East Down AC has a wide range of members; it takes a combination of many different people to make a club – those aspiring to reach their best, those committed to achieving personal goals, those with the desire to compete, those whose enjoyment comes from participation, those who take pride in wearing the red and yellow vest and those who pitch in to make up teams, those who win medals and those who attend training for the craic. We have old-timers and newcomers. All are integral to the ethos of the club. There are those whose names are recorded in the history books for achievements in the past and those who have yet to make their mark. This page will be a place to read the profiles as we gather them up. In no particular order, just as they come. Enjoy!
As new profiles come in, they will be added at the top but you can still scroll down to see what you have missed. Posted to date ; Aaron McGrady, Joe Quinn, Gavin Hynds, Niall Gibney, Niamh Kellett, Gordy Graham, Edie Carroll, Barrie Atkinson, Liam Keenan and Caroline MacNabb.
AARON McGRADY: one of the Juniors at the formation of the club and now a competitive senior flying the flag at cross country and road races when he is back home.
Aaron in the Seeley Cup 2019 – Bob Given Photography
What age were you when you first took up athletics?
I have been involved in XC since primary school. Eoin O’Toole (ex club junior) and I used to do sprint drills down by the Quoile and noticed the Jimmy’s 10 signs go up one year so we decided to find out what this was and who organised it. We were 13 and decided to join the club when we found out more about it.
The Margaret McGrady Fitness Suite in our Clubrooms is named as a tribute to your late mother. A well deserved accolade in the eyes of those who knew her. For those who were not around at the time, can you describe your family involvement with East Down Athletics Club?
I joined the club along with my sister Ashley when junior training took place on the all-weather pitch behind the old leisure centre. After a year or two, our brother Mark also joined, not wanting to miss out. A handful of our friends were also involved so the numbers of juniors was growing. Although you had the stalwarts, Joe (Quinn), Frank (Cunningham) and Russell (Bradley) coaching us, there were few other volunteers to lead the sessions – clubs might not get any with this today. Joe, always a hard man to say no to, persuaded my mother to attend a committee meeting and eventually she got quite involved. She continued to be involved long after we had left and we are proud that the club named the fitness suite in her memory.
On the way to the win at Strangford 10K 2018
What memories do you have from your Junior years?
I remember my first race very well, the Comber Cup, held in a ploughed field – it was a bit guttery but I am sure we didn’t mind that!
We used to participate in the Young Athletes League. This entailed monthly meetings through the summer at the Mary Peters Track. You got to do all track and field events, like triple jump, javelin, sprints, distance etc and this kept it interesting. It gave us all an appreciation for all the event when watching them on TV.
James O’Hare and I were quite competitive with each other, training and racing, he was generally quicker over the flat stuff but if I could get near towards the end of a race….
Jimmy’s 10K 2019 – showing great burst of speed to come third (photo by Keith McClure)
How do you think your time as a Junior compares to those who are involved in the sport today?
We used to meet in the foyer of the leisure centre and do a speed session on the cinder track or a run round Downpatrick (in the dark). 20 children of all different abilities strewn along Market St. Another thing you couldn’t get away with now. There was no senior part of the club 15 years ago and no club rooms, so the club has a very different dynamic now and it is great to have a base.
Have you any words of wisdom for someone in transition from Junior to Senior?
Stick at it but most of all, enjoy it! It is easy to lose interest with more ‘fun’ things going on when you’re a teenager. A lot of people who have come back to the sport wish they hadn’t given it up in their early 20s.
Hill and Dales – Binnian
Has running been a constant for you or have you taken time out for studies/work or simply to take a break?
I gave up running when I was about 18, due to a knee injury but quickly found cycle racing. There has never been any extended period of time away from some sort of competition since I started running.
You reached a high level in the cycling world – which sport did you find most demanding in terms of commitment?
It’s hard to say… in training you can achieve the same physical stress in both, however, cycling takes longer to achieve that stress, requiring lots of hours on the road. When racing, it is very different to running due to the dynamic of group riding.
Proudest moments as a cyclist?
Racing the An Post Rás (8 stage Tour of Ireland, when the top Irish amateurs race against pros from Europe).
Proudest moments in athletics?
I am very happy with 5th in this year’s NI Senior XC. It came off the back of a three hard months of training. Getting an international vest is always a proud moment, knowing you have represented your country. Last summer I ran the Snowdon International Mountain Race for NI.
I was due to make my road debut in March 2020 but that got cancelled due to the pandemic!
Has injury ever prevented you from participating or competing? If so how did you recover both physically and mentally from the setback?
I had a recurring knee injury when I was 17 and we couldn’t pin point what it was, so I just stopped running for about 8 years. It has never been an issue since. In the past few years, I have picked up some Achilles issues. I normally just rest for a week or two and I try to ease back on training and mentally recoup. I have been trying (for years) to get into the habit of S&C twice a week to prevent minor niggles.
Third in the Intermediate XC Champs in 2019
Favourite training session/Most dreaded session?
