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 – 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 – 12/11/2018

Posted on 12/11/2018 by Neil McCartan

BALLYNAHINCH RUN TO REMEMBER 5K and 26 EXTREME MARATHONS IN TOLLYMORE and NI and ULSTER UNEVEN AGE GROUP CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

East Down athletes had a busy weekend despite only a relatively small number actually running. So while most of its long distance runners rested after their efforts in the Dublin Marathon 2 weeks ago, many of the members were involved in making preparations for the Annual Senior Award Night, held on Saturday night in the Club’s Premises in Downpatrick, a marathon effort in itself!

However as he had entered the 26 Extreme Tollymore Trail Ultra marathon long before the date of the Awards night was known, Stephen Heasley didn’t want to opt out of taking part, eve though a few hours on the dance floor was the carrot dangled in front of him. So off he went to begin the Ultra (39 miles) around the trails and hills of Tollymore Forest Park and a right good job he made of it as he was done and dusted in 6 hours and 51 minutes taking 20^th place overall in a field of 48 finishers Well Done to him. And he also turned up ready to trip the light fantastic at the Awards Do later on that night. I just need to remind him here though that when it comes to “tripping” that is my particular speciality at the present time.

DECLAN TEAGUE 3 in 5, 11 in 12 or 13 In 12.

Another to clock up yet another marathon, his 3^rd in the past 5 weeks and 11^th this year, was Declan Teague who although he had no expectation of attending the Ball later on, still made short work of the 2 lap marathon distance in 3.55 , placing him 24^th out of 80 finishers in that particular race. He said he was looking for another marathon somewhere before the end of December to give him a round 12 in 12 total for the year, though he doubts if he really wants to go for the Baker’s dozen.

Declan Teague – Tollymore Trail Marathon

HALF MARATHON

Niall Gibney was 25^th in 1.41 the Half Marathon, which had 318 finishers, while Marguerite Robinson rediscovered her love of the trail and enjoyed every minute of it finishing in 174^th in 2.06. Probably enjoyed the freedom of getting away from being chauffeur in Mum’s Taxi, for a few hours! Gavin McConvey was another one cashing in on the miles built up for Dublin taking a respectable 223^rd place in 2.15.

Gavin mcConvey and Marguerite Robinson after the Tollymore Trail Half marathon (26xtreme)

There was also another 119 in the 10K which meant that almost 570 runners took part in these increasingly popular races.

RUN TO REMEMBER 5K

On Saturday morning Martin Willcox proved yet again that he doesn’t do slow and easy as he completed the Atlas Running organised 5K Run to Remember in Ballynahinch, his 19 minutes time being bettered by only one other person as he claimed 2^nd spot to John Craig’s winning effort of 17.12. John is in tremendous form at the moment as he won the Decathlon 10K last weekend in 32.45, so Martin certainly did well to keep him in view.

Ross Moore (3rd) John Craig (1st),Martin Willcox (2nd) In Ballynahinch Run to Remember

Fastest female was Sarah Graham Mourne Runners with East Down’s Joanne foster an impressive 2nd place running 21.45, a good 40 seconds ahead of 3rd place Beverley Mitchell of Albertville Harriers in a field of 241 finishers.

Joanne Foster (2nd ) Sarah Graham (1st) Beverley Mitchell (3rd) Ballynahinch

ANNA EXCELS AT SCOTSTOWN

After a last minute course change caused by a farmer taking exception to the route, the NI&Ulster XC Uneven Age Groups at Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, took place on a bright clear day with little wind. The hurriedly revised course was flatter than the original and as a result the mud lovers and hill seekers were disappointed and it was said that it was almost like a track event held on grass. No matter though as athletes have to race what is in front of them and race they did. EDAC had sent a good quota of Juniors and it was a well rewarded mission.

As with the Evens a couple of weeks back, these Age Group races are qualifiers for All Irelands (Dec 15th) and selection is based on coming in top 12 individuals or being part of a club team that is placed in top 4 or by coming top 10 in a County Team that is in the top 3 of all the County Teams. Confused? Now you can see why we say to the Juniors run, run and don’t look back and only stop when you reach the finish and then when the race is over, we can calculate any selections. More on that later.

