Victoria Park, though having made the journey they ran for almost 8 miles around the streets  before they decided it was too slippery and that coffee and scones were a better option.  Jackie was the wisest of the lot, skipping the runaround in favour of the refreshments, a trick she picked up in New York.  Who says runners only think about running?

In the afternoon Aoife Cochrane was a lone Junior at the Dromore Cross Country races and gave the usual good account of herself over what is regarded as the toughest of the off road courses. Ryan Hagen flew the flag for the Seniors, taking 5th place in the Open race.

Sunday morning saw one group head for Tollymore Park for a leisurely 90 minutes in the most serene of settings, while some others were being introduced to the delights of the Chrstmas Cracker route around Castlewellan Park by our good friends from the Newcastle club.  Needless to say all of above were followed by visits to coffee shops, restaurants and other dens of iniquity, intent on undoing all the good work of the previous few hours.

The more disciplined members, Michael Cultra, Declan Teague and James Magennis, took part in the first Trail race in Castleward on Sunday afternoon, over 4 laps of a 2.2 mile circuit, finishing in 62, 63 and 70 minutes respectively, good indications that they're in fighting form for the aforementioned Cracker on 27 December and for which I'm currently looking for a one legged (must be left leg) partner to whom I can strap the rest of my body.  No suggestions to visit knacker's yards, morgue or cemetery will be entertained.

Happy Christmas to You All.

Joe Quinn

12 December 2011

Having survived the night life in Castlewellan Park on Thursday last, several of  the more adventurous runners in East Down took on the challenge of the Park Run in Victoria Park on Saturday morning, having heard that it was free of charge and could also be used as an excuse for not running in the Malcolm Cup Cross Country League fixture in Ballyclare in the afternoon. In the event Mark McDowell, Philip Vint and Declan Teague finished  in 4th 5th and 6th places respectively timed at 19.03, 19.04 and 19.10 though it has perhaps escaped their notice that their instructions were to target places 1, 2 and 3.  Better luck next time!  Gavin Oakes and Jackie Glbride also took part in the 5K event but I have no detailed results to advise of their performances.

Later in the day only Peter Morgan and Michael McKeown from the club took part in the Masters cross country race in Sixmilewater Park with Michael clocking 20.59 and Peter 23.11 in a race in which several of the older Park runners also took part, having used the morning activity to warm up. Indeed Gary Keenan of Orangegrove, principal organiser of the Park run, participated in both the Masters and Open races. I remained remarkably consistent by not taking part in any, as all critics must preserve an element of detachment from the heat of battle.

This fixture was lost to the weather last year but conditions were well nigh perfect on Saturday as over 100 set off in the Masters and Ladies race with a further 75 turning out in the Malcolm Cup showdown itself. A feature of the race was the performance of Willowfield teenager Ryan Holt, second in last week's Griddle 10K, who from a mid table position at the end of Lap 1 had moved into the top 10 as they began the last lap. Amazingly he passed all but the long time leader Declan Reid City of Derry and given another few metres he would have caught him as well.

The pity is that this race represented an opportunity for East Down to collect some more League points, especially in the absence of Annadale, as on last week's form Brendan Teer would have won and backed up by some of his faster club mates could have posted a reasonable team score. But runners cannot race every week and given the pressure of the Christmas shopping season and the need to accumulate brownie points instead it is understandable that some events have to be given a miss.

Earlier Mary Jo Tumelty was 9th home in the Girls Under 11 race and was followed soon after by good performances from Aoife Cochrane, Amy Godfrey and Eimear Connor in the Under 13 Girls race, Aoife finishing strongly to snatch 9th by overtaking Amy 10th on the run in  with Eimear in 14th place.  It's clear that the increased levels of training are starting to pay off for these girls.

Next weekend it is the Dromore Cross Country meeting, which also has age group races and organiser Michael McGreevy will be hoping that the weather is kinder this year than last when heavy snow caused the cancellation of that event too.

