2019

Posted on 28/01/2019 by Neil McCartan

NI & ULSTER INTERMEDIATE & MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Last year I wrote after the Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships that this was the fixture which all of East Down AC had been waiting for. And after securing Silver medals last year, there was no less anticipation within the ranks that the Ladies could well improve on that this year. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and a series of injuries affecting several of the top runners, it was a case of not counting too many chickens. The team performances in the League fixtures had been inconsistent to say the least, so “those in the know” were reluctant to express too much enthusiasm about the Club’s chances beforehand.

VENUE A PROBLEM

ANI had experienced great difficulty in securing a venue for this year’s championships but finally settled on Barnett’s Park, near the House of Sport, as a last resort. The route was contrived and convoluted to say the least, though all praise must go to the officials who managed to mark it out as the weather finally turned seasonal and dumped an unwelcome deluge of water on the course overnight.

INTERMEDIATE WOMEN’S RACE over 4 K

The Intermediate Women’s race was the first of the 4 race card, normally 3 but increased numbers meant that the usual practice of holding both the Intermediate and Masters Women races together was considered unsafe. This meant that the Intermediate Women got first crack at the 4K distance over 3 laps of the sodden turf. From the gun the pace was fast and the Red and yellow EDAC colours were prominent with Catherine O’Connor taking up a position in the top 6, closely pursued by Caroline McNabb, Niamh Kellett and Deirdre Weatherall, all of whom were in the top 30 runners, with Clare Carson playing the essential savers role By the time the 3^rd and final muscle wrenching lap had begun here had been changes to the position of the ED girls, with Catherine struggling to retain her place but with Caroline and Niamh having moved up noticeably. However, Catherine dug deep and held onto 10^th place, while Caroline secured 11^th place, with an impressive middle race surge and Niamh was engaged in a battle with Newcastle’s Sinead Murtagh, only managing to break clear in the last 5 strides to grab 12^th place.

Niamh Kellett, Deirdre Weatherall, Caroline MacNabb, Catherine O’Connor and Clare Carson – NI & Ulster Intermediate Ladies Cross Country Champons, posing with a substitute Cup on Saturday.

FOURTH

So it was all down to Deirdre and Clare Carson the 4^th and 5^th members of the team. It is essential that 4 runners from a club cross the finish line in order to constitute a team. So all eyes were on the tortuous drag to the finish line when out of the gloom emerged Deirdre, who responded to the cheers and who crossed the line in 20^th place. By this time, of course, having run out of fingers and toes, I had lost count of what position she was in, so I anxiously awaited the announcement of the Team placings, knowing that it was probably going to be a close call between us and Willowfield Harriers for who Hannah Gilliland was the first finisher in 8^th place with her clubmate Anna Blake in 9^th.

THREE TO ONE

So when they were announce as first Omagh, 2^nd Willowfield and 3^rd East Down , I was taken aback. Relatively pleased but puzzled as to where Omagh come from to take first place? Unfortunately I couldn’t hear how many points, based on the aggregate total of the first 4 finishing places, had been awarded to each team so headed for the Results Tent to speak to the Championchip guru, Glenn Grant. And then came another announcement, saying that there had been an error in calculating the team scores and that the revised result was “First East Down, 2^nd Omagh and third Willowfield.

Clare finished in 48^th place, which would still have given the team 3^rd place if any of the other runners had dropped out.

NO GOLD IN THE SPERRINS

I didn’t hear the scores that time either as all haste was needed to recall the EDAC squad who had already headed for the exit, complete with Bronze medals. And of course one had to feel sorry for the Omagh girls who had been presented with the Gold medals and the trophy and were now hightailing it out of own towards the safety of the Sperrins, little realising that their celebrations were about to take a rapid dive into the ground with the recall of medals and trophy!

CHAMPIONS AT LAST

Anyway not to be outdone the Girls quickly returned to the podium area and grabbed the Masters Trophy for photographic purposes and went through the ritual of celebrating all over again – only this time as the CHAMPIONS. When the trophy and the correct colour medals are received a formal presentation will be arranged and photographs will be taken.

Incidentally the scores were East Down 56, Omagh 64 and Willowfield 71.

MASTERS MEN RACE over 8K

East Down didn’t have a team in the women’s masters race, so attention next turned to the Male Master’s, where the Down men had the bare minimum of 4 runners. Club Captain Dee Murray was hopeful but not unduly optimistic that the team comprising himself, Neil Curran, Martin Willcox and Donal Smith, would at least equal their 2018 position of 10^th. Neil it was who set the marker for the squad, as he continues to test the water in his first season of cross country running, eventually working his way through the field to take 24^th place, closely followed by Martin in 39^th place and Dee in 58^th position. Donal then needed to finish to ensure a team score and he duly obliged crossing in 114^th place and in the process gave the club 10^th place once again. Paul Carroll once again led his Annadale team home, to 3^rd place in the team competition and in the process he also took the individual 2^nd place in the Over 45 category.

Neil Curran, Dee Murray, Martin Willcox, Donal Smith – Masters’ Men XC

INTERMEDIATE MEN over 8K

The last event of the day was the “Blue Riband” Intermediate Men’s race, which was targeted by me since last year as the club’s best chance of Team and/or individual medals. Unfortunately due to injuries to several key individuals in the run up to the event, East Down only had two runners on the day, Aaron McGrady, who was 6^th in 2018 and Gordy Graham, who had rushed home from Kenya to take part.

Gordy Graham and Aaron McGrady (3rd place) Intermediate Men XC

THE AFRICAN CONNECTION?

So what was he doing there? He told me

“There was a group of 32 of us including four ex Irish players raising money for the Irish Rugby Charitable Trust which looks after former amateur players with life changing injuries. The aim was to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I found it mentally a lot tougher than physically as it was long days out on your feet at a very slow pace to get used to the altitude. Hardest part was sleeping in a cold and wet tent and it was so cold at the very top! A quick photo with the sign and back down again.”

Gordy Graham – on trip to climb Mt Kilimanjaro – doing his “Top of the World Ma” impression and at the summit with some of his friends.

A HILL TOO FAR?

But at least he has the proof – see photos! Well done Gordy and thank you for coming back in time for the Race on Saturday. It’s a pity that you couldn’t have spent a few more days doing altitude training as your overall feeling after the race on Saturday was of total physical exhaustion. Though let’s face it 44^th place in a strong competitive race isn’t bad, considering you’d literally been given a mountain to climb a few days ago!

