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 – 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 – 22/10/2018

Posted on 22/10/2018 by Neil McCartan

RULE CHANGES for START of NEW CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE SEASON

Further changes to the Cross Country rules this year mean that clubs only have to find 12 runners to score maximum attendance points, down from last year’s 16. This is aimed at the smaller clubs who were struggling to field 16 runners over the 8 rounds of the League to enable them to send a more realistic number to gain full attendance points in order to retain an interest in the League throughout the season. There are points in addition to the award of place points depending on the finishing places of the first 4 runners, all the way down to 8^th place. The other rules are unchanged and Clubs are reminded that they must field a minimum of 4 runners in order to receive any attendance points, nor will they be eligible to be included in the calculations for place points unless they have at least 4 finishers.

COMBER CUP TIME AGAIN

After deciding that I would go to Comber for the opening round of the Cross Country League again this year, as opposed to heading in the opposite direction to observe the Gr8 Dundrum Challenge which was again scheduled for another full house, I was surprised to find that my reasoning last year was because I was actually RUNNING at Comber!

That is but a pipe dream now as I have joined the ranks of the masses looking for a new knee. I’m asked often if it’s because of the thousands of miles of running I have asked my joints to bear over my forty year “career”. And of course I say not at all, sure my right knee has taken just as much punishment as the left one and it’s perfectly all right!! My own view is that the wear and tear is related to running in that too much praying, seeking favours from on High for running oriented activities, caused the excessive use of the joint!

JUNIORS IMPRESS

Conditions were pleasant with autumnal, almost warm, sunshine and surprisingly firm ground which barely necessitated spikes. Anna Gardiner pulled off a good win in the U13 Girls event and Lauren Madine also made the podium coming 2nd in the U15 age group. Adam Morgan lined up in the U17 event and ran strongly over the longer distance.

Anna Gardiner picking up first prize in U13 Girls at Comber XC

Lauren Madine 2nd in U15 Girls Comber XC

EDAC Juniors relax after the afternoon’s racing at the McGrady Financial Junior XC Series

LADIES LEARN FROM TOM

The East Down Ladies turned out a team of 4 runners led by Catherine O’ Connor who, in spite of struggling through 2 of the 3 lap race with a pace restricting stitch, held on tenaciously to 6^th place, fending off the in – form Gerrie Short from Beechmount in a sprint to the line. Catherine Gilchrist and Janine Murray both ran very well, drawing on the experiences gained in last year’s cross country and the Hill & Dale series.

6	104	Catherine O’Connor	FO	00:21:56
54	162	Tom Dowey	M60	00:27:52
59	108	Catherine Gilchrist	F40	00:28:05
67	106	Janine Murray	FO	00:28:38
113	109	Eimear Degan	FO	00:32:08

Eimear Degan had heard so much about the XC that she thought she would like to try it for herself. After the race she was still in two minds, both of them against, as to whether it really was her cup of tea but she has been “persuaded” to try, at least, another one!

Catherine Gilchrist, Janine Murray, Catherine O’Connor, Eimear Degan at Comber XC

And the evergreen Tom Dowey improved his 69^th place last year to 54^th in a field of 152 finishers and in the process, giving an excellent example to Catherine and Janine of how to pace a race.

HOW THE MEN FARED

27	259	Paul Burns	M40	00:27:20
108	330	Paul Lloyd	M40	00:32:13
124	262	James Smyth	U20	00:33:40
170	334	Donal Smith	M45	00:40:44

Ably led by Paul Burns in the absence of several of East Down’s big hitters, mostly because of their attention being on Dublin Marathon business next Sunday, East Down’s men fielded the requisite 4 runners to register a team score, though they were 10^th placed team, just outside the top 8 point scoring places. Apart from Paul B, who maintained an excellent pace throughout to take 27^th place, the team comprised of Donal Smith, Paul Lloyd and James Smyth is still eligible to be called novices at cross country level.

Donal Smith, Paul Burns, James Smyth and Paul Lloyd at Comber XC

FAST LEARNERS or NO PAIN NO GAIN??

Donal had learnt from his experiences at the Relays that a quick start can lead to misery so he paced this one from the get go. Not sure if he would say he avoided the suffering part as a result but it did mean he finished strongly. As a fast learner he will come to realise that the suffering is part of the enjoyment of cross country running and that being able to speak, inside ten minutes afterwards, is a bonus! By all accounts though, he is eager for the next one to give it another go. James Smyth is on the comeback from his months of studies and did well to get through the challenging course. Paul Lloyd ran his usual competent race and did well to finish just outside the top 100 in what was a high class field, headed by this year’s Jimmy’s Ten winner Mark McKinstry.

NIALL STARS in MOURNE SKYLINE RACE

In all of the efforts by East Down’s runners at the weekend top of the heap must be Niall Gibney’s efforts in the 2018 Mourne Skyline Mountain Trail Race on Saturday. In a field of 248 starters and 228 finishers he placed a superb 68^th in 5 hours 35 minutes. This race involves climbing to the top of all the high peaks in the Mourne range twice and covers a distance of 35K with a total climb of 3730 metres. Considering that Niall only took up mountain running a year ago this performance is a tremendous achievement.

GR8 RACE in DUNDRUM

Again although this is one of my favourite races I missed it for the second year in a row. Why? Well I wasn’t in shape to run it this year and I was already on my way to Dundonald for the Comber Cup cross country fixture when I remembered it. Not, to be honest, that it would have made a difference to my choice of venue. The Gr8 Dundrum Challenge is, for me at least, a participation event, not really one to spectate at, so I opted for Comber!