Joe Quinn

4 December 2011

A perfect day for running and an even better one for spectating welcomed around 150 runners and their supporters to Saul on Sunday for the 3rd  running of the increasingly popular Round the Griddle 10K and 5K Fun Run.  Indeed never has the breathtaking beauty of the countryside under the benign gaze of St Patrick been shown to better effect. It was a reminder that we are incredibly lucky to live in such splendid surroundings and indeed further evidence that the former slave boy was probably a runner.

The air was calm though nippy and the sun sparkling as Council Chairman Dermot Curran set the Fun Runners on their way on the stroke of 12 noon, to be followed 10 minutes later by over 100 more experienced athletes covering all ages and a wide range of  abilities.

THE 5K RACE

The first athlete to re-appear on the long haul to the finish line was Mark McGrady who won the 5K race 2 year's ago, and would have been claiming the hat trick had he not been misdirected last year. He fairly flew up the finish funnel to record a splendid 22.36, a new record for the distance (it's actually 3.6 miles so it's even more commendable) and almost 90 seconds quicker than his time of 2 year's ago.  One hopes this talent will not be entirely lost to football.

Caolan Magee was second Boy and in third overall and first female was East Down's Laura Gardiner in 24.51.  Indeed it was great to see so many of the East Down and Newcastle clubs junior members taking part, ably supported by Saul and Longstone GAC juniors too.  The other East Down runners Matthew Carrick, Adam Bell, Colum Morgan all competed well in the relative novelty of road running while the girls, Aoife Cochrane, Elisha Surginor and Eimear Connor all returned commendable times too. Niall and Anna Rogan ran well for Newcastle AC  while Tyrone Poland and Dean Haughian kept the Longstone GAC colours in the picture.

It was not all about the juniors though as there were stirring performances too from Pat Crawford and  Ann McAlarney from Murlough and mothers Sharon Connor  and Oonagh Cochrane from East Down who perhaps might just be thinking of a slightly longer distance inside the next12 months?

THE 10K RACE

The 10K race was probably over as a contest by the first kilometre marker as brendan Teer imposed a blistering pace  from the off, maintaining his domination of the field to the end and recording a new race record time of 32.57.  Those of you who know the course will know just how good that time is as it beat his time of 2 year's ago by a minute and 44 seconds and was 52 seconds quicker than last year's time set by  Armagh's Richard Turkington. Runner up was ever competitive Ryan Holt from the Willowfield club in 34.34 with St Malachy's John Frazer in third in 36.06.

In fourth place was Brendan Quail, one of only two Newcastle AC runners to appear in spite of Joe McCann's prediction of last week, but since he was primarily representing the Liatroim Fontenoys GAC in the team event perhaps that two should be a one?

Ryan Hagen 38.23 was second East Down man home followed by Liam Keenan 38.34, 27 seconds better than last year and again taking the Over 45 crown, with Mark McDowell clocking a superb 38.52 and a personal best for the distance and just being pipped for the Over 35 prize by Lagan Valley's David Wright. Gavin Oakes was delighted to break 44 minutes, courtesy of his taskmaster Declan Teague. Stephen Heasley 44.42  made a rare and successful appearance in the colours as did Tom McClean 47.20 while young David Devenney could be well satisfied with 47.30 a nine second improvement on 2010.

LADIES WINNERS

The East Down Ladies and indeed all the Ladies were led home by Cheryl Denvir in 44.41 as she held off the strong challenge of Nuala Reilly 44.44 from Drogheda & District AC with Mourne Runners Virginia  Ervine 45.15 in third place.  Lisa Milligan 51.34 continued her recent good form to take the Over 35 title. While there is no bus park at Saul East Down's trio of coaches Roisin Gaffney, Deirdre Mount and Emer Moore simply toured round the course in well under the hour and are also toying with the idea of an excursion over a longer distance in the not too distant future.