AARON HITS THE PODIUM

After last year’s valiant attempt in this race when it was held at the Billy Neill Centre near Dundonald, Aaron McGrady was quietly regarded, within EDAC circles, as a good bet for at least a podium place. However standing in his way was last year’s 5^th placed runner and recently crowned Irish Novice Cross Country Champion, Zak Hanna and his Newcastle clubmate Patrick McNiff, better known as a track athlete. So setting out from the start it was this trio plus Lorcan Magee, Beechmount Harriers and the Acorns pair of Vincent McKenna and Eoin Hughes who filled the top 6 places. And so it continued for the first 2 laps, with McGrady taking the lead at the start of lap 3 to try to exert some pressure on the Newcastle men. But as lap 4 unfolded it was Hanna and McNiff who had moved ahead of the East Down man and increased their lead well into the last lap. It was then that Hanna made his decisive move and he outpaced McNiff to claim an historic victory. McNiff crossed the line 11 seconds behind him with Aaron a further 11 seconds back in 3^rd, just reward for his role in an intriguing contest.

WELL DONE NEWASTLE AC

Newcastle packed extremely well and easily claimed the team prize by virtue of the fine runs by Luke McMullan 6^th, Aidan Brown 8^th Daniel Molloy 11^th and Thomas O’Gorman 29^th on top of Hanna and McNiff’s, results to give a total of 57 points against Acorn’s 75 and the 3^rd placed team Springwell on 190 points.

NEXT YEAR?

And so back to the drawing board again for Aaron as he contemplates his moves for next year. Admittedly he was not unduly perturbed by his loss on Saturday, in fact he sees it as more of a win, in that he has improved on his 2018 performance, still has the ability and determination to improve even further, has gained invaluable experience this year and won’t have the 2 runners who beat him in opposition to him next year! From the club point of view he really needs the support of some more EDAC runners around him, even if they prove unable to win the team trophy, which incidentally I believe they can.

But for now it’s back to the training and racing grindstone again for him as he endeavours to hone his fitness to new levels, with the emphasis on building up his strength and stamina.

Then it’ll be “Look out the Inter crown in 2020 I’m coming to get ya.”

ANOTHER MARATHON SUCCESS

Phillp Vint chalked up yet another marathon when he completed the East of Ireland Staplestown Marathon outside Dublin, on Sunday, his time of 3.14.48 being good enough to win him 3^rd place, a mere 30 seconds behind the 2^nd place. His wife Helen completed the half marathon at the same venue in 2.10.40. Well done to both.

Phillip Vint – receives his 3rd place trophy at East of Ireland Marathon in Staplestown near Dublin on Saturday

NEXT WEEKEND

It’s the Moira Cross Country meeting next Saturday and a large entry is expected for this popular event. First race is listed for 11.45am

Joe Quinn

28 January 2019

The Weekly News – 17/12/2018

Posted on 17/12/2018 by Neil McCartan

THE ALL IRELAND X/C UNEVEN AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS

On what was predicted to be one of the wettest, windiest days of the year with the threat of storm Deirdre, athletes were wondering if the Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Group XC championships in Navan would even take place. In the end the weather didn’t turn out it as bad as had been expected. However conditions were still extremely tough to run in with a constant gale blowing and many heavy showers. It was the first true XC conditions of the year. The course had an uphill start with many other hills and sharp turns along the way and an uphill finish with a headwind blowing to top it all off.

UNDER 11 GIRLS
The first race of the day was the U11 girls who ran a 1500m course. EDAC had 2 athletes in this race, who both ran exceptionally well in their biggest race to date with a total of 181 girls. Kari Foster (who qualified through provincial team) and Erin Moore who was included as part of the County Down Team. Kari managed a very respectable 99^th and Erin ran well to finish 165^th .

MEDAL WINNERS

Next EDAC athletes to toe the line were the U13 Girls’ Team which consisted of Lucy Foster, Anna Gardiner, Jodi Foster, Kara Trainor, Emily Burns and Anna Kearney. Lucy ran a brilliant race and came across the line in 8th place and received a top 12 medal for her efforts. Anna came a well deserved 29th. Lucy’s tremendous effort also earned her a silver medal as the first scorer of the Ulster team that placed 2^nd . Next one across the line was Jodi Foster in 74th then Kara in 115th, Emily Burns (123rd) and Anna Kearney (151st). Overall the team placed 7th, a mere 18 points off 3^rd place ad bronze medals.

Oliver Robinson with Kari, Lily and Jay Foster trying to keep warm in the icy wind and rain

Oliver Robinson was the only EDAC runner in the U13 Boys race and as ever he ran a well paced race to cross the line in 115th place out of 160 finishers.

Oliver Robinson (679) mid race in the U13 Boys at Navan

ANOTHER MEDAL

The U15 Girls’ race kicked off soon after all the U13 boys finished. Kirsti Foster and Lauren Madine were the only girls in this race from East Down both having qualifying on the provincial team. Kirsti ran well to finish in 13th and was also part of the Ulster team which came 3rd. Lauren seemed somewhat off colour on the day but nevertheless placed well in 89^th . She is however entitled to an off day every so often as all top athletes do and has had a tremendous season.

Lucy, Jodi, Kari and Kirsti Foster at the All Irelands XC at Navan

LAST MAN RUNNING
Last EDAC junior to run that afternoon was Mackenzie Murray in the U15 Boys’ race. Mackenzie had a strong run on the tough course to come 61st position. A very good run for his first ever all Irelands.
As it turned out the runners got the better part of day as the weather took a turn for the worse just as they were leaving, making the drive home horrendous with strong winds, heavy rain, many floods and constant road spray. It was a great relief when all reported that they were home safe.

WELL DONE TO THE PARENTS

A special word of thanks is sent to the parents who have driven their children to all corners of the country, North and South, often in the worst of the weather conditions, like those at the weekend, which saw most of our seniors hibernate, in pursuit of those elusive medals.

It can be tough going at times and takes a special type of dedication that only parents possess as they help make the memories which will be the stuff of family stories forever. So a big THANK YOU from the coaches and senor members at East Down AC.