I love speed sessions, so any combination of 800/400/200 or 8 x 1k @10k pace would be my favourite. (This is a good form indicator for me).
I dread a long run, not usually much funny plodding around London – but a little easier in Tollymore.
You have continued to be a member of EDAC whilst living in England, but you are also a member of Victoria Park and Tower Hamlets AC. Do you find yourself with conflicted loyalties?
The South Eastern AA Fell Running Championships – First overall
Fortunately, the two clubs don’t compete against each other so it isn’t an issue. My Cracker partner this year assumed we were competing as a VP Team – but it’ll always be red and yellow when I am at home!
Aaron and Hannah at the Belfast Half Marathon 2019
Do you have any regrets looking back on your sporting life?
Yes – stopping when I got the knee injury before moving into the seniors. On the other hand I wouldn’t have found other sports, so maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing.
The best piece of advice you have been given?
Consistency is king! Focus on hitting your targets each week and the form will look after itself.
Favourite book – The Hobbit or “Eat and Run” – Scott Jurek
Favourite Film – Anything with Daniel Day-Lewis
Favourite Music – Everything from Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Planxty!
With Covid-19 there has been a sense of limbo – Did you have a particular goal in mind? Did you alter your training schedule as a result? What next?
I was due to race in Jimmy’s 10 just as lockdown kicked in. I was keen to see if I could better my third place from 2019. Sadly that will have to wait till 2021.
Having saved a lot of time in commuting I found my mileage increased for about 8 weeks. I then started to ride the bike a lot more, so running took a backseat for a while.
With XC only a few months away my aims are tilting toward this. It is hard to see any big races happening, with that in mind, the next few months will be good for working on weaknesses.
All objectives for this year, such as sub 31 10k or sub 70 Half Marathon have been put on hold. Realistically it will be next year before competition will allow these to be chased. In the short term, I have entered the Championchip Ireland running series, starting in July. There won’t be any pbs but I am hoping for solid markers to build on for 2021.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
JOE QUINN – Club Person extraordinaire and the heart of road racing in Downpatrick and surrounding area/ all round runner. While his contribution to the Club was celebrated at the visit by Lady Mary Peters in 2019, it is good to get a brief insight into his own running career.
When and why did you join East Down AC?
In 1987, when I was 40 years old, because I had taken up running and had run the Belfast marathon in 1985 but I wanted to improve my performance and felt that joining a club would help me to achieve this goal.
What was your favourite distance/event?
I didn’t really have a favourite event or distance then as I was new to running and had probably only run a few 10Ks and the one marathon, which also answers the next question too. But the marathon became my favourite distance over a period of time because it was and still is the ultimate challenge.
And your least favourite?
Probably 5K because it’s too fast for me!!
What is your proudest moment in athletics?
My proudest moment in athletics was finishing the 2016 Belfast Marathon with my 4 daughters , each of whom had run a leg of the relay so as to make sure I would have company all the way round. I had reluctantly decided that it would to be my last (69th) marathon, following the diagnosis 10 months earlier that I had Parkinson’s Disease. (Increasing mobility problems meant I was having to consider quitting running altogether.) My marathon “career” began in Belfast in 1985 and it’s where my best ever time (3 hours and 3 minutes was set in 1993) and it has always been my favourite course, (in spite of what others may say). So I reckoned that it would be fitting to end it there too.
Have you had any injuries?
Plenty over the years, mostly overuse type of injuries e.g. plantar fasciitis in my right foot which took ages to fully clear up, probably because I was impatient to get back and worried that I would lose all my fitness, so tried to come back too soon, thus causing further lay offs, which set me back even further.
What advice would give to others to rehab or even avoid injury?
Always warm up properly, keep your upper body trained and in shape too. AND Do Not Over Train! Always leave a bit to work on. If you do get injured make sure you’re well clear of the injury before you try a comeback and break yourself in gently!!
What piece of advice would you give to a young athlete?
Go for your dreams while you are able to and don’t be put off by failure. The years roll past with alarming speed!! Always remember your strength and conditioning training. Your upper body strength will always stand you in good stead. Don’t WAIT TOO LONG before trying to achieve your dream result!
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share?
I completed the London to Brighton 55 miles Road Race in 2002 in 9 hours 30 minutes in the days when ultra running was virtually unheard of. Nowadays it is the norm for runners to run back to back marathons every few weeks.
I also completed marathons in New York, Boston, Paris, Chicago as well as closer to home. Great trips with great memories.
I also competed in the inaugural “Last One Standing” Ultra event in Castleward in 2016, though I only completed 4 laps =16.8 miles as it was part of my training for my “FINAL” Belfast Marathon. I took part again in 2017 and completed 7 laps to record a further ultra distance of 29.4!
I was always proud to wear the East Down colours, and crossing the finish line in any race, was always a moment of joy for me.