SEAFORDE RUNNING CLUB

It was great to see the Ladies of Seaforde Running Club out in force too with Patricia O'Loan 49.49 picking up the prize for first Over 45 and putting the icing on the cake as Shan Brennan, Lorraine Kidd and Hazel Phillips all completed in style.  Well done ladies, if you can run the Griddle you can run anything – keep it up.

East Down won both the athletic club team event with Saul GAC winning the Non-Athletic club Ladies  trophy and Liatroim GAC the Male equivalent.

A memorable day ended in the convivial atmosphere of the Community Hall where a commendable array of food, drink and fruit was done full justice to by the grateful participants. This event is becoming an annual not to be missed occasion and great credit must go to chief organiser and motivator Chris McLoughlin. Club Vice Chairman Eddie Harney afterwards expressed his thanks to race sponsors Coca Cola, Flowers by Tracey, Conor Polly, Maggie Jane's Disco and Hugh O'Boyle's, to the PSNI, Council Chairman Dermot Curran and to the hardworking ladies who looked after the refreshments.

NEWS FLASH

Just heard that Elaine Burch claimed a medal for a top 12 placing by taking 11th place in the Irish Under 18 Cross Country Championships in Sligo on Sunday while Newcastle's Eoghan Totten was a superb 6th in the Junior Men's race beating the Monaghan twins in the process. Kerry Harty finished 4th in the  in the European Trials at the same meeting.  Well done to all – more details from the newcastle correspondent next week.