WISDOM FROM NEIL AT THE NOVICE X/C

Neil McCartan was a little disappointed with his performance in the Novice race over a 6K distance. – he felt that he didn’t cope as well with the hills as he might have and that his recent form led him to expect to finish a bit closer than 6^th to Newcastle’s very experienced winner Zak Hanna. On reflection however and on a more positive note he has enjoyed the XC outings so far this year and sees them as good base work for the events ahead, which is what every coach tells his track and road racing stars.

CATHERINE STARS in the BEKO 5K in DROGHEDA on SUNDAY

The Beko Christmas 5K started and finished on the track at the Lourdes stadium running track in Drogheda with almost 700 participants a mix of serious and fun runners alike. East Down’s Catherine O’ Connor 18.19 had a stormer of a race and proved she is returning to peak form finishing second only to the still formidable former Queen of Irish Runners Catriona McKernan 17.20. Donal Smith was the only other EDAC participant his time of 24.12 wasn’t far off his 5k best and was well inside the top 200 finishers and left him happy enough with his morning’s outing.

DRIVEN TO THE NORTH WEST CROSS COUNTRY?

No one from the Club chanced the long run to Derry for the North West Cross Country in Gransha Park on Saturday as the prospect of freezing rain and the warnings issued with the forecasts made even the stalwarts pull the duvets back over their heads again. I didn’t even get that sort of exercise either as having decided on Friday night that I wasn’t going I already had my duvet exactly where I wanted it come getting up time on Saturday morning.

Hats off to all who drove to Derry through driving wind and rain to be greeted by driving wind and rain and then had to drive all the way back in more driving wind and rain. I wonder what drove them to do that?

5K TIME TRIAL

All members are invited to tomorrow night’s (Thursday) 5K Time Trial at the measured course at Downshire Hospital, where you’ll be asked to turn in your watch and /or any other timing device to try to run as near as possible to your predicted time. Needless to say the person who does so wins the top prize. But there are lots of prizes on offer and all will be presented back at the Clubrooms afterwards where some seasonal food and refreshments will be provided. Also the draw for the Club’s London marathon place will be made and the bronze medals will be presented to the All Ireland Over 50 Marathon Team from the Dublin marathon, who were all from EDAC.

Come and join the fun.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

Joe Quinn, Alison Carroll and Kirsti Foster (on the Juniors)

17 December 2018

The Weekly News – 10/12/2018

Posted on 10/12/2018 by Neil McCartan

MIGHTY PERFORMANCE BY MCGRADY AT MIGHTY OAKS

After missing out on competing in the Seeley Cup race last weekend due to flying problems, East Down’s Aaron McGrady was really champing at the bit as he waited at the start of the Mighty Oaks Cross Country league fixture in Cookstown on Saturday. And he literally took off from the gun to quickly assert his class, using his pent up frustration from last Saturday to jet propel him around the demanding and very muddy course, until he made a safe landing across the finish line, his time of 23.29 left him well clear of his nearest challengers, Neil Weir Willowfield 24.25 and Vincent McKenna Acorns in 24.26.

Dee Murray and Aaron McGrady pre XC

AARON’S PROFILE

Some of you are probably wondering who is Aaron McGrady anyway. Well he was a talented junior with EDAC and won triple jump tiles in the Young Athletes League before he went to university and settled in London after finding employment there.

He was very much into cycling before re-discovering his passion for running and he re-joined East Down AC again 2 years ago. He is also a member of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets AC which won the South of England Athletic Association Fell Running Championships on the Isle of Wight in September, with Aaron winning the individual title. These championships comprise 3 aces in 2 days, with the first 2 races on Saturday and the third and longest, on Sunday.

Aaron McGrady on the ups and downs of the South Eastern AA Fell Running Championships on the Isle of Wight, where he won the overall title.

TOUGH GOING IN THE ISLE of WIGHT

The races are not by any means easy individually, or collectively, the first being 3.8 K but with an ascent of 235 metres, the second 12K with an ascent of 443 metres and the third, on the following day, 21K with a 487m ascent. Aaron was 1^st and 2^nd respectively in the first two of the races and he calculated that he could win overall if he finished in 4^th place in the third race on Sunday morning. His eventual 3^rd place left him overall winner and as he said afterwards “It was a beautiful setting and some very hard racing, good mental preparation for the XC season coming up.” How prophetic that was!

AMSTERDAM HALF MARATHON

To further emphasise his versatility he ran the Amsterdam Half marathon on 21 October and came home in 9^th place posting a superb 1.12.09 which would have placed him 4^th in the recent Belfast Half and 6^th in the Waterside Half in Derry, so he is a top quality runner over all terrains.

JUNIORS AT COOKSTOWN

Lauren Madine was the only female from the Club juniors to take part in and duly won the U14 Girls race at the Cookstown venue and ever dependable Mackenzie Murray was the only Boy from the Club in the Under 16 Boys race, and while he found the going very tough he’s learning by the week and I am confident that he’ll develop into a top class runner.

Lauren Madine (centre) getting medal for winning the U14 Girls at Mighty Oaks AC

LADIES GET FIRST POINTS ON THE BOARD

East Down’s Ladies were much better represented than the men as they fielded a team of 6 and were more than pleased to place 5^th overall and to register their first place points of the current League campaign. The team scorers were Catherine O’Connor 10^th, Niamh Kellett 12^th, Deirdre Weatherall 20th and Clare Carson 54^th giving a total of 96 points. As if to emphasise the importance of overtaking everyone possible, right to the very end, that total was matched by Acorns AC, but because their 4^th scorer had finished higher than the East Down 4^th placed runner, Acorns get the better team position. In truth, the 3^rd placed team had only 6 points less than either Acorns or EDAC so with a few extra places it could so easily have been 3^rd place. But the EDAC squad are delighted with their achievement anyway. The other two participation point scorers were Janine Murray and Ella Carroll.

Clare Carson, Catherine O’Connor, Niamh Kellett, Deirdre Weatherall, Janine Murray, Ella Carroll before they hit the hills and muck at Mighty Oaks XC, Cookstown

TOUGH GOING IN LANZAROTE TOO!

Rising star Gordy Graham headed for the sun in Lanzarote to make his latest marathon effort and with typical cussedness the weather promptly stuck two fingers up at him by providing a very strong headwind on the out and back course, the sting in the tail being that it was in the homeward half. Nevertheless he should be happy with his time of 2.58.30.