I was on the point of packing in my involvement with East Down, in 1998, 2 years after the late Jimmy Murray had died, as there were no senior members apart from myself. The level of enthusiasm was at an all time low and recruitment, even at junior level, was NIL. The late Eddie Wilson, an eminently respected official of many years standing in the athletic world, came up to me at a junior cross country event to say how glad he was to see East Down continuing to field junior teams and to congratulate me on what a great job I was doing!!?? I couldn’t leave after that, could I, and am pleased now I didn’t!
PS ….I was awarded an MBE for “services to running” in the Queen’s Birthday honours list in 2012!
Most memorable moment in athletics and another sport? ie something that has inspired you.
It was probably Eamonn Coghlan’s victory in the World championships in 1983 when he came to the final bend, looked at his main opposition (a Russian athlete), clenched his fists in triumph, smiled as if to say “I’ve got you beaten” and strolled home unchallenged. That and being there when Mo Farah won the 10K in the World Championships in London in August 2017.
Who is your sporting hero?
- Local: Ciara Mageean
2.International: Paula Radcliffe
What’s your favourite?
Film: Saving Private Ryan
Song: A Bright Blue Rose by Tommy Fleming
Book: Believe it or not it’s the Collins English Dictionary, Third Edition (See answer to final question!!)
What’s your favourite meal?
Steak and chips with gravy
What’s your favourite hobby / activity outside athletics?
Probably doing crossword puzzles and gardening
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
GAVIN HYNDS and NIALL GIBNEY paired up to complete the Denis Rankin Round last year. They made history by being the first EDAC members to complete this epic challenge. The full account of their experience can be read at the following links.
http://www.denisrankinround.com/niall-gibneys-drr-report/#more-728
http://www.denisrankinround.com/gavin-hynds-rankin-report/
http://www.denisrankinround.com/winter-anti-clockwise-denis-rankin-round-08-12-19/
Two for the price of one in this profile…
:GAVIN HYNDS – Event preference -short open mountain races
:NIALL GIBNEY – Event preference – mountain running of all types
At what age did you start athletics and why?
G: I was very athletic when I was younger, played a lot of football and Gaelic but I spent my 20’s enjoying myself too much and got very fat and unhealthy. I started on a treadmill to lose weight as I wasn’t happy with myself and couldn’t run 10 mins but I got stronger and fitter and lost more weight and got a buzz from hitting wee targets and started to really enjoy running
N: I only started running 4.5 years ago. By accident on hols in Kerry! It rained the whole time there so I went to the gym a lot and it just progressed from there. I started on roads around home until I was fed up with sore shins and sore hips and then discovered mountain trails.
When and why did you join East Down AC?
G: 5 years ago , a few friends saw me out doing a bit of running and suggested it to me. I was really nervous as I hadn’t trained with any club in years and didn’t want to embarrass myself but I am so glad I went. I would advise anyone who wants to get into running to join a club, it will bring you on so much , you will get great advice from people who have been there done that , motivation to train and also make great friends. You will soon find out that you were worried for no reason and they aren’t all “proper” runners. If you run you are a runner.
Not exaggerating when I say its changed my life. I am much happier and more confident and I have made many friends I hold dearly. Do it, you wont regret it!
N: Jan 2018. I had been running for a couple of years on my own but realised I needed some structure / guidance with my training. I also had just suffered a wee accident in the mountains and thought it would be good to have some company on my mountain runs. So I plucked up the courage to email EDAC about joining and the rest is history!
Apart from the Denis Rankin Round what is your best memory as an EDAC athlete?
G: I have too many great memories to name you a specific one . I have achieved many things I never thought I could but my best memories are from the laughs during the training and running with my friends or the odd night out we have. Running in the same race as my wife Kerry when she ran her first half marathon in Belfast and also when my sister ran her first full marathon in Dublin were special.
N: My best run was coming 1st in my age category in the NIMRA Seven Sevens last year but I have plenty of great memories in the red and yellow vest of the hill n dale series over the last few years. Always great camaraderie and sometimes even tea and cake !
Do you think that mountain running is compatible with other disciplines? ie track/XC/road
G: I think it gives you strength in the legs and good cardio but for me they are like chalk and cheese. I thought it would be closer to cross country but Niall will tell you different as I think he is still traumatised from the one and only cross country he has done. To be fair it was Comber last year and it was horrific
N: I couldn’t comment about track. Definitely compatible with XC and roads (especially hilly roads in and round Downpatrick)! I’m sure they complement each other. My one and only XC country experience was way worse than any bog in the Mournes!
What advice you would give to someone wanting to take up mountain running?
G: Get the proper shoes ! It is nothing like road running. In road running you spend time looking at your watch and checking your pace , you don’t do that in the hills , you are too concerned with where to put your feet . Ask questions , talk to or train with people who have experienced it. Mountain runners will happily talk about running for hours and will be more than happy to show you the ropes. I would also say it is much more exciting and fun than road running.