Joe Quinn

28 November 2011

Pos Time Cat Num Name Club
1 32.57 MO 439 Brendan Teer East Down AC
2 34.34 MO 500 Ryan Holt Willowfield T Harriers
3 36.06 MO 468 John Frazer St Malachy's College
4 36.55 MO 430 Brendan Quail Newcastle AC / Liatroim Fonteroys
5 37.19 MO 432 Dennis Scott North Down AC
6 38.07 MO 425 Brian Young
7 38.23 MO 1327 Ryan Hagan East Down AC
8 38.24 M35 484 David Wright Lagan Valley AC
9 38.34 M45 461 Liam Keenan East Down AC
10 38.45 M45 1308 John  Kelly Castlewellan AC
11 38.52 M35 442 Mark McDowell East Down AC
12 38.58 M35 462 Stephen Shannon East Down AC
13 40.15 MO 429 Aidan Brown Leitrim Fontenoys
14 41.22 MO 1304 Ciaran Wright
15 41.24 M35 437 Michael Cultra
16 41.41 M55 424 Peter Young NI Masters
17 41.49 M35 487 Philip Vint East Down AC
18 41.49 M35 454 Jerome McCrickard Leitrim Fontenoys
19 42.10 MO 420 David Smith
20 42.12 M45 472 John Kelly Newcastle AC 
21 42.55 MO 450 Murray Deller Larne AC
22 43.13 M35 469 Joe Napier Saul GAC
23 43.30 M35 488 Declan Teague East Down AC
24 43.44 M35 467 Colin Drain
25 43.45 MO 470 Gavin Oakes East Down AC
26 43.50 M35 435 John Adams
27 43.57 MO 475 J P Burke Saul GAC
28 43.58 MO 1320 Adam King
29 44.03 MO 431 Eamonn Hamill
30 44.35 M45 490 Raymond Milligan East Down AC
31 44.41 F35 466 Cheryl Denvir East Down AC
32 44.42 M45 493 Stephen Heasley East Down AC
33 44.44 F55 1317 Nuala Reilly Drogheda & District
34 44.46 MO 474 Gareth Casement Saul GAC
35 44.56 M45 1315 Robert Lyle
36 45.15 F45 434 Virginia Ervine Mourne Runners
37 45.24 MO 1312 Nigel Prior Dorothy Mantooth Saints AC
38 45.28 MO 1313 Darach Neeson Dorothy Mantooth Saints AC
39 45.42 M35 1311 Gabriel Bell
40 45.51 M35 1326 Declan Carolan Newry Mitchels
41 45.57 M35 481 Ciaran McCaffrey Enniskillen AC
42 46.04 M35 492 John Hanna Kilclief GAC
43 46.14 M45 433 Gareth Fitzsimons Saul GAC
44 46.18 MO 464 John O'Higgins Dorothy Mantooth Saints AC
45 46.30 M35 497 Richard McGreevy Saul GAC
46 46.33 M35 443 Dolen Croskery
47 46.44 M35 499 Joe Rogan
48 46.45 MO 498 David Higgins Saul GAC
49 46.45 MO 453 Brian Morgan Leitrim Fontenoys
50 46.49 M35 491 John Crawley
51 46.49 M45 421 Richard Hand
52 47.06 MO 1323 David Mckinney Saul GAC
53 47.14 M45 1328 Tom McClean East Down AC
54 47.20 M35 478 Paddy Blaney Saul GAC
55 47.30 MO 1331 David devenney East Down AC
56 47.48 M35 427 Julian McGrath
57 47.50 MO 1302 Robert patterson
58 47.58 M45 477 Declan Magee Leitrim Fontenoys
59 48.03 FO 444 Allyson O'Toole Larne AC
60 48.14 M35 438 Conaill McGrady
61 48.34 M35 436 Desy Gault
62 48.36 MO 476 R Burns Saul GAC
63 48.48 MO 448 Paul Casement Saul GAC
64 49.01 M35 1316 Simon McGrattan East Down AC
65 49.10 MO 1301 Nathan keenan Saul GAC
66 49.39 FO 447 Geraldine McClean
67 49.49 F45 458 Patricia O'Loan Seaford RC
68 50.20 M35 460 Richard Gill East Down AC
69 50.41 M45 445 Paul Leneghan
70 50.41 MO 1305 Chris Phillips Dorothy Mantooth Saints AC
71 50.43 M45 1307 Charlie Ataliotis East Down AC / Saul
72 50.44 MO 459 Jonathan Miskelly Darragh Cross AC
73 51.06 M45 1333 Matthew O'Hare
74 51.10 M35 463 Barry Curran Saul GAC
75 51.13 F45 479 Ann George Murlough AC
76 51.18 M45 494 Paul Fitzsimmons Saul GAC
77 51.23 M45 1318 John mawley
78 51.34 F35 1319 Lisa Milligan East Down AC
79 51.49 F35 1306 Alison Dugan
80 51.53 FO 451 Roisin Croskery
81 52.23 F35 428 Sasha Lambon
82 52.24 M45 440 Neal Skelton
83 53.36 MO 496 Chonnal Hamill
84 54.42 MO 1325 Fintan Carolan Newry Mitchels
85 54.45 F35 1330 Avria Mcloughlin East Down AC / Saul
86 55.20 M45 426 Damian McCorry
87 55.29 F45 473 Jill Murphy Murlough AC
88 55.39 F45 455 Shan Brennan Seaford RC
89 56.13 F35 1314 Janet Curran
90 56.37 F45 471 Roisin Gaffney East Down AC
91 56.39 F35 482 Deirdre Mount East Down AC
92 56.45 F35 489 Emer Moore East Down AC
93 57.02 F35 449 Monica McCrickard Leitrim Fontenoys
94 57.51 FO 485 Nicola mathers Murlough AC
95 58.08 M35 1329 Gareth Casement
96 58.33 FO 1310 Tara laverty Saul GAC
97 59.05 M35 495 Stephen Shields Saul GAC
98 59.41 F45 486 Jane Rowe Murlough AC
99 60.06 MO 441 Conor Preshaw
100 60.28 M45 1321 Tom McCloy
101 60.31 FO 423 Gemma King
102 60.33 MO 1309 Gary Laverty Saul GAC
103 60.49 MO 1332 Kevin magee Saul GAC
104 60.53 M55 483 James Smyth
105 61.05 M45 1324 Brian Galloway
106 61.34 FO 422 Maeve Galloway
107 61.34 FO 452 Grainne Quinn
108 62.13 FO 446 Kellyanne McCartan
109 62.59 F45 480 Elizabeth McGarrity Murlough AC
110 63.39 MO 465 Trevor Harron Dorothy Mantooth Saints AC
111 63.41 F35 1303 Judith Patterson
112 65.26 F35 457 Lorraine Kidd Seaford RC
113 70.06 F45 456 Hazel Phillips Seaford RC  