PAUL CONTINUES HIS GREAT RUN OF FORM

Paul Lloyd, hard on the heels of his PB in last week’s Seeley Cup 10K, didn’t rest on his laurels, taking on the fairly unique Half Marathon around the motor racing circuit at Kirkistown. In a relatively small field of just 9 runners he ran very well to take second place in 1.31.54.

Paul Lloyd wearing his Run Kirkistown medal – 2nd in the Half Marathon

JINGLE ALL THE WAY for the CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

On Sunday Callum Kent and Roisin Gaffney showed the true Christmas spirit by heading to Stormont to take part in the Jingle All the Way 5K organised by the NI Hospice Care Team to raise money for the Children’s Hospice. Callum finished 9^th of 359 runners in 20.49 and Roisin was a little further back, in 81^st place in 27.49.

An excellent cause, so well done for giving it your support.

Roisin Gaffney and Callum Kent at Stormont – Hospice Santa 5K

FLAHAVAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY.

On Tuesday past several of East Down’s juniors representing their schools in the Flahavan’s Porridge Primary School Cross Country League meeting in Donard Park Newcastle, managed to qualify for the NI Finals as individuals, based on their placings in the 2 preliminary rounds.

Jodi 1^st and 2^nd and Kari Foster 4^th and 4^th from Spa Primary School and Erin Moore

from St Patrick’s Primary School Saul, with two 10^th place finishes qualified as the top 3

of the 5 individuals outside the qualifying teams. Unfortunately Alex Robinson was not

so fortunate for the boys, as after a slow start, he could not find his way far enough

through the traffic in a field of over 125 runners to take a qualifying position.

NEXT WEEK

Next weekend will see the EDAC Juniors on the road again as they travel to participate in the All Ireland Uneven Age Group Cross Country Championships at Navan Racecourse.

The Seniors have an equally difficult and lengthy journey to participate in the North West Cross Country in Gransha Park, Derry but at least they only have to run 6K when they get there. To paraphrase an old First World War marching song “It’s a long trip to run in Derry”. And it’s unique too in that everyone runs together, men, women, older men and women and junior men and women. It is literally an entire human race!

Joe Quinn

10 December 2018

The Weekly News – 26/11/18

Posted on 26/11/2018 by Alison Carroll

JUNIORS PROVIDE INSPIRATION TO THE SENIORS AT BALLYCLARE

As many of the younger junior members were away to Dublin for the All Ireland Even Age Group Championships only 2 East Down runners took part in the Age group races which preceded the Malcolm Cup Senior Cross Country races at Ballyclare on Saturday afternoon. Edie Carroll (Under 17 Girls) and Mackenzie Murray (Under 15 Boys) were the two to turn out and both produced eyecatching and morale boosting performances. Edie was coming back after an Achilles injury, with all the concern that can have, but she was pleased to feel herself strong and pain free throughout and was rewarded with second place.

Edie Carroll (2nd in the U17 Girls)

Pos.		Name	Club	Time
1	143	Meadow McCauley	Newry AC	12.50	G
2	45	Edie Carroll	East Down AC	13.01	G
3	144	Rebecca Magee	Dromore AC	13.15	G

Mackenzie ran a well paced race making a tactical burst as they approached the tree lined last section. The twists and the uphill were the right moment to do it and it enabled him to pass the athlete in second and take the number two slot on the podium. Great racing from both young harriers which provided inspiration for the seniors who were watching and had yet to run.

Mackenzie Murray (2nd in the U15 Boys)

1	167	Jacob McKittrick	Willowfield Harriers	11.07	B
2	165	Mackenzie Murray	East Down AC	11.41	B
3	157	C Fitzpatrick	St Michael’s Enniskillen	11.46	B

NEIL STARS IN MALCOLM CUP

After placing 4^th on the last 2 years in the Malcolm Cup fixture organised by Annadale Striders, East Down’s Neil McCartan was determined that he would at the very least take a podium position in this year’s renewal on Saturday. He made his intentions clear from the start setting off at the head of the huge field of almost 200 hundred runners. He was joined by a quartet of serious looking contenders for the title amongst who was Conall Kirk, his regular training partner under the expert eyes of Conall’s Dad, the redoubtable Mark Kirk. Johnny Whan, City of Lisburn, Eoin Hughes Acorns and Lorcan Magee Beechmount made up the leading group at the end of lap1 of 4.

FINAL LAP

At the end of lap 2 the top group had been reduced to 3, as Neil applied more pressure as he sought to make the decisive break. At the beginning of the final lap he looked to be in a strong position with only Kirk now in contention. But when they emerged from the long loop around the far end of the course it was Kirk who was leading by 10 to 15 metres, though as they passed by about 400 metres from the finish and headed for the hill through the trees, it was noticeable that the gap had started to close. After what seemed like an age they emerged from the trees again and it was the Red and Yellow East Down colours which were the first to show. Somehow, not only had he closed the gap on Kirk but Neil had overtaken him and established a rapidly increasing gap of 10 metres. What a turnaround this was! It was to great applause from his club mates and indeed most of the spectators who watched the finish that Neil not only improved his previous year’s position from 4^th but also won the race outright! It was a famous victory with Kirk taking second place 8 seconds behind in 20.40 and Whan a further 4 seconds behind that again in 20.44.

Neil McCartan 45 ahead of Connall Kirk 206 and Jonathan Whan at Ballyclare.

Neil McCartan 48 ahead of Conall Kirk 206 and Jonathan Whan at Ballyclare.

HOW DID THE OTHERS DO?

And of course there was the rest of the East Down squad still to come as this was a League fixture and team points were at stake. After taking the first 2 laps to suss out the opposition and the environment, Neil Curran, on his debut for the Club and on grass, gradually worked his way through the field to overtake long time 2^nd placed EDAC man Martin Willcox on the last lap to finish in a very commendable 48^th place just 2 ahead of Martin in 50^th followed by the 4^thteam scorer Dee Murray in 81^st to give the Downpatrick squad a team total of 180 points. There were several “first timers” to the cross country scene in addition to Neil – Gavin McConvey and Gareth Kelly, who if previous experience goes back to their school days is better described as “not within living memory”! Gavin Hynds and Stephen Heasley were their usual reliable selves while Paul Lloyd gets better with every outing. Gareth Kelly seemed to enjoy the softness underfoot while Paddy McDonald, Donal Smith and Gavin McConvey were all decidedly pleased to have contributed their points to the team total.