N: Go for it ! Get proper trail shoes with good grips would be number one. Be mountain safe, always carry safety gear, tell someone where you are going etc. Leave no trace 👍. Most of all get out there and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on our doorstep!
Do you have a favourite Hill and Dale course? Why?
G: Loughshannagh, it’s the toughest and all open mountain, I think Niall will say this as well. Rocky and the Meels would be up there.
N: Loughshannagh. Only did it for 1st time last year but it was great fun . It had it all from nice climbs, steep downhill s (my favourite), river crossing, a bit of scrambling and a fast slippery finish!The Meels would be a close 2nd though with fast downhills too
Which Hill and Dale is your least favourite and why?
G: Drinahilly, too fast and mostly path, suits the speedy road runners
N: Castlewellan – 1st one – too many runnable fast trails
Can you tell us of a time when something that your co runner said or did that helped you to keep going?
G: Niall definitely trailed me round the Rankin Round and gave me encouragement. Neither of us would be big on the motivation talks but you get to know each other and can sense when someone is getting it tight, needs a break or a pull along . We are both easy going and know what we need to do .
N: During the winter Denis Rankin Round when we reached a summit, Gavin would do a countdown of mountains left to climb. “ Right kid that’s only 3 left!” He may not have got a response from me at those moments but it did spur me on !
Does your co runner have any little flaws that you would like to share?
G: Not really but one thing I’ve learned training with Niall is, if he says a run will be 2 hours it will be at least three and a half, although I think he sees this as being helpful and not trying to put me off! He also has a problem setting alarms -gets am/pm mixed up.
N: Too easily persuaded to take up a challenge, lol !! “Mon” is all he needs to hear and he is away!
Both of you have families who give you great support and you in turn are great role models for your children. Have you a particular family sporting moment that you can share?
G: I will always remember coming to Spelga Dam when we were doing the Rankin Round. I was really struggling and feeling broken and had been feeling sorry for myself for a while but then I heard Kerry and the kids shouting in the distance, “Come on Daddy!” It lifted me so much and give me strength to carry on . My son Dillon also gave me a laugh, when he ran down the hill ahead of me and shouted, “Seriously! I am so much faster than you!”
N: My 2 kids are both keen runners and junior members of EDAC but the one memory that stands out was their display at the McGrady series race at Delamont earlier this year. Both ran their socks off!
Favourite foods for pre event, during a long session and post race/event?
G: If it’s early just egg and toast, if it’s late spaghetti bolognese. During an event is something I am still experimenting with to be honest. Post big event would be a burger and pint (proper athlete) I usually start thinking of these towards the end.
N: The night before a big race, it’s usually pasta pesto and salad in big quantities. During the race I can stomach most things these days but hard to beat boiled eggs and salty boiled new potatoes. Boiled before the run obviously not mountain side! After the race when I’m properly rehydrated I usually have a feed of coffee and biscuits. That’s what all the pros do right ?
Best trainer/worst bluffer or whinger in a group?
G: Dee Murray is the best trainer – wee man’s a machine, rarely misses a session, good across the board at all types of sessions.
Bluffer/whinger – Definitely not a bluffer but Deirdre (Weatherall) loves a good moan. When we were marathon training together, the only thing sorer than my legs were my ears!! Mind you, she did have shin splints 2 years ago and nobody really believed her until she got an x ray and it showed “multiple fractures “ which she always reminds us about. Seriously though I do have great craic marathon training with her and Niamh , it helps us all get through it all.
N: That’s a tough one. Everybody seems to train hard and give 100% or that is how it seems to me when I’m hanging at the back, tongue out, going round the Downshire. And to be fair i’ve never noticed any whingers or people complaining about the wind or rain or cold or sore back ….isn’t that right PB ?!
Who is your sporting hero?
G: I think I am a little too old now for sporting heroes , although Jurgen Klopp might be changing that. When I was younger I was a fan of Michael Jordan.
Local would have been Barry Breen who played Gaelic for RGU and Down and always looked like he had all the time in the world.
N: 1. On the local scene I have always been a big fan of Brian O’Driscoll. His strength and superb skill on the pitch matched with his great off the pitch persona. A great leader/role model
2. In the world of running I find it hard to look past Scott Jurek or Killian Jornet. Scott Jurek’s ultra running success is the stuff of legends. Basically the man only seems to hit his groove when he’s near the 100 mile mark! Killian Jornet is a record breaking Spanish mountain runner – another legend.
What’s your favourite film/song/book?
G: Film: Don’t really know, I love a thriller with a good twist. Song: again nothing jumps out as I listen to a wide range, but Kerry will say it’s Jackson five “ABC” 😝? Book: “The Iceman” – a story of a cold blooded killer.
N: Film: The Usual Suspects – l love it but still haven’t worked out what it’s all about. Song: Basket Case by Green Day stands out but really anything from that genre of Killers, Foo Fighters, Blink 182. Helen loves them too 😜 Book: “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall . My introduction to Scott Jurek and a crazy South American running tribe
Obviously things are a little in limbo with the current situation regarding Covid-19. When and as things improve do you have goals in mind?
