An historic and auspicious occasion in the history of East Down AC took place on Saturday morning when recent days and weeks of feverish activity brought to an end 2 years of planning and preparation for the grand opening of its new Clubrooms on the Ballydugan Industrial Estate, its first ever home. Thanks to all those who turned up the previous Saturday to perform what was the equivalent of TV’s 60 Minute Makeover though it took much longer than that, and to everyone who helped in any way in recent weeks.
Margaret Ritchie MP for South Down and Councillor Billy Walker, Chairman Down District Council both spoke in glowing terms of the achievement of the Club in securing their new premises and committed themselves to doing everything in their powers to achieve the provision of a running track in Downpatrick as soon as possible.
Pat Power, Sports Development Officer with Down District Council added his congratulations and Davie Seaton, Chairman Athletics NI, recalled the contribution of the late Jimmy Murray to the foundation of the club and speculated that he would be looking down with great pleasure on the proceedings.
Gary Keenan President Athletics NI confessed to feeling envious of the facilities provided and formally unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion. Newcastle’s Kerry O’ Flaherty Commonwealth Games Steeplechase finalist and recently crowned Irish Indoor 1500 metres champion, was a special guest and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by junior member Grace Surginor. Representatives from Murlough, Ballydrain Harriers and North Down AC were welcomed together with a large number of EDAC members and all enjoyed refreshments provided by Catriona and the staff of Wrap & Roll.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Club Vice Chair Betty McCartan who unfortunately missed the ceremony due to hospitalisation, having worked so hard behind the scenes to make it a success. Hope to see you back again soon.
ALBERTVILLE 5 MILES
Meanwhile, several of our top runners were carrying on with the reason the club exists – running with the best. And doing it in style too, with all taking podium places in 2 separate venues. Brendan Teer showed he is tuning up nicely for next weekend’s Jimmy’s Ten on home soil with a splendid 3rd place in 26.07 at the Albertville Five Miles Road race in the Docks area of Belfast. In the same race Barrie Atkinson, eyeing a first tilt at the London Marathon next month, showed he too is in fine shape with an 11th overall placing in 27.22, giving him 2nd place in the Over 35 category, while Declan Teague 30.38, emerging from a low key Winter campaign, was 3rd in the Over 45 category.
ADDICTION 10K IN ORMEAU PARK
Across the city Michael Cultra was flying the East Down colours in Ormeau Park, in the Addiction 10K, winning the Over 35 category in 37.32 and placing 7th overall.
2015 JIMMY’S TEN – the AFRICANS ARE COMING
It’s not only Mothers Day on Sunday but it’s Jimmy’s Ten Day in Downpatrick and at least three Ugandan and Kenyan runners, in Northern Ireland as part of the Project Africa Athletics Partnership, and to take part in the Greenmount International Cross Country on Saturday will be in the line up. It will be interesting to see how the local based runners rise to the challenge.
A £50 Bonus will be paid if anyone betters the current records of 30.20 Male and 34.17 Female. Pacers will again be provided for 40, 45, 50, and 60 minute targets.
ENTER NOW – YOU CANNOT LOSE!
Online entries at www.athleticsni.org close at 12 noon on today (Wed 11th ) and any entries taken on the day will attract an increased fee. Remember anyone who enters but is unable to run on 15 March will have their entry carried over to next year.
COLLECTION OF NUMBERS AND TIMING CHIPS
Timing chips can be collected at East Down AC’s new Clubrooms at Ballydugan Industrial Estate on Friday 13th March from 3.30pm to 8.00pm, on Saturday 14th March from 12.00noon to 4.30pm and on the morning of the race from 8.30am. Runners, especially those living locally, are encouraged to collect in advance if possible.
MARSHALS WANTED
The club is also appealing for anyone who is free to come forward and act as marshals on the day. If you would like to help contact Mark on 07746954795 or Joe on 07933214894.
Joe Quinn
9 March 2015