EDAC Men after the race

LADIES PERFORMANCES WARM THE HEART

The Ladies team also featured several making their initial sorties over the grass and Mags Flynn, apparently speaking for herself, Joanne Carson and Cathy Burke, was heard to mutter that it would be a once and once only experience, if only to get the team captain Janine Murray off their backs! However they actually really enjoyed it and are contemplating at least another one! Cathy’s daughter Aoife is now old enough to run as a Senior and she made light work of the course and looked fresh at the finish. Ella Carroll made use of her weekend at home to try not to be overtaken by her Dad, Paul. However it proved just beyond her as he flashed past without so much as a word of recognition, as she approached the start of her final lap and he on his way to 9^th overall and second place in the Over 45 category. The moral of the story is “Never look for sympathy, or fatherly love, when there’s money to be won!”

EDAC ladies before the race

COME AND ENJOY THE CRAIC (WHILE YOU’RE ABLE)

Leading the way of course, in her usual ebullient fashion, was Deirdre Weatherall and she proves time and again the inspiration to all the EDAC members, male and female to come and enjoy the craic. This is what cross country is all about! Another advocate of participation in this type of event is Cheryl Denvir who ably supports Janine in urging others to take part as I most certainly do. Probably the best example of getting out and enjoying yourself while you can is Carmel Tumelty, who travels to all parts of the country, enjoys running whatever the conditions, has a bit of craic and then goes home to await the next one.

TOM QUIETLY SOLDIERS ON

A word on our ever present “Senior” Tom Dowey who faithfully turns up in good time every week and runs with the over 60’s, who also run with the Females, very well, as it turns out. He may not know this but several of our inexperienced ladies have spotted how economically and evenly paced he runs and have targeted him as “the man to follow.” However keeping up with him is a problem as he has an excellent engine and often is second EDAC finisher as he was on Saturday ,well inside the top half of the field, in these mixed events. So Tom keep on running like you do and if you feel like you’re being watched, you’re probably right!

Tom Dowey 381 in action alongside Davie Seaton 554 ANI Chairman and 1st in the M70 category

ALL IRELAND EVEN AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS AT ABBOTSTOWN

The All Ireland Evens Age Groups XC took place on Sunday past at Abbotstown, Dublin. To take part athletes must have qualified as an individual, or part of a Club or County Team at the NI & Ulster Championship which was held at Greenmount, Antrim in October. EDAC U14 girls team had won Gold as top Club at that race so were hoping to maintain a podium position at the higher All Ireland level. Four of the EDAC athletes were also travelling to represent Co. Down as part of a team of 9 athletes including runners from Willowfield Harriers (Emmy Thornton, Alice Browne and Emma Harrison), Dromore AC (Ava Mehaffey) and Loughview (Lauren Taylor). Jodi Foster (EDAC) in the U12 category had qualified as an individual.

It was a wet, cold start to the day but conditions improved in time for racing to begin. The course was soft underfoot, muddy in places and had a few testing hilly parts. Jodi was in the first race of the day with 171 girls racing over 2000m. She managed a highly creditable 49th in the stacked field. The U14 girls were called to the line and as often is the case at the All Irelands there was a bit of jostling in the pens and some of the girls got a bad start. Anna Gardiner was unfortunate enough to take a tumble. They all know that a race is not over until the finish line is reached and they duly responded to the challenge with a full 3000m to redress the balance. The EDAC girls gave it their all. By the finish Kirsti Foster had worked her way up to a splendid 7th place, Lauren Madine came 11th, Lucy Foster made top 30 in 27th position. Anna Gardiner had to be pleased with 55th after her set back and Kara Trainor and Emily Burns completed the EDAC line up (127 and 134 respectively). It was a learning experience at a top level event and the parents and coaches are deservedly proud of their charges and how they performed. They missed out on the Club Gold by 2 points( what if Anna hadn’t fallen at the start?) but were delighted to go home with Silver Medals. The top 4 EDAC girls were also the first of the six scorers in the Co. Down team which took bronze medals, the others being Emmy Thornton 20^th and Ava Mehaffey 81^st , giving them a total of 201 behind only Cork and Dublin. Kirsti and Lauren were 2 of the top 6 scorers in the Ulster Team which won the Inter Provincial title ahead of Munster and the mighty Dublin squads and thus ended up with a complete set of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Congratulations to all for their individual efforts and team spirit.

3^rd PLACE IN THE IRISH NATIONAL MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DUBLIN

Out of the blue on Friday morning I received a small package from the postman, which contained 3 Bronze medals and a small slip of paper bearing 3 names, Declan Teague, David Smith and Liam Keenan. The medals, from the Athletic Association of Ireland (AAI), were inscribed National Marathon Masters Men Team 50+2018. So putting 2 and 2 together I figured that the 3 aforementioned had been awarded the medals as a result of their performances in the Dublin Marathon last month, their combined time for the distance was 9 hours 54 minutes and 45 seconds. So well done to our Seniors, and to complement the comments earlier about the inspiration set by the juniors, what an example this sets for our Juniors.

EDAC Juniors at the All Irelands Evens XC at Abbotstown – Silver medal in the U14 Girls
Anna Gardiner, Lauren Madine, Emily Burns, Kirsti Foster, Lucy Foster, Jodi Foster (U12) and Kara Trainor.

NEXT WEEK

It’s Seeley Cup time again and we’re back to the Ormeau Park on Saturday for one of the top road races of the year. If you haven’t got an entry by now then you’ll be out of luck as the organisers have reached their limit and won’t be accepting any more.

