Even the first rain for 6 weeks couldn't  dampen the enthusiasm of Newcastle and East Down's up and coming juniors on Monday night when East Down played host to their friendly rivals from the Mournes. This was the “return fixture” of the highly successful and well organised competition held in Newcastle a month ago and the spirit shown by all then was apparent again even  if the weather was very different.  Unfortunately the rain eventually led to the curtailment of some events but most were completed and the barbecue set a record for the number of burgers and sausages burnt in a monsoon.

There were several noteworthy performances and multiple medal winners from both camps and it is encouraging to see such talent blossoming in this part of County Down.  Caoimhe Grace O'Donnell again picked up 3 Gold medals in the Sprint and Distance races and Long Jump with Ellen Erskine equalling that feat in her age group.  D'arcey Campbell hit the Gold standard winning both her races in impressive style and in her winning sprint, the race of the night, Lauren McConvey and Emily Forte dead heated for third place.

Michaela Quinn also had Triple Gold with wins in the Sprint, Long Jump and Javelin as well as a Silver in the Distance race to her credit. Big Brother Jack had to settle for 2 Golds, in Sprint and Long Distance but picked up Silver behind Marc Breteche in the Long Jump. Marc also claimed Silver in the Sprint and javelin competitions.

Paddy Erskine was the winner in Sprint, Long Distance and Long Jump with Ethan Braniff taking Silver in those events but taking Gold ahead of Paddy in the Javelin. Brothers Ross and Dean McCrickard also picked up medals and shared the bragging rights by both coming second in their respective sprints while Dean also won his Long Jump. The other brothers in action were the Hawkins boys, but while Caolan was winning Gold and Bronze in Long Jump and Sprint respectively, Aidan was a forlorn spectator as he tried to work out what sporting activity he could carry out on a pair of crutches, the legacy of a leap before he looked which resulted in a badly sprained ankle.  But never let it be said that today's kids are soft for not only did he take part in the Javelin competition, cold and wet and from a standing  position, but he won it with a throw of 13.79 metres to the loudest cheer of the night. If guts and determination are what makes a success in sport then watch out for this lad.  Just to confirm the sibling rivalry Caolan won his event with a throw of 11.18.
In fact a notable feature of the night was the high quality of the throwing in all the javelin competitions, the more so given that most of the participants had only been introduced to the implement a few short weeks ago. Beth O'Boyle threw a massive 15.90 metres to win her age group and Caitlin Smyth 12.83metres from restricted run ups and with Ethan Braniff throwing 20.03 to win his age group too there is huge potential for a future champion thrower on our doorstep.

There were wins too for Ethan Banks (Distance) and Gabriel Corrigan, a two time winner in both sprint and long distance races, Nicole Selfe  (Long Jump), Orla O'Boyle (Sprint and Distance), Caitlin Denvir (Distance) and William Browne (Sprint) with Oran Cunningham arriving just in time to prove he has inherited some of his mother's genes by claiming Silver in the P3/4 Distance race.  -
 
For those of you interested in some more unusual results there were several who threw up rather than away, courtesy of premature visits to the barbecue and one or two others who set records for the speed with which burgers and sausages moved around the track, before they too joined the throwing  fraternity but all in all a very enjoyable evening during which it was obvious that parents and officials were enjoying it as much as the kids.  Thanks to everyone who helped especially to those who cooked a ton of food and to Wrap and Roll who provided the water and to Down High School for the use of their facilities.

On Friday night 8 Seniors contested the Ards Half Marathon with Philip Vint clocking a commendable 1.25 over the tough, demanding course, giving him 22nd place overall with Mark McDowell posting his best for the distance with 1.31, and setting up a crack at the 90 minute barrier before long.  Declan Teague posted 1.32 as his response to the calf strain picked up in Loughinisland last week, though it was probably the prospect of the post race massage that kept him going.
Michael McKeown returned 1.37 ahead of the out of form Stephen McCartan, 1.42, Charlie Ataliotis, 2.01 and the inspiring Linda Cunningham 2.06.  Making her debut at the distance and acquitting herself admirably was Helen Murray, who has to be pleased with 1.57, a time she will surely lower in the not too distant future.

For my part I've taken 2 weeks off to rest a long standing knee injury, on expert advice from my mirror, and I'm forced to admit that after one week it hasn't made the slightest difference.  I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that resting like spectating, which I tried last year for a few weeks can seriously damage your health and I've been told it doesn't improve your mood either!

Next Friday (9th July) sees the inaugural Greyabbey 5 and 10K  races, the next in the Tour of the County Down series and it promises to be a very enjoyable event in the picturesque village.  Entries taken on the night in the Village Hall with the races due to start at 7.30pm and it's one not to miss.


Joe Quinn

5 July 2010