G: I am still hoping that the Mourne Skyline will go ahead in October. Niall and I might have something else up our sleeves for another first for the club. We need new mugs 😜
N: More 24hr rounds ! Wicklow & Bob Graham round have caught my eye 🙈. Short term hope to do Seven Sisters and Mourne Skyline races plus Ben Nevis race for first time if it goes ahead.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
:NIAMH KELLETT
Athlete Preference: Road- half marathon and marathon
At what age did you start athletics and why?
I started running regularly 6 years ago after I had my 2nd daughter to get my head showered for an hour in the evening!!
When and why did you join East Down AC?
It was my husband who persuaded me to join a club 5 years ago. He is a keen cyclist and I think he felt guilty about going out training and racing all the time so he thought if I joined a club I would be a bit more understanding!! Lol! I think he is regretting it now as it can be a struggle to compromise whose turn it is to go out training or racing!!!
What is your favourite training workout?
That’s a toughie as I don’t know if ‘enjoy’ is a word I would use!! I like doing speed work as although it is tough, I always feel great afterwards. A pyramid session would probably be my favourite as it’s not as structured and monotonous as repeated reps.
And your least favourite?
I find tempo sessions hard as I find it hard to stick to a proper tempo pace and always get carried away.
What is your proudest moment in athletics?
I really cannot pick 1!! Probably running my 1st sub 40min 10k and 90min half marathon. These are always pretty big milestones to conquer in running and I was chasing them for a few years!! Coming 4th in the Mourne Skyline and winning my age category was pretty special and also running my 1st marathon in Dublin was an amazing experience.
Have you had any injuries? What advice would you give to others to rehab or even avoid injury?
Think I have spent longer on the injury bench than I have spent running!!haha!! You name it and I probably have had it which has been my biggest frustration over the last few years. I must admit, I am guilty for neglecting stretching and strength sessions. I have started stretching more and have started doing pilates over the last 6 months. I really feel this has helped strengthen my core and I hope this will allow me to have a good consistent stretch of training. I am also my own worst enemy for running on an injury and making matters 10 times worse, so I am making a conscious effort to listen to my body and be sensible in my old age!!
What piece of advice would you give to a young athlete?
Just really to enjoy it and not to take it seriously too soon.
Also, I think its good to try different sports to see what you enjoy the most.
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share?
Definitely winning the Ladies Intermediate Cross Country championships was amazing. Although I find cross country tough, I love the team spirit and craic that goes with it, which makes all the pain nearly worthwhile. Although we missed out in getting presented with the trophy on the day, it was made even more special when we were presented the trophy by Lady Mary Peters at the Clubrooms.
Winning EDAC female athlete of the year in 2017 was a very proud moment as well.
Most memorable moment in athletics and another sport?
‘Super Saturday’ in the London 2012 Olympics was amazing to watch.
But of course, watching my daughter Aoife win the under 10 Ulster Cyclocross Championship in January has to top everything!! 😊😊
Who is your sporting hero?
- Local:
Kevin Seaward: Not just for the fact that he is my cousin, but I admire his commitment and determination especially as he works full time as a teacher. I am just jealous that he inherited more of the athletic gene than I did! Also, Paul Pollock, he has overcome so many injuries and never seems to give up.
- International:
Jessica Ennis-Hill: I think it’s incredible for someone to be so talented in so many sports.
What’s your favourite?
Film: The Notebook
Song: One by U2
Book: “This is Going to Hurt” (Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor). Think anyone working for the NHS could relate to this book, it is hilarious!
What’s your job?
Clinical Nurse Specialist.
What’s your favourite meal?
Steak and peppered sauce.
Who is the bluffer/whinger in your training group?
I love her dearly, but it has to be the one and only Deirdre Weatherall! Especially if there are hills involved, or it is too hot, or if it is too cold, or if it too windy, or if there are too many miles, or if Gavin ‘the waterboy’ Hynds hasn’t left water out for us…………
What’s your favourite hobby / activity outside athletics?
I took part in a “try a tri” last year which I really enjoyed. I love cycling and had recently started swimming lessons as I had planned to do a sprint triathlon in June, but it was cancelled. It has been rescheduled for the end of August so fingers crossed it will go ahead and I won’t die drowning!!
What is your next running / athletics goal?
I would love to get to the start line of another marathon injury free and have an uninterrupted training block. There has been talks in the camp of a few of us doing Belfast next year 😊
How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
I am coming back from a significant injury (again!!) which I was out for 3-4 months so I am using this time to build up my fitness and just to enjoy running again without the pressure of racing.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
:GORDON “Gordy” GRAHAM ;Road- 5K to marathon
At what age did you start in athletics and why?
I was 33 and like a lot of people my not so prolific football career was at an end so running was initially a way to keep fit
When and why did you join East Down AC?