Please see the following information provided by event organisers Willowfield Harriers on

Pack Collection

This year there is only a small room available for on the day pack collection. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all runners collect their race packs at the times below or send someone to collect for you if possible. Pre-event collection will be at the Mary Peters Track (this is not the race venue), on :=Wednesday 28^th November – 11am until 6pm (last admission 5.45pm)

Thursday 29^th November – 12.30pm until 8.30pm (last admission 8.15pm)

Friday 30^th November – 11am until 4.30pm (last admission 4.15pm)

Saturday 1^st December – 12.30pm until 2pm (Ozone Arena, Ormeau Park)

If you have any surplus energy after the Seeley Cup or are just feeling festive there is a Santa Run in Crossgar hosted by Atlas Running. It starts at 2pm and you can register beforehand. https://athleticsni.org/Fixtures/Crossgar-Santa-Run

Joe Quinn, Alison Carroll and Kirsti Foster (on the Junior Scene)

26 November 2018

The Weekly News – 19/11/2018

Posted on 19/11/2018 by Neil McCartan

JOG MOIRA CROSS COUNTRY

On what was described as a lovely Sunday afternoon and with perfect running conditions it was good to see the return to the fixture list of the Moira Cross Country though the course was described as twisty & lumpy with an uphill finish. Competitors found it to be a well organised event as we have come to expect from any event under the Atlas Running banner.
And what a day out it proved to be for the Foster family.

All the junior races were combined Boys and Girls contests over a 1K lap, and after a tough battle the winner was Jodi Foster with sisters Kari 4th and Lily not far behind. Little brother Jay ran with his Dad alongside him and he wasn’t last!!!!
In the U13 race, Lucy won the Girls title with just two boys ahead over the 2K distance. In the Under 15 race over a 3K distance Kirsti won overall.
In senior race Mum Joanne ran well finishing 4th and Dad Davy had a super race and managed to finish 8th.

Co. DOWN 5K CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday morning once again provided ideal running conditions the 2^nd running of the Co. Down 5K Championships on a flat, fast circuit of the roads around the car park and the inner lane of Lr Market St, in the count town,which had been officially measured by ANI officials since last year, resulting in the Start being moved to opposite the library entrance with the Finish now located alongside the Grove, in all 7 and a half laps later. Prior to the first 5K race for those who had earmarked over 30 minutes for their likely finish time there were 2 races for school children and unfortunately I have been unable to find any published results for these so am unable to make any comments on these races.

30+ CONTESTANTS

The event comprises 3 separate races, race 1 is for those who estimate their finishing time to be over 30 minutes, Race 2 is for those who reckon they can run it between 20 and 30 minutes and Race 3, is for the elite athletes who think they can run it in under 20 minutes.

EDAC did not have any runners in Race 1, which was won by Sara Murray from Emma Gordon and Mark McNally in 26.49, 26.50 and 26.56 respectively and 12 runners had crossed the line before the first over 30 minute runner emerged in the shape of Dympna Morrison, Tels Fitness, so the leading dozen should really have been running in Race 2, as they undoubtedly will have to next year!

RACE 2 ESTIMATED TIME BETWEEN 20 – 30 MINUTES

East Down had 8 runners in this category and clearly the estimated times of all the entrants were much more accurate than the Race 1 competitors had been, with only 5 of the 76 runners finishing inside 20 minutes, and everyone else coming home inside 30 minutes, the last being 29.58, an excellent piece of predicted timing by Phillip Keown. The race winner was Barry Kelly 18.55 Flying Horse flyers, repeating last year’s victory in only a slightly slower time, proving that there is plenty of life there yet, from Nigel Grier 19.11 Dromore AC and Alan Jordan 19.38, Saintfield Striders. The most accurate estimate at the sharp end of the field was Newcastle’s Gerard McAuley 6^th place whose time of 20.00 minutes was a new PB for him and left him safe for next year! Adam Morgan continues to impress and he certainly did not look out of his depth as he clocked 22.05.

Adam Morgan sprinting to the line

Cormac O’Hare battled manfully too and probably took considerable pride in posting 24 minutes against the 26.18 recorded by his Dad Shane. Well done to them – Isn’t it great to be part of a sport where parents and their children can compete against each other on equal terms?

LAUREN ENDS AWARDS WEEK IN STYLE

The first female to finish in overall 7^th place was East Down’s Lauren Madine 20.28, from Edwina Ternan 20.56, Saintfield Striders, in second and Lauren’s clubmate Anna Gardiner in third on 21.04. Lauren had cause for double celebration as on Friday night she was presented with the Ulster Athletic Council Juvenile Star Award 2018 for County Down in the Under 12 – 15 Age Category at a function in the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan.

Lauren Madine at the Ulster Athletics Award Night – U13-U15 Ulster Star 2018

The places and times of all the East Down runners are as listed in the table below.

Position	Number	1^st Name	Surname	M/F		Time
7	868	Lauren	Madine	F	1st female	00:20:28
10	900	Callum	Kent	M	1st Jun	00:20:46
14	954	Anna	Gardiner	F	3rd Female	00:21:04
25	979	Morgan	Adam	M		00:22:05
38	950	Cormac	O’Hare	M		00:24:00
39	879	Catherine	Gilchrist	F		00:24:02
54	338	Seamus	Savage	M		00:25:27
62	949	Shane	O’Hare	M		00:26:48

Catherine Gilchrist and Seamus Savage

MACKENZIE ON TOP OF HIS GAME

Only Mackenzie Murray took on the challenge of the Elite 5K and how well he performed. This was a very competitive race, run at a very fast pace, the sort of situation where an inexperienced runner could easily get carried away early on, get sucked into a suicidal pace and end up struggling for survival in the last few laps.

But not Mackenzie. He ran a very well judged race, displaying a maturity beyond his years and certainly belying his inexperience, to come home in a superb 19.00 minutes, 45 seconds inside his previous best for the distance. I’ll bet there won’t be a prouder wearer anywhere of the unique medal (in the shape of the number 5) presented to every finisher on the day.

Mackenzie Murray shows off his medal

ELITE MEN

The race as won in fine style by John Black, North Belfast Harriers, in 15.21 from Eoin Hughes Acorns AC in 15.24 with Steven McAlary City of Derry Spartans in 15.34 in third place. The winner was always in the leading group but only asserted himself on the penultimate lap to win fairly comfortably in the end. In fact the top 6 runners all finished under 16 minutes though last year the top 2 broke 15 minutes, but only 4 were under 16 minutes, over what has come to be recognised as a “short” course.

Position	Number	1^st Name	Surname	M/F	Time
1	874	John	Black	M	00:15:21
2	973	Hughes	Eoin	M	00:15:24
3	860	Steven	McAlary	M	00:15:34

ELITE WOMEN

The winning Female was Kelly Neely 17.28, City of Lisburn from North Down’s Rachel Gibson, 17.34, with Sarah Grant North Down 17.42 just edging out QUB’s Sinead Sweeney who was given the same time.