HOW DID THEY DO?

The youngest athletes ran in the U11 category. Alex Robinson and Kieran Trainor battled hard as they always do and came 29th and 53rd respectively out of a lively 84 youngsters. Erin Moore and Kari Foster were in the U11 Girls and again put in the efforts we have come to expect. Erin got 36th out of 86 and Kari was delighted to come 11th. In the U13 Boys we had Oliver Robinson (27th of 93) and in the U15 boys Mackenzie Murray 23rd out of 64. These boys are consistent performers and do the club proud every time they pull on the vest. In the U13 it was fantastic to see Anna Gardiner take the outright win. Well deserved, Anna! Behind in the same category were Lucy Foster (7th), Jodi Foster (20th), Kara Trainor 32nd), Emily Burns (44th) and Anna Kearney (68th). Their collective results out of a huge field of 94 secured third Club Place so bronze medals for the team! In the U15 Kirsti Foster ran a well paced race to take 5^th place with Lauren Madine a couple of places back in 7^th .

Oliver Robinson (U13)

Alex Robinson and Kieran Trainor (U11)

Scotstown – NI&Ulster Uneven XC Championships Anna Gardiner – Gold

NAVAN HERE WE COME

So in the final tally up we are proud to say that the following are going to the All Ireland Uneven Championships on December 15th at Navan race Course – Kirsti and Lauren and Kari as individuals, Anna Gardiner and Lucy Foster also achieve this as well as going as part of the EDAC U13 Girls’ Team with the rest of the girls- Jodi, Kara, Emily and Anna Kearney. Mackenzie and Oliver and Erin may well get the call based on County selection as Down came 2nd County in their age groups. Not a bad day’s work for Team EDAC. Thanks are due to Coach Peter for drawing up the entries which is no mean feat and to the parents for transport. See you at the next one.

EDAC Junior girls after their races

SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT

On Saturday night the Club held its Annual Senior Awards night, superbly organised by the Social Secretary, Janine Murray and ably assisted by Alison Carroll and the rest of the Committee. Thanks are due to Roisin Gaffney, Gavin McConvey, Gavin Hynds, Joanne Carson, Ella Carroll, Dermot Cahill and Daniel McClean for pitching in to set up and clear up. Much appreciated. A great night’s craic was enjoyed by many of the members and their friends.

The Awards which were presented were as follows:-

Most Improved Female Athlete:- Clare Carson,

Most Improved Male Athlete:- Gavin Hynds,

Male Athlete of the Year:- Phillip Vint,

Female Athlete of the Year:- Deirdre Weatherall

Club Person of the Year:- Alison Carroll

201718 East Down AC Club awards – Alison Carroll ( Club Person) Clare Carson (Most improved Female) Deidre Weatherall (Female Athlete ) Gavin Hynds (Most improved Male) Missing from pic Phillip Vint (Male Athlete)

Speaking at the presentation Club Chairman Tom McClean paid tribute to all the athletes who had represented the Club throughout the past year, to the hard working Committee who were eager to do everything in their power to deliver excellent facilities and coaching for the benefit of all the members, and to parents who were stepping in to help the coaches on junior club training nights. He said that the premises, which are the envy of most other clubs, were now used on 5 out of 7 days/nights every week for a variety of fitness related activities and he thanked the management and staff of AMH for their ongoing help and co-operation in making night’s like this one possible and he called for a special round of applause for Tony and his staff in the Gaolers Kitchen for providing a very enjoyable meal. He wished all those present and all the members juniors and seniors, continued and even greater success in the coming year.