In total contrast to last year's depth of Winter conditions, Saturday delivered almost perfect running conditions in Ormeau Park for the annual Seeley Cup race which incorporates the Northern Ireland 10KRoad Racing Championships.  The Men's title was closely contested from the off with a group of 8 athletes including pre-race favourites Andrew Ledwith Armagh AC and Mark Christie, Mullingar Harriers and the Annadale trio of Paddy Hamilton, Andrew Agnew and Eddie McGinley stride for stride at the end of the first lap. East Down's Brendan Teer was close behind in a second group of 6 and looking comfortable.  By the end of the second lap Ledwith was clear but being pursued resolutely by Hamilton though Christie's chance appeared to have gone. The chasing pack was strung out but only Agnew and Letterkenny's Patrick Brennan would have been holding out hope of closing the gap. But the leading trio were not to be overtaken though only one second separated Ledwith in first place from Hamilton at the line, due to a misdirection in the Park, with a further 7 seconds to 3rd placed Christie. The fourth and fifth placed runners were 41 seconds ahead of the next group. Shane Kerr in 7th to the evergreen Paul Rowan in 15th place were separated by only 37 seconds with Brendan Teer  occupying 14th place, 76 seconds faster and 15 places up on last year's result.

Liam Venney knocked 46 seconds off last year's time to take 30th place in 34.08 and Liam Keenan also improved last year's time by 20 seconds in 37.19.  Mark McDowell completed the Club's team scoring quartet, also posting a PB of 39.02.  Michael McKeown on 42.22 was just 5 seconds slower than last year but Gavin Oakes improved his time by almost 2 minutes while Denis McKay fairly flew round, looking strong all the way and knocked over 6 minutes off his previous best, recording 45.49 to banish the Dublin blues.

However the “most improved performance” title has to go to John Oakes who carved a massive 7 minutes off last year's time, coming home in 56.33 and seeming to enjoy every minute of the race.  Well done to him and to all the locals who posted Pbs.

BABY BOOM

A notable feature of the race was the performance of Letterkenny's Gary Crossan who finished 39th in 34.50 having pushed his recently arrived baby all the way round in a buggy.  Initially it seemed to be in support of the child's mother and Gary's partner Maria McCambridge one of the favourites for the Ladies title, who dropped out after the first lap.  Could this be the answer to my problems?  Anyone got a buggy and a baby who needs some fresh air?

LADIES DAY

The Ladies crown went to Dundrum South Dublin's Hazel Murphy from Dromore's fast finishing Julie Turley and North Belfast's fancied Gladys Ganiel-O'Neill.  And not to let the men have all the glory Tracey McDowell shaved 2 minutes off her previous best to add to her sub 4 in Dublin and Oonagh Breteche also took 2 minutes off her best, evidence if it was needed that marathon training can help improve your 10K times. Jackie Gilbride too showed no signs of jet lag after her splendid New York marathon run and gave with an assured performance as she contemplates her next asault on the classic distance.

SUNDAY at DELAMONT.

The continuing good weather was welcomed by the juniors of both East Down and Newcastle on Sunday when they resumed rivalry in the grounds of Delamont Estate in round 3 of the McGrady Financial Services Cross Country Series. Almost 100 boys and girls turned out in a series of age group races in which the high level of sportsmanship displayed is an outstanding feature.