27	947	Kelly	Neely	F	City of Lisburn AC	00:17:28
28	971	Gibson	Rachel	F	North Down AC	00:17:34
29	866	David	Leavy	M	City of Lisburn AC	00:17:40
30	882	Tommy	Hughes	M	Termoneeny R C	00:17:42
31	336	Sarah	Grant	F	North Down AC	00:17:42
32	991	Sweeney	Sinead	F	QUB AC	00:17:42

“EXPRESS” STILL IN WORKING ORDER

Sandwiched between these two pairs of female finishers was the Marrakesh Express, former Belfast and Dublin Marathon winner (and of course the Marrakesh Marathon too) and Olympian, Tommy Hughes, now running with Termoneeny Running Club and looking as sprightly as ever at age 54. He too was credited with a time of 17.42.

This was a very well organised event which, with the official certification of the distance, looks destined to become a “must do” fixture for the top runners to aspire to in the future.

NEXT WEEK END

The action switches back to the turf next week end when the Malcolm Cup meeting is the top fixture. The action takes place in Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, where if present weather holds, the going will be firm and fast underfoot. East Down expect to field strong teams in both the Men’s and Women’s races. Action begins at 1.00pm with the Under 11 Boys and Girls half mile race and with races for Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 17 age groups there is something for everyone.

See you all there.

Joe Quinn, Alison Carroll

19 November 2018

The Weekly News – 05/11/2018

Posted on 05/11/2018 by Neil McCartan

TOM A LONE STAR AT CROSS COUNTRY AT BALLYCLARE

As it is no longer a Cross Country League Fixture, the McConnell Shield event at Ballyclare has become a much less important meeting, and attendance has fallen dramatically over the past 2 years. Runners pick and choose their races with much more thought about the next team performance nowadays and for the most part are glad to have a “free” Saturday when they can relax and chill out. On Saturday only one EDAC runner, the evergreen Tom Dowey turned out at Ballyclare and gave evidence of his well being by taking 6^th place in the Over 60 Masters category. Unfortunately until I have obtained a new left knee I will be unable to accompany him on this so far, very impressive season or indeed any other campaign. But keep on going Tom you’re doing a great job, I’ll join you when I can!

LAUREN IMPRESSES AT MINNOWBURN

On Saturday morning it was Lauren Madine who took the honours when she finished second female and a very creditable 3^rd overall in 19.47 in the Born2Run Minnowburn 5K, which was won by top North Down runner Rachel Gibson.

Lauren Madine at Minnowburn Born2Run 5K

SUNDAY IN DROMORE

It is hard to believe that another McGrady Financial Services Junior XC has come along again so quickly but the theory is to get the bulk of the 5 race series over before the colder weather appears and so it was that the Juniors took to the playing fields in Dromore in bright autumnal sunshine for Race number 3 hosted by Dromore AC in their usual efficient fashion. The racing stuck to schedule and although there are no real hills in this course there are plenty of twists and turns so full concentration is required. This is one for the tacticians rather than the mud lovers. 30 of our Juniors took part and represented EDAC to the best of their ability. Every competitor gets a point for his or her club so we are delighted that so many made the effort to attend.

EDAC in the front line – P6 Boys and Girls. Eventual winners Kari Foster (80) and Alex Robinson (87)

Darragh McCrickard of Newcastle is a whiz with the figures so it makes it easy to see who did what. At a glance we can see that of our 30 athletes, 18 have managed to attend 3 out of 3 so far and are well on their way to collecting their reward for completing the series, 13 athletes made podium at Dromore – Lily Foster (P4 and under), Aoibheann McVeigh (P5), Alexander Robinson and Kieran Trainor (P6) Kari Foster and Erin Moore (P6) Matthew Taylor (P7) Jodi Foster (P7), Emily Burns (Yr8), Lauren Madine, Lucy Foster and Kara Trainor (Yr9) Mackenzie Murray (Yr 10) with special congratulations to Alex, Kari, Jodi and Lauren for coming first in their respective age groups.

Jodi Foster leads the way – P7 Girls

Lauren Madine (76) Lucy Foster (82) and Kara Trainor make the front pack in the Year 8 race

Kieran Trainor racing in to take 2nd place

As well as the ones at the front of the pack we had plenty who put in sterling performances and raced all the way to the line. Alice Taylor in one of the biggest races of the day (14 girls in the P4 and under) was not in the lead pack but caught the eye as she finished in a bunch of 4 with 2 seconds covering all 4 crossing the line. Others to impress were Anna Kearney, Ellen Tumelty, Seana Murray, Thomas Brown and Orla Gibney with a sprint finish! It was fantastic to watch.

Alice Taylor( P4 and under)

Anna Kearney EDAC(90) battles it out with Amy McCartan (35 Dromore AC)

NEWCOMERS WELCOMED

We had some first timers too – Rose and Sam Kelly gave it a go and hopefully enjoyed the experience. Aaron Mullan also a late recruit was obviously not put off by his outing in Kilbroney as he came back for a second go. This series is all about encouraging juniors to have a go and it is not too late as there are still 2 events left. Our EDAC hosted race takes place in Delamont on January 20th so plenty of time to prepare.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The only action on the home front next weekend is the Run to Remember 5K on Saturday organised by Atlas Running, in Ballynahinch starting at 2.00pm from the British Legion Hall. The N.I. and Ulster Uneven Age Groups Cross Country Championships take place on Sunday in faraway Scotstown Co. Monaghan.

On a different tack East Down AC will hold its annual Senior Awards and Social Evening in the Clubrooms on Saturday 10 November meeting at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Hope to see all you senior members there.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

5 November 2018

The Weekly News – 01/10/2018

Posted on 01/10/2018 by Neil McCartan

ONLY 3 IN ACTION?

In a competition to ascertain what the lowest turnout from East Down runners over a weekend in recent years then, last weekend’s total of 3 at 2 separate events, must really be the winner. However most can probably be excused as it was the final weekend of “getting in a 20 miler” in preparation for the Dublin City marathon on the last Sunday of this month. (See apologetic humble pie being eaten before end of this report!)