Anyway East Down was well represented in Dundrum by Phillip Vint 58.35 and Gareth Kelly 58.50, having a last blow out before their assault on Dublin next Sunday, with debutant Eamon Kelly 66.20, George Kerr 69.07 supported by wife Noreen 88.20, great to see them on the road again, Gabhan Mac ConMidhe 72.32 and Carmel Tumelty 76.04 making up the squad.

Gareth Kelly (423) slipstreams Phillip Vint (954) on the boardwalk during the Gr8 Run at Dundrum

McGRADY’S FINANCIAL SERVICES JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY SERIES Round 2

At almost the same time as the above, the second race of the McGrady Series, hosted by Burren AC, was held in the hard to beat surroundings of the Forest park at Kilbroney. The turnout from EDAC was down in number as some were racing at the Comber Cup XC and others were locked into other Saturday sports commitments but those that were there, did the club proud. 11 EDAC athletes were in the top 3 of their age group and the following took first place – Lily Foster (P4 and under), Alexander Robinson (P6), Kari Foster (P6), Jodi Foster (P7), Anna Kearney (yr8), Lucy Foster (yr9), Mackenzie Murray (yr10), Kirsti Foster (yr10). And watch out all you Foster girls, I’ve heard that brother Jay is on the run now too and he’s looking out for you!!

It is worth mentioning again that every athlete gets a point for the club so all who turned out are deserving of praise and hopefully they enjoyed the great conditions and the excitement of running in the packs. Next round is in Dromore on Sunday 4th November and it would be fantastic to see a big entry from the club.

Thomas Brown, Jack Carson and Aoife Burke at Kilbroney Forest Park for the McGrady xc

DUBLIN MARATHON RUNNERS.

Good Luck to all EDAC members and indeed to all runners from the NM&DDC area who will be taking on the streets of Dublin on Sunday morning as part of the City Marathon. May you have a dry, calm, cool and fast run – in preparation for the Flatter and Faster new Belfast City Marathon on SUNDAY 5 May 2019.

Don’t forget all you thrifty running folk out there, it’s cheaper to enter Belfast before the end of October. So why not get your entry in now and run Dublin with an easy mind?

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

22 October 2018

The Weekly News – 15/10/2018

Posted on 15/10/2018 by Neil McCartan

EVEN CALLUM CANNOT DAMPEN SPIRITS

There were 276 runners in Saintfield 10K organised by Atlas Running in conjunction with Saintfield Striders and in aid of the Air Ambulance NI. The forecast was not good and the reality was not much better. Heavy showers and lying water, the tail end of Storm Callum, made this one for the brave hearted and EDAC had a few hardy souls turn out.

10K RUNNERS

In 115th place was Lawrence Cullen – 53 minutes exactly and a number of years since his original debut for the Club way back when he was a boy. He was followed by Donal Smith 53.26 who had a sibling tussle with his brother Patrick 53.08. Patrick is yet to join any club but Donal is doing his best to encourage him to follow the example of their sister Suzy who has newly joined up to EDAC. Suzy gave herself a stiff challenge by completing the Orangefield Parkrun on Saturday morning and then travelling to Saintfield where she ran the 5K in 31.41. Family bonding at its best! Well Done Suzy!

Patrick, Suzy and Donal Smyth – Family fun at Saintfield

THE GIRLS WERE THERE TOO!

Tracy McCaughey also completed the 10K in a time of 55.49 while Eimear Degan ran with Gareth Amos for good company and came in a joint 56.55. They said the hills were bad enough without the rain and yet in the photos they are smiling so it can’t have been all bad! Linda Cunningham also braved the elements for a soggy outing, just to prove that she also does short!

Tracy McCaughey, Gareth Amos, Lawrence Cullen and Eimear Degan after the Saintfield 10k

5K RUNNERS

The 5K distance attracted 127 runners and was won overall by Kyle Ross of Ballydrain Harriers in a nifty 17.58. The female winner Rachel Gibson of North Down AC was third overall in a time of 18.52. EDAC Junior Lauren Madine undeterred by the stiff competition ran a determined 21.45 to get 2nd female and Susie Cave (22.02) Lagan Valley completed the female podium.

Susie Cave (3rd) Rachel Gibson NDAC (1st) and Lauren Madine EDAC (2nd) in Saintfield 5K

PAUL MASTERED AT THE MASTERS TRIAL

Paul Burns was the only EDAC representative in the NI Master’s Cross Country Trials, held at Queen’s Playing Fields on Saturday morning, from which the representative teams for the British X/C Championships are chosen. With the top 6 finishers in each category guaranteed selection, Paul faced a stiff task as his Age Group 40 – 44 , is one of the toughest and most competitive. In the event he ran very well, completing the 8K course in 28.52, but it was only good enough for 11^th place in his category. However he is undeterred and will return again next year when he will be in the 45–49 bracket. My advice is to look (or wait) for a category with 6 or less in it to come along! I’ve been waiting for years and even now in the 70-74 category, my wait (and unfortunately because of the inactivity, my weight) goes on!

FLAHAVAN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES

During the week the Flahavans XC for Primary Schools kicked off at the Henry Jones Playing Fields in the Castlereagh Hills. EDAC’s runners Jodi Foster was the clear winner of the Primary Girls with sister Kari close behind in 4th. Erin Moore came 10th in the Primary Girls and Ella Telford, 46^th of 114, also ran for her school Downpatrick’s Primary, though with only 2 runners, they were unable to record a team score. Jodi and Kari’s places, combined with their teammates in 21^st and 22^nd places put Spa Primary at the top of the league after race one with 48 points.

Alex Robinson ran very well to come 7th in the Primary Boys’ Race. A great start to the campaign.

Jodi Foster 698 taking the lead in the Primary Girls’ Race

Alex Robinson 759 battling it out in the Primary Boys’ Race at Flahavans xc.

NEXT WEEK

Everyone is looking forward