In 2018. I had told my coach Ryan Maxwell I was interested in joining a club, he suggested Newcastle or East Down but gave me Joe Quinn’s number and after one conversation I was sold!
What is your favourite training workout?
5 or 6 x 5K @ marathon pace off a 3 minute float. Starts off fairly handy but it definitely tests you by the time it’s done!
And your least favourite?
2 mile repeats.
What’s your favourite race or event?
Marathon. Something that bit more special about the 26.2
What is your proudest moment in athletics?
Probably winning the Dambusters half marathon. It’s in my back yard basically and I was racing against a man I really was in awe of when I started out running competitively so to beat him for the first time was a bit special!
Have you had any injuries? What advice would you give to others to rehab or even avoid injury?
Unfortunately I have had my fair share of injuries. My advice is get a good physio who understands runners and then do exactly what they tell you, all of the time, not just when rehabbing an injury. For me to avoid injury I’ve started doing yoga for mobility and flexibility and I find it really helps but I need to be more disciplined and keep at it.
What piece of advice would you give a young athlete?
Do your easy running EASY and hammer out the sessions.
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share?
Getting the marathon PB (2.38) last year in London was brilliant, really is an amazing event although the last five or six miles are just as hard as any other marathon! Also winning the 5K relays at Delamont last year was pretty cool.
Most memorable sporting moment in Athletics and another sport.
No contest in this one! Ireland beating the All Blacks in Dublin in November 2018. Only the second time we managed to do it in 111 years plus I got to go to Landsdowne to watch the game with my three brothers, genuinely a moment I’ll never forget!
Who is your sporting ‘hero’? (athletics or other) (1) Local – (2) international.
Locally would have to be Alan McConnell, a bloke who plays football for Ballyvea FC. When I started playing at 18 he was playing his “last” season then and is still playing now and he’s in his late fifties!
Internationally I’d say the lion, big Stephen Scullion. Listen to his podcast religiously, he’s a wee bit out there but a great character and an even better runner!
What’s your favourite…? A. Film – B. Song or Album – C. Book
Film – A time to Kill
Song – Anything by AC/DC
Book – Lord of the Rings
What’s your job?
Carpenter
What’s your favourite meal?
Can’t beat a good curry!
Who is the bluffer/whinger in your training group?
Up at home it’d be Jim Campbell but down with at the club… there are no bluffers or whingers! 😜
What’s your favourite hobby/activity outside athletics?
Love my Rugby and keep a small menagerie of animals at home which ties up most of my time when I’m not working or training.
What is your next running / athletics goal?
I should’ve been in London for the marathon this week and the next on the list was Berlin. I’m waiting to see how this covid-19 situation plays itself out before making too many plans!
How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
I’ve taken a massive step down in intensity and volume of training at the minute as I was in the peak phase of a marathon block. Still will do 50-60 miles per week but no sessions or tempo runs, just running for the love of it for the next wee while!
EDIE CARROLL: Cross Country/Road
At what age did you start athletics and why?
I think my first race was Killyleagh Fun Run when I was 5. The whole family were running the race and I didn’t want to be left out!
When and why did you join East Down AC?
In P5 – I had tried lots of different sports, but lacking hand-eye coordination meant I wasn’t having much success! I had supported Dad at so many races, I thought I might as well try it for myself.
What is your favourite training workout?
Doing some flat out 400s on the track is pretty fun.
And your least favourite?
Tempo runs – I find it very hard to keep on pace.
What is your proudest moment in athletics?
Winning the schools district XC because it was the first time I trained for a set goal with success.
Have you had any injuries? What advice would you give to others to rehab or even avoid injury?
I’ve had a few injuries – the worst being my achilles. I think the most important thing I’ve learnt is to not rush back into sessions too quickly – it’s demoralising because you’re not as fit as you were and doing too much too quickly can just set you back.
What piece of advice would you give to a young athlete?
I suppose I would still consider myself a young athlete! However my advice would be -stick at it even if you are not showing any improvement, good races will eventually come. And most importantly, if you aren’t enjoying it, switch routine or set a different goal.
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share?
Meeting Ciara Mageean when she came to a training session! It was pretty cool to meet her and hear her story.
Most memorable moment in athletics and another sport?
Emma Coburn winning the steeplechase in the 2017 London World Champs. I have watched it so often and still get excited!
Chris Froome running with his bike on his shoulder up Mont Ventoux after a mechanical failure in stage 12 of the 2016 Tour de France.
Who is your sporting hero?
- Local: Kevin Seward – to come 4th at the Commonwealth Games and still have a full-time teaching job is impressive!
- International: Laura Muir – I really admire how she managed to complete a veterinary degree and juggle the demands of a professional athlete. To be able to excel at both is pretty incredible!
What is your favourite film/song/book?
Film: Mission Impossible – I like a good action movie!
Song: Geronimo
Book: The Kiwi Pair (About the New Zealand rowers who maintained an 8 year streak of wins including 2 Olympic golds)
What’s your favourite meal?