Making an eyecatching impact on his debut  run was Joe Black, in the P4 and Under Boys race, showing great promise and fighting spirit as he only missed out on a Bronze medal by one second – but he'll be back!  The first point scorer for East Down was Lucy Morgan who took second place in the P4 Girls race with Andrew McGrattan filling the same spot in the P5 Boys contest and only missing out on Gold, having to give way to the sustained speed of the talented Connor Murray in a stirring sprint finish.

Newcastle's Eve Kenneally, fresh from her front page appearances last week, again took first place in the P5 Girls race but came under considerable pressure from the East Down duo of Natasha Savage and Grace Surginor who finished 2nd and 3rd    respectively, and with just 2 seconds separating all three this will be a contest to look out for in the coming rounds.

CAOILIN and ELLEN PERFECT COUPLE

The P6 Boys race saw a runaway victory for Caoilin Quinn who led from start to finish as he returned to top form. Adam Morgan as usual battled all the way and took 6th place in the same race. Ellen Boyd repeated that performance in the P6 Girls race, running strongly throughout though Paulette Rice was unable to catch the Newcastle pairing of Eabha Campbell and Kaira Cairns finishing a close fourth.  Sophie Mallon-Rooney battled well for 8th place and will improve from the experience.

TIM in CHARGE
Tim Prenter demonstrated his growing experience with a classic display of front running in the P7 race and never looked in danger but Newcastle's Caolan Hawkins and Gabriel Corrigan fought out a  battle for 2nd place all the way to the line after they had seen off the challenge of East Down's Matthew McGrattan and Johnny Erskine.  Ben McMeekin and Padraig Rogan in 7th and 9th places made up the EDAC quintet. Strangely East Down had no runners in the P7 Girls race in which Newcastle's Sarah Dougherty was an impressive winner.

The opposite was almost true in the Year 8 Boys race with Ross McCrickard being the sole Newcastle representative in the field which was led all the way by Matthew Carrick  with Paul McMeekin, Daniel Atkinson Adam Bell packing well behind for East Down and Edward Boyd taking 6th place behind Ross.

Year 8 Girls were led home by Olivia Mooney from Laura Green and Aoife Cochrane as East Down  made a clean sweep of the podium positions in what was the biggest field of the day and were ably supported by Eimear Connor, Jemma Black, Emily Forte and Elisha Surginor.  All of these girls are improving rapidly as they learn to pace themselves to finish strong.

MARC a REVELATION

Year 9 Boys provided the most enthralling race of the day however as a group of five athletes comprising Aidan Hawkins,  Jack Quinn, Daniel Molloy and James Maginnis from Newcastle and Marc Breteche from East Down  formed at the head of affairs.   The group ran together for 2 laps before James was forced to yield but the remaining quartet were still locked in battle with 200 metres to go. And then Aidan made his move followed by Daniel but with Marc waiting to pounce. And so they continued though Aidan had stolen a 2 metre lead as the cheers rose to encourage greater effort.  Marc responded to Daniel's kick and inched past as the finish line approached. But Aidan had the victory his courage deserved while Marc was a revelation. Daniel finished third with Jack a close up fourth.  At the line just 7 seconds covered the four and the ovation for all could be heard in Downpatrick. I can't wait for the next round scheduled for Saturday 17 December. Dillon Morgan fought hard in his group a little further back and took  7th spot.

Laura Gardiner dominated proceedings  in the Girls equivalent to win comfortably ahead of three newcastle girls with Lucy Prenter in 5th place.

The Year 10 and above races were comprehensively won by Newcastle with Patrick Sheridan, Niall Rogan and Conor Jones accounting for Ethan Branniff, Sean Murphy and Niall Morgan in the Boys while Dearbhla Magee and Anna Rogan took the top two places ahead of Katie Maguire, Molly Rice and Alex Bell for the Girls.  But everybody could be proud of their efforts and for giving parents and friends a very enjoyable afternoon of sport.