Joe and Vera Quinn with EDAC Chairperson Tom McClean

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

12 November 2018

The Weekly News – 08/10/18

Posted on 08/10/2018 by Alison Carroll

GOLDEN PERFORMANCES AT ROAD RELAYS RESULTS IN BRONZE MEDALS FOR EDAC LADIES

Saturday was a beautiful day, weather wise for everyone and certainly performance wise for the Senior Ladies Team from East Down AC (EDAC) as they turned in a 4 star display of top quality running in the NI and Ulster Road Relay Championships, superbly organised and hosted by Orangegrove AC in Victoria Park, Belfast. Having finished outside the medals in 4^th place last year, this year’s trio of Catherine O’Connor, Deirdre Weatherall and Caroline McNabb were determined to reach the podium this time. And reach it they did in impressive style foiled only by an unbeatable trio from Queen’s University AC, comprising Rebecca Henderson, Sinead Sweeney and Emma Mitchell, whose individual times of 11.27, 11.23 and the amazing 10.30 by Emma, were the top 3 best times recorded on the day and enabled them to smash the existing record of 34.30 by 1 minute and 11 seconds and North Down A whose first and 3^rd leg runners ran the 3^rd and 4th fastest legs of the day, 11.33 and 11.35 respectively. So the competition was top drawer and was matched commendably by Catherine’s first leg 11.36 which saw her hand over to Deirdre Weatherall in third place.

Senior Women 1 QUB AC 2 North Down AC 3 East Down AC – Catherine O’Connor, Caroline McNabb and Deidre Weatherall

DEIRDRE KEEPS HER BONE

Anyone who knows Deirdre knows that she is a fighter of considerable ability and one who won’t easily let her bone go with the dog if she can help it. So it was with great pride that the assembled supporters from EDAC saw her cross the finish mat at the end of her 2 miles in an unbelievable 12.49, which not only held onto 3^rd place but gave the anchor leg runner Caroline McNabb an unassailable advantage over the 4^th place team. So Caroline, knowing she could not overtake either of the two teams ahead of her, simply ran quickly enough to retain that advantage. The overall team total was 36.48, which represents an average of 6.08 minutes per mile over the 6 miles. So Well Done all you ladies, this was a truly inspiring run by every one of you – so the only way to top that performance is to go one (or perhaps even 2) better next year!.

EDAC Senior Women’s Teams

EDAC MASTERS TAKE PART IN THE SENIOR

EDAC ladies had 2 other teams in the Senior race, the EDAC B Team, Janine Murray, Joanne Foster, Edie Carroll 41.27 placing 12^th and the C Team, Alison Carroll, Ella Carroll, Cheryl Denvir 46.36 in 26^th out of the 30 teams which finished. Both teams had to take part in the “Open” Senior race as at least one member in each team was too young to qualify as a Master, i.e. Under 35. But I’ll leave you to work out who they were! So all in all a very special day – really a Ladies Day to remember!

Earlier in the day the Master Ladies race had an EDAC Ladies team comprising Clare Carson, Roisin Gaffney and Marguerite Robinson placed a commendable 40^th out of 59 teams completing with splits of 14.28, 16.35 and 16.23 respectively giving a team total of 47.24. This was a very good performance by all three women as they are primarily long distance runners, and in Clare’s case she is in the middle of training for the Dublin marathon, a mere 3 weeks away. Take a Bow Ladies.

EDAC Master’s Womens Team

EDAC MEN

There were significant contributions to the Mens’ Races too where Men’s Captain Dee Murray shuffled his pack expertly to make all the teams competitive, at the same time rueing the absence for one reason or another of top runners Brendan Teer, Aaron McGrady and James O’Hare. But injuries cannot be ruled out at any time so well done those who stepped in to fill the gaps, including the evergreen Dee, who appropriately ran the D leg himself, in the Senior team. Neil McCartan set the bar very high with a blistering first leg run, literally running himself into the ground as he fell across the line in 9.42, in joint 5^th place with this year’s Jimmy’s Ten winner Mark McKinstry, and the leading trio only seconds ahead. Neil recovered from what he described afterwards as a mistake in not eating sufficiently beforehand and is raring to go in the coming weeks. He is already looking forward to next year and a chance to make amends.