Spaghetti Bolognaise
Who is the bluffer/whinger in your training group?
I don’t think I’ve ever heard mum go for a run without some sort of complaint but if I was at the club, I would have to say Paul Burns (sorry!) He always has some sort of ache or pain, but I suppose it just comes with old age? 😊
What’s your favourite hobby / activity outside athletics?
I enjoy a bit of cycling and have done a few duathlons which have been a lot of fun. I also like to bake!
What is your next running / athletics goal?
Although I have done a few 10Ks I would like to train for one as a specific goal.
How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
I think having a break from studying has meant I’ve been doing more training than usual! I like getting out of the house for a run whether an easy 3 miles or a session but with more time I have also enjoyed including strength and conditioning in my schedule.
- Barrie Atkinson; Discipline- Road – Half Marathon
At what age did you start in athletics and why?
Age 32 – my kids joined East Down AC the year before.
What is your favourite training workout?
Tempo Workouts – Fast but manageable
And your least favourite?
200/400’s – Hate fast stuff
What’s your favourite race or event? London Marathon
What is your proudest moment in athletics?
2 hours 36 mins in 2015 London Marathon. Quick enough not to finish last in that year’s World Athletics Champs!
Have you had any injuries? What advice would you give to others to rehab or even avoid injury?
No injuries for 8 years then loads!! Always rest, never run through them. Do not come back too quickly.
What piece of advice would you give a young athlete?
Don’t ever let the enjoyment go. It comes before anything you will achieve in athletics/sport.
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share?
Quite a few. Finishing 3rd in the Irish indoor 3000m champs. Representing NI in the British Masters International XC 4 years running. Getting PB under 34 minutes at Seeley Cup and Bay Road 5k sub 16 minutes in same year.
Most memorable sporting moment in Athletics and another sport.
World Masters Athletic champs in Malaga.
Arsenal being invincible – sorry Liverpool!!
Who is your sporting ‘hero’? Local or international.
– Arsene Wenger – Changed the whole shape of football.
What’s your favourite…? A. Film – B. Song or Album – C. Book
A. Sweet home Alabama
B. Yellow by Coldplay.
C. Jack Daniel’s “Running Formula”. Read it cover to cover many times!!
What’s your job?
Civil Servant
What’s your favourite meal? Porridge with raisins and peanut butter 😋
Who is the bluffer/whinger in your training group?
Me – whinge if it’s too hard!!
What’s your favourite hobby/activity outside athletics?
Cruising the world! 🛳
What is your next running/athletics goal?
I have added in cycling to my training and have done a few duathlons which are great fun. As my swimming improves I would like to take part in some triathlons.
How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
Stay home, stay safe, save lives. People not getting sick is more than enough motivation for me to run on my treadmill or go on my turbo trainer.
- LIAM KEENAN:
Athlete preference : Road running At what age did you start in athletics and why? Age 13 I went to try out the training with my friend Pat Power who was a member of the club.
When and why did you join East Down AC? I’ve always been a member of an athletics club in Downpatrick. Firstly, it was TC Track Cub, then Leisure Side AC and then East Down AC. After a break from athletics I rejoined EDAC to be part of the local community and to train with like-minded people. I feel that it is important to be a member of your local club and benefit from the community and expertise of coaches and hardworking committee.
What is your favourite training workout? Monagetti Fartlek. Steve Monagetti was a famous Australian marathoner. The session only lasts for 20 minutes but is a tough workout, can be run at tempo pace with the recovery being faster or as speed session with the recovery being slower. It consists of 2 by 90 secs with 90 secs recovery, 4 by 60 secs with 60 secs recovery, 4 by 30secs with 30 secs recovery and 4 by 15 secs with 15 secs recovery.
And your least favourite? 4 mile tempo out at Dillin, last 1k is uphill.
What’s your favourite race or event? 5k on the roads.
What is your proudest moment in athletics? Can’t pick one as I’ve had two careers in athletics as junior and then after when I made a comeback.
All Ireland 1500m Under 14 winner. Representing Ireland in the Schools International Under 17. Running 2:59 at age 50 for the marathon, 31 years after running my first sub 3 hours.Have you had any injuries? What advice would you give to others to rehab or even avoid injury? I’ve had numerous injuries over the years, most recently a knee and a hip problem. A mistake that I believe I have made is not doing enough strength and conditioning. Your body needs to be strong to be able to cope with the hard sessions, you need to be fit to do the training. Advice would be to crosstrain, I’ve been able to replicate some sessions with indoor rowing. I believe that yoga also has helped me recently with my injuries.
What piece of advice would you give a young athlete? All the old clichés, train don’t strain, surround yourself with like-minded people and train if possible, with someone who is better than you. Make sure your easy days are easy, to recover properly. Get enough sleep as possible and eat good foods, no processed food or junk.
