Having spent the past few weeks cataloging the exploits of the Club's senior members far and wide it is appropriate and encouraging to start this week's report with news of a welcome return to competition for Elaine Burch.  Just to prove that injury and illness are not the preserve of the old and wrinkled, Elaine has been fighting a chest infection for several months and has only just resumed training so was delighted to qualify for the Ulster Schools 1500 metres final with a fine 3rd place in the District A qualifiers 2 weeks ago.  She should be in even better shape to improve her 5.32 time come the provincial final in a few weeks time.  Also qualifying was Patrick Sheridan in the Minor Boys 1500 metres in a splendid 4.59 to set the tone for a successful Track and Field season. With upwards of 40 youngsters turning up at Club training nights and an equivalent number taking part in the Jim Patterson inspired sessions with Newcastle AC the future looks bright on the running front.

Last Wednesday Liam Keenan scorched to a personal best 17.43 in the Newry City 5K, just to prove the Hill and Dale has not taken the edge of his speed, while Nigel Martin clocked 18.57 in a rare foray to the competitive arena.  Another 23.1 miles at that pace would get him comfortably under the 3 hour barrier in the marathon, though on second thoughts it mightn't be that comfortable at all!

On to Friday and Brendan Teer made his first appearance for several weeks in the Les Jones 10K at Mary Peters Track and was up with the leaders for a long time before giving way to the evergreen Alan McCullough and eventually finishing 8th in 34.45, a commendable effort given his recent lack of intensive training, but he'll be back when he comes to terms with the demands of fatherhood.  Congratulations and Welcome to the club Brendan!

The Club had a sizeable entry in this race with Liam opting for the delights of the towpath instead of the virtual no path of Thursday's H & D outing over Rocky.  And a splendid decision it proved to be as he clocked 38.30, to prove that the dreaded “Hill” at 7K is only a myth! The next 3 East Down men home fought out a personal battle with Stephen Shannon  taking the in-club honours, coming across the line in 40.49, followed by Barry Degan in 41.13 and Michael McKeown in 42.18.  Barry was somewhat disappointed afterwards to miss the 40 minute target but on reflection may conclude he trained too hard on Thursday – but there are plenty more races in the next few weeks in which to lay that demon to rest. Some of us are happy to break 48 minutes, even as we're being overtaken by former friends right on the line, but just being able to do it at all is worth toasting.
 
Oonagh Breteche and Colm McNeill both broke the 55 minute barrier while my daughters Donna and Sheena came home a little further back in spite of posing for photos en route (who do they take that after?) and the problems presented by an absent marshal at a critical junction.

Well done everyone, a great night's running perhaps tempting some to head for Banbridge on Wednesday 19th for the 10K and/or Ballymena on Saturday 22nd for the Ecos 5 Miles.

Joe Quinn
16 May 2010