GORDY, MATTHEW and DEE

Second leg runner for EDAC was Gordy Graham, who had already clocked 75 miles in training this week as he also sets his sights on Dublin, and he too ran his socks off and maintained EDAC’s position in the top 6 as he handed over to the baby of the team Matthew McGrattan who is a track specialist and one of the young guns who will form the backbone of the club in years to come. He too hammered out 2 splendid laps, clocking 12.10, before handing over to Club captain Dee Murray, who didn’t disappoint either as he sailed round the 2 miles in 11.52 to post a total of 44.32 and claim 12^th place. Eight miles in 44.32 is 5.34 per mile or “some running” as we say here. So well done Lads, I’m proud of you.

MENS MASTERS

The men also mounted a strong challenge in the Master’s race where Martin Willcox 11.18 made an early statement of intent to all comers and handed over to Paul Burns who made up several places to set the fastest time of this quartet and gave James Savage, great to see him back again, a chance to consolidate his position. Again lack of race fitness could be used as an excuse for not putting in the effort required, but James ran with much of his old speed to hand over to Davy Foster, having clocked 11.48 for the 2 laps. Davy didn’t disappoint either as he chased all the way to bring the A team home in 45.38, recording 11.20 for his leg, and taking a super 7^th place overall.

The B team, Paul Lloyd, Mark McDowell, Gareth Reilly and Gavin Hynds also applied itself well to the task and after laps of 12.07, 12.11, 12.58 and 12.46 respectively their total of 50.30 resulted in 30^th place and as deserving of the accolades as any of the aforementioned winners. EDAC were not finished yet as they managed to produce a Team C made up of Stephen Heasley, Tom McClean, Donal Smith and 65 year old Tom Dowey. The 4 men ran well taking 12.28, 14.12, 15.02 and 15.35 respectively for a total of 57.16 and 53^rd place out of the 61 teams that finished.

EDAC Men’s Masters Team

JUNIORS IN WINNING ACTION TOO

Earlier the Juniors had been involved in Primary and Age Group races with the following results :-Primary Girls Jodi Foster 2^nd with good performances from Kelsey Murray, Erin Moore, Caragh Moore and Kari Foster. It was a hectic pace and a packed course so they did well to stay upright and arrive home safely.

Jodi Foster 2nd in Primary Girls

u15 Girls Podium| Kirsti Foster (EDAC) Gold, Tara McDonagh (NDAC) Silver, Lauren Madine (EDAC) Bronze

Alex Robinson ran a strong race so was a little annoyed to be pipped on the line for 3^rd place taken by surprise in the last few metres in the Primary school Boys race although big brother Ollie had possibly even more cause for annoyance having finished in the Under 13 Boys race minus one shoe!

Alex Robinson (Primary)

Lucy Foster won the Under 13 Girls race which was a huge achievement as she had a clear lead from the start and looked smooth as she came in ahead of the other 25 girls in her age group. A fantastic entry and a great win!. Older sister Kirsti won the Under 15 race also with a good gap from 2nd. EDAC clubmate Lauren Madine took third place. Mackenzie Murray ran in the U15 boys and was plumb in the middle of the pack at the finish. Lauren then took on a second weekend challenge on Sunday when she was first Female finisher in the Charity 5K at Cultra.

Jodi Foster 2nd in Primary Girls

Primary Girls Kelsey Murray Erin Moore Caragh Moore Kari Foster Jodi Foster

DECLAN IN HUNGARY

Declan Teague continued his travels around Europe, pre Brexit, with a visit to the Hungarian capital Budapest to take part in their annual Marathon, his 54^th in total and although he had sustained an injury to his hamstring during the Belfast Half Marathon 2 weeks ago he managed to get round the course in 4 hours and 4 minutes. He was not overly impressed with the time but from an eve of race prediction that he would have to walk most or all of it, he is surely more than happy to have finished albeit as he put it “on one leg and 10 ibuprofen later”. He was mightily impressed with what he described as “ a superb event, which would make a great club trip, providing as it does a 5K (which his wife Tracey did) and 10K option on the Saturday, as well as the Full Marathon, a 2 or 4 person Marathon Relay and a 30K distance on the Sunday along a flat route mostly along the Danube”. So that’s probably where a lot of us will be heading next year, but only if it doesn’t interfere with the Road Relays!!