JIMMY’S TEN WINNERS FILL 3 of TOP 6 PLACES in BANGOR

The 2 events in question were the Bangor Classic 10K, which this year incorporated the Ulster and NI 10K Road Racing Championships, and the Ford 5K in Newcastle. The former event had over 1000 entries and almost 1000 finishers and had probably the best front end in terms of quality runners, of any race in recent times, in which the top three broke 31 minutes and the top 10 all broke 33 minutes. The Derry based Kenyan Gideon Kipsang, 2015 winner of Jimmy’s Ten, who last weekend won the Belfast City Half Marathon only just got up on the line to beat Kevin Seaward, who was a superb 4^th in the recent Commonwealth Games Marathon, both being credited with the same time 30.21. Close behind came Declan Reed 30.56 in third place ahead of Mark McKinstry 31.14 who won Jimmy’s Ten this year, followed by Scott Rankin in 31.56 and Ben Branagh 32.00, who won Jimmy’s Ten in 2017.

PAUL IN THE 40s

The sole East Down representative in the race was Paul Lloyd, who came agonisingly close to breaking the 40 minute barrier for the first time, clocking 40.06, a mere second per mile deficit! But come it will Paul, possibly some time when you’re least expecting it. The secret of success is to relax and try not to think about it. Don’t go out every week with the aim of breaking through and don’t be too hard on yourself – there are those who dream of the times you are clocking now! Perhaps the Saintfield 10K on 13^th October could be the one? This race organised by Atlas Running on behalf of Saintfield Striders was a big success last year and promises to be even bigger and better this year. Entry details can be found at https://www.atlasrunning.co.uk Failing that the Seeley Cup in Ormeau Park on 1^st December is a flat fast course which may tick the PB box.

Paul Lloyd Paul Lloyd at Bangor, not looking too disappointed at missing out on a sub 40 time.

FORD 5K COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Paul Burns and Callum Kent were the lone raiders from East Down to try out the new route which was widely publicised as much flatter and faster than last year.

Here’s what Paul had to say afterwards-

“I thought the race itself was really good – it was a flat, fast course through the centre of Newcastle finishing with a lap of the Gaelic pitch, well supported and well marshalled. The organisers provided great refreshments afterwards with hot food and sandwiches, tea & coffee, etc. and also some very impressive looking trophies. It deserved better support but I understand that it’s hard to compete against free Parkruns all over the country on the same day. But it’s definitely a race I would recommend and do again.” Paul’s time of 17.35 and 6^th place overall was a PB, made all the more satisfying as he was still feeling the effects of last Sunday’s Belfast City Half Marathon and a tough hill session during training on Thursday night.

Callum Kent 81 and Paul Burns at the Ford 5K on Saturday.

CALLUM ALSO ON THE PB TRAIL and CROSS COUNTRY TOO!

Another super run saw Callum Kent not only land the trophy for 1^st Juvenile to finish but also set a new PB of 20.05 into the bargain. Well done to him and he tells me he is looking forward to the upcoming cross country season which will give him the opportunity to build up some considerable strength in his legs to improve his road and track running speed next year. Good luck to him in that.

EVEN MORE RUNNING THAN I THOUGHT

I have also heard since I began writing this that some other Club members did in fact run at the weekend, several taking part in Parkruns in preparation for next Saturday’s Relay races in Victoria Park and elsewhere. So my apologies to anyone who was offended by my opening remarks, if you’re still reading this. Neil McCartan set a new Parkrun PB of 15.26, though not a 5K PB, in that very venue on Saturday, an indication of his form at the moment. So watch out all comers on Saturday, EDAC are on the move.

RACE TO TRAIN?

Clare Carson ran the 3/4 marathon in Ballybofey, Donegal on Sunday. She is going well in her lead up to Dublin and her tack of getting in the long miles by entering events seems to be working as she completed in 2 hours 50 minutes. She has found that racing breaks up the tedium and has produced some good performances on the way. I have to say that Clare’s philosophy exactly matches mine in this respect. If you’re training for a marathon, racing a slightly shorter distance than your target e.g. a half marathon or even 10K, faster than your planned time is an ideal way to keep the boredom away and to fine tune your fitness.

EDIE IN SEARCH OF MORE VARIETY?

And of course there are things other than running to do at weekends to keep your fitness at a high level, like taking part in triathlons for instance! Edie Carroll added a couple more disciplines to her training recently in order to prepare for her first triathlon. The event was the “Tri-gether Ladies Only Triathlon” hosted by 247 Triathlon Club in Letterkenny. It was a huge success with 100 females of all ages turning out to race on the day. There were 2 distances of pool swim – 400m or 750m with the same bike (20K) and run (5K) courses for both classes. Edie having only recently come to swimming opted for the shorter swim and having conquered that challenge in under 9 minutes, she cycled the fastest bike split of the day and had a decent “off the bike run” giving her second place overall. It was a well organised event with a very encouraging organising team and worth considering for anyone wanting to cross train for their running season. Well Done Edie.

Edie Carroll strides out on her way to 2nd place overall in the triathlon I Letterkenny on Sunday.

EARLIER IN THE WEEK

Mackenzie Murray running for St Colmcille’s High School, Crossgar secured 2nd place in the Junior Boys age group at NMDDC Schools’ XC which was held at Kilbroney Forest Park mid-week. He ran a tactical race sitting in 3rd for a long way then he and the boy who had been in second went for a late surge and passed the previous leader. It was an exciting race and one which will give Mackenzie the incentive to race to the line every time. Well done! I have been unable to find any published results of this event on the NM&DDC site or elsewhere, so if you’re annoyed about not getting a deserved mention here then why not report what you’ve done each week directly to me? My email address is jaykwin69@gmail.com and my telephone number is 07398514122.

East Down’s Mackenzie Murray smiles after winning the Silver medal for his school St Colmcille’s Secondary in Crossgar

INDUCTION NIGHT

On Monday Night past EDAC held an Induction Night for our current Junior members. We looked back at the achievements that have been made by various teams and individuals throughout the last 12 months and commended good attendance and consistent efforts at training sessions. The young athletes were shown a training plan going into the XC season and all received an EDAC buff to wear in the colder weather ahead. It was fantastic to see so many young people committing themselves to the sport and keen to represent the club. It was also heartening to see parents prepared to add their names to the rota to help the process run smoothly. It takes a lot of manpower to organise a junior section but the atmosphere on Monday Night was a just reward. Here’s to the future!

Some of East Down’s Junior members pictured at the Club’s Induction night on 24 September.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

1 October 2018