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share? There are many performances and moments that are memorable, too many to mention. What sticks in my mind is the dedication of people like Jimmy Murray, Joe Quinn, Frank Cunningham, Russell Bradley and the hardworking committee that have kept this club together. The Club is in safe hands with the current committee and coaches. The future is bright with current crop of juveniles and seniors with all their recent outstanding performances.
Most memorable sporting moment in Athletics and another sport. John Treacy winning the World Cross Country in Limerick in 1979 and I was there to witness it.Other Sport- Shane Lowry winning the Open and the way he celebrated afterwards.
Who is your sporting ‘hero’?
(1) Local – Tom Breen- former training partner, friend and motivator.
(2) international- Steve Ovett – great range of ability from 400m in 46s to a 65 half. World record holder and Olympic Champion.
What’s your favourite…? A. Film – B. Song or Album – C. Book
A. The Big Lebowski.
B. Anything by Thin Lizzy and Bohemian Rhapsody
C. I’ve read many books over the years but most recently this is my favourite- Man’s Search for Meaning – Vicktor Frankel
Favourite running related books are “Running with the Buffaloes” about the University of Colorado cross-country team and “The Long Hard Road” about Ron Hill.
What’s your job? Financial Adviser.
What’s your favourite meal? Steak
Who is the bluffer/whinger in your training group? Ah now, let me think. No real bluffers as they all have a great work ethic.
Whinger now is different, first that comes to mind is our new Chairman, then a certain racing car driver and a then a local draper.
What’s your favourite hobby / activity outside athletics? Don’t have hobbies other than running but do like a bit of indoor rowing and hopefully after these uncertain times will be able to try out in the open water.
What is your next running / athletics goal? Hopefully to recover from my injury and break 20 mins for 5k and 40 mins 10k, also to run the London Marathon which I have never run.How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times? I do most of my training on my own, so find it easy to keep motivated, although I do miss not being able to run in Castleward and Tollymore.
- CAROLINE MacNABB/O’HARE: middle distance & cross country athlete.
At what age did you start in athletics and why?
– Around Primary 6/7 because our primary school entered us in some cross country races.
When and why did you join East Down AC?
– 8 years old, partly because I learned in school I was alright at running and my brother was pretty good too and already in the club.
What is your favourite training workout?
– Either mile reps around the Downshire or track session of 400m’s, 500m’s 600m’s x 3
And your least favourite?
– Endless 400m’s on the track … so mentally challenging 😩 🙈
What’s your favourite race or event?
– 10k, although I did really enjoy the half marathon also so can’t wait to do another!
What is your proudest moment in athletics?
– I should probably say the All Ireland Team bronze we won (Schools XC) , or maybe winning the Victoria Park NI& Ulster Championship Relays last year, but I actually feel like I’m more proud of my 10k PB even though I missed out on the podium 🤣 (Editor note – 37.21 in Seeley Cup 2017)
Have you had any injuries? What advice would you give to others to rehab or even avoid injury?
– Of course, we all have haven’t we?! Worst had to be my stress fractures. My greatest advice is to find some other form of working out to keep you sane – for me it was x-training, and I stuck to doing my normal weekly training (sessions, long runs and all on the x trainer!) Great to keep up the fitness during injury. Too much to be said re strength and conditioning – If you want to avoid injury and return to running successfully it’s got to be done!
What piece of advice would you give a young athlete?
– Just enjoy running and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Make sure and take some easy days and run with friends 🤗
Do you have any memorable moments as an EDAC athlete that you can share?
– Sipping champagne on the way back on the bus from x-country (don’t know if I can say that) hahah.
Most memorable sporting moment in Athletics and another sport.
– Winning the Victoria Park Relays last year and Deirdre Weatherall crying afterwards 😂. Only other sport I really loved was Netball so just all those games I guess 🤷🏻♀️
Who is your sporting ‘hero’? (athletics or other) (1) Local – (2) international.
– 1) Ciara Mageean – I used to train with Ciara, she’s the most lovely person. A natural talent and deserves all the success 💓
– 2) Katerina Johnson Thompson I love watching the heptathlon and seeing her do well!
What’s your favourite…? A. Film – B. Song or Album – C. Book
A: The Great Gatsby
B: Tennessee whisky
C: This one may cause an uproar – but I loved Lance Armstrong’s it’s not about the bike 🙈
What’s your job?
– Physiotherapist
What’s your favourite meal?
– Would normally say Carbonara but atm it’s a curry chip 🙈🤰 thanks bump
Who is the bluffer/whinger in your training group?
– Catherine O’Connor hahahhhh always complaining we start sessions too early and that she’s ‘not running well’ …that girl’s not wise 😝
What’s your favourite hobby / activity outside athletics?
Doing some Pilates and walking my puppies 🐶
What is your next running / athletics goal?
To beat my 10k and half marathon PB’s. Then run a marathon 🙈
How are you motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times?
Because I’m pregnant I’m telling myself I’ve got to keep fit for that reason. I want to keep running for as long as possible so it’s easier to get back after baby, all being well.