Declan Teague after Budapest Marathon

VINTS IN LUSK

Helen and Phillip Vint enjoyed the unseasonably good weather on Saturday too as they warmed up for watching the Rugby match on Sunday afternoon by taking part in the Lusk Festival of running which includes a full marathon, a Half marathon and a 30K which is about 20 miles. Coincidentally both Helen and Phillip finished in exactly the same time, 3hrs and 29 minutes, Phillip having ran 26.2 miles and Helen the shorter 20 miles and were doubly delighted.

AND FINALLY

Gareth Amos and his 3 daughters plus Eimear Degan attended the Bangor Warrior event on Sunday, the purpose of which seems to be to get down and dirty, if appearances are anything to go by! By all accounts they enjoyed the experience.

Warrior Assault Race in Bangor – Mia Proctor- Amos, Eimear Degan, Matthew Brown, Gareth Amos and Keira Proctor-Amos

WELL DONE EVERYONE!

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

8 October 2018

The Weekly News – 24/09/2018

Posted on 24/09/2018 by Neil McCartan

CARRY ON UP THE CAUSEWAY 10K, HALF, MARATHON or ULTRA

Stephen Heasley took on the ultra which starts on Benone Strand and goes to Portballantrae then out to Ballintoy and returns to Portballantrae – 40 miles of madness which he said was “somewhat” eased by the scenery, which he clearly wasn’t spending much time looking at to judge by his time of 8h 25m!! Linda Cunningham completed the marathon distance Portballantrae to Ballintoy and back in 6h 26m. Sean Sealey (in the company of his wife Susan) stuck with running the mere 13.1 miles Half together with perennial competitors Eithne McGrattan and Bernice McCann who both completed 4.06.01,while Sean and Susan finished in 3.15.09. Though the weather was perfect, on this type of terrain the running is never easy and the times are purely incidental.. WELL DONE ALL!

DOUBLE DIPPERS

Sean was one of 4 members who pushed the boat out by doing back to back events. He also tackled Belfast Half the day after Causeway this time in the company of the EDAC squad many of whom are on the build up to Dublin Marathon next month. He reckons that the supply of cakes and goodies at the Causeway event made Saturday good value for money as he made sure to avail of every opportunity at the feed stations. He attributes his ability to do the second event to this considered approach but doubts that he would have managed a third race today. Two is plenty!

Clare Carson and Kevin Kelly ran Dublin and Belfast Half Marathons on consecutive days. Clare managed an age group win in Dublin and said that Dublin event was very scenic as it was set within Phoenix Park. She felt that both events deserved commendation for the organisation.

BLACKROCK 4 MILES

On Saturday evening at the Stephen Carroll/Captain Mark Duffy Blackrock 4 Miler Donal Smith used it as a warm up for the Belfast Half the following day. His 31.16 was 7 minutes quicker than last year over the 2 lap route which is some improvement! Carmel Tumelty also continued her build up to peak fitness in the same event clocking 35.11 while Francis recorded 23.34.

BELFAST HALF MARATHON

The EDAC squads gathering in the Ormeau Park for the Belfast Half Marathon

The 6^th running of the Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday morning was again blessed with ideal conditions as the predictions of weather people across the country failed to materialise and runners were greeted by a nippy but sunny morning. A light cool breeze also welcomed early arrivals but it was pleasant in the sun. And then at 9.00am the record numbers of over 4,000 took to the streets and the city came alive. Kenyan Gideon Kipsang had little trouble in defending his crown and led all the way to come home in 1.07.48, well ahead of 2^nd place Vincent McKenna Acorns AC 1.11.44 and 3^rd man to finish Karol Doherty Letterkenny AC 1.11.11, who was only just caught by McKenna on the run in.