GRIDDLE 10K

Next weekend is the Griddle 10K and Fun Run at 12.00 noon from Saul GAC and a big turnout is expected from all the local clubs. If you're not running why not come and cheer the runners or perhaps lend a hand with marshalling.

Joe Quinn
21 November 2011

East Down AC video on Youtube 

http://youtu.be/edKh4ygjnwE

http://youtu.be/cF14srUm7vE

Saturday past saw round two of the new Cross Country League held in conjunction with the annual McConnell Shield meeting in Sixmilewater Park Ballyclare.  While conditions were ideal the event only provided further evidence that the new League challenge has singularly failed to catch the imagination of  the local running fraternity.  East Down struggled to field a team of four but were subsequently well served by Brendan Teer, Ryan Hagen, Michael McKeown and Ross Denvir but the only other competitors from East and South Down were Anne Sandford from Newcastle AC and Virginia Ervine from Mourne Runners who are proving lone standard bearers for their clubs. On the other hand the host club East Antrim only fielded one runner in all the events, and Annadale having dominated and fielded 10 runners last week only had one participant too.

I know it's not always easy to give up Saturday afternoons what with work and family commitments and the onset of seasonal shopping, (though in the days when Santa didn't arrive until Christmas this used to be an excuse for many to actually get away and run)  and I was unable to be there myself, but  a greater response was anticipated when the cross country season was re-vamped.  However many are still recovering from Dublin marathon exertions and others are winding up for a tilt at the Seeley 10K on next Saturday so perhaps numbers will pick up after that.

And of course the Saturday morning Waterworks and Park Runs have proved very popular and have offered alternatives to many.  One such on Saturday was Declan Teague who dropped in to the Victoria Park on his way home from work to blow away the post Dublin cobwebs and recorded 19.03 for 6th place, impressive running after 26.2 big ones, just over a week previous.

It was as ever Brendan Teer who was the leading East Down man home, in 4th place in 28.42, just 6 seconds down on the 3rd placed runner and with Ryan Hagen taking 26th ,Michael McKeown 63rd and Ross Denvir 75th for overall 6th place they can be well satisfied with their afternoon's work.

UNDER AGE RACES

Regular contenders in the Age Group races Aoife Cochrane and Eimear Connor were again the sole representatives in the Under 14 Girls race with Aoife taking 13th and Eimear 19th places respectively.  All this will stand them in good stead later as cross country running is a great strength builder.

FAREWELL ELAINE

Elaine Burch took part in the Waterworks run on the same morning, her first venture into the series and claimed 2nd place in the Ladies race and 1st Junior Girl in 20.29.  It is with regret that I have to report this was her last run in the East Down colours as Elaine will be joining the Lagan Valley club where her training partners and main competitive rivals are leading members. Since she first came to the Club as a Primary school beginner Elaine has been a pleasure to have about the place, always cheerful, bubbly and respectful.  She has represented East Down with distinction up to All Ireland level and has been an inspiration to many of our members both junior and senior. Not only has she achieved success on a personal level but has become an ideal role model for her generation and is a credit to her family.  So Thanks Elaine for all your efforts, we all wish you even more success in your continuing career but you will be sorely missed.

Next weekend, apart from the Seeeley Cup race in Ormeau park on Saturday, the third round of the McGrady Financial Junior Cross Country Series takes place in Delamont on Sunday afternoon. It is hoped that the juniors don't follow the example of their senior role models and turn up in force.

THE GRIDDLE 10K

The week after sees the 3rd running of the Griddle 10K and Fun Run from Saul GAC premises and interest is high for what is becoming the challenge everyone wants to take on.  It's a 12.00 noon start so everyone will be finished in time for dinner, though with the excellent post race refreshments provided it will probably be teatime before any self respecting athlete will need to eat again. If you're not running you can still be involved by helping out as a marshal.

Joe Quinn

14 November 2011