GORDY LEADS WAY FOR EAST DOWN

A superb time of 1.15.33 by Gordy Graham was to set the marker for an extraordinary morning of running success for East Down athletes. Not only was it a PB but gained him an eye catching 11^th overall place. Other performances of note were Martin Willcox 1.21.03 and Paul Burns 1.21.34 closely followed by Davy Foster 1.24.09 and Dermot Cahill 1.26.46. Next man to finish was “little” Johnny Erskine who revealed what he has been doing since I last saw him running competitively for the juniors a few years ago, mainly growing into a strapping young man able to look down on most of us now. He practically set the tarmac alight with a tremendous time of 1.28.42, a really exciting run from a novice junior on his debut at the distance.

NIAMH STARS FOR THE LADIES

Just behind Johnny came Niamh Kellett 1.28.59 in 234^th place, our first lady to finish, and another battling performance by this tough as nails young woman. Deirdre Weatherall was our next lady finisher, setting a new PB of 1.32.22 and indeed I could go on all night writing about the PBs which were set up and also mentioning the great runs of Paul Lloyd, James Magennis, Kevin Kelly, Clare Carson, Cathy Burke, Mags Flynn, Tom McClean etc. etc. and how good it is to see Mark McDowell back looking fitter and stronger than ever, but time and space does not permit. You all know who you are and how you did. And all I can say is that I really enjoyed watching everyone not only running well but enjoying it too. My old legs were eager to join you but unfortunately not to carry me with them!!

Cathy Burke, Mags Flynn, Joanne Carson and Sean Sealey after the Belfast Half Marathon

HALLIE and KERRY’S FIRST HALF

Hallie Jennings the only EDAC runner I missed seeing flashing past on Sunday, though I also missed the leader and eventual winner leaving the Park too, I must have blinked at least twice, was excellent in her tackling and taming of the route as she completed her first ever Half Marathon. Not only that but her time of 1.45.32 was more than good enough to ensure she grabbed 981^st place in a field of over 4,000.

Kerry Sharvin-Hynds Gavin’s wife who “won” a place in the Half Marathon through her work in Translink had just 8 weeks to get from couch, basically doing nothing of a running nature at all to being able to run 13.1 miles. She displayed huge determination not just to undertake such a challenge but to complete it. While her time was probably the last thought in her head her achievement is right up there with all those runners who attained PBs. We actually believe that her time of 3.04.59 is phenomenal in the circumstances. So move over Gavin, Kerry is a comin’!!

Kerry Sharvin Hynds – delighted to finish her first half marathon

GREAT CRAIC

Overall the camaraderie at the club gazebo on Sunday before and after the event was the stand out feature for the EDAC contingent and bodes well for the X/C season ahead. It is indeed great to have a bit of craic with your fellow team mates. I didn’t get to join in with that due to marshalling duties elsewhere and my only ache today is in my throat which was hoarsened yesterday cheering on your achievements. Thank you all and Well done.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

23 September 2018

Kilbroney Park Cross Country

Posted on 04/11/2013 by Alison Carroll

Two Saturdays ago the Bobby Rea Memorial Cross Country race was held for the 2nd year in a row in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor where, thanks to the sterling efforts of Newry and Mourne Council and Newry City Runners, a series of routes had been laid out to challenge the huge numbers who arrived from all directions to compete. Brendan Teer was involved in a ding dong battle at the front right from the off but his main adversaries were whittled down to 2 by the half way stage, Letterkenny’s Ciaran Doherty and 5 times Jimmy’s Ten winner Joe McAlister. Doherty opened a gap at the start of the final lap and increased his advantage throughout as he powered home while Brendan and Joe slugged it our for the minor places. First Brendan caught and passed the St Malachy’s man and opened a slight lead halfway through the lap. But Joe does not give up easily, if at all, and he was back on Brendan’s shoulder with a quarter of a mile to go, and sprinted away from the East Down man on the run in to take 2nd with Brendan close behind in 3rd, one place better than last year. Meantime Neil McCartan was battling for every place he could get coming home strongly to take 13th spot with the ever improving Paul Burns a splendid 37th with Peter Morgan on his first outing of the season in77th. Stephen McCartan 83rd was happy to get his comeback race out of the way. The first 3 finishers only from each team counted for the Bobby Rea Team prizes and East Down claimed the prize with 53 points, three ahead of City of Derry and 9 ahead of North Down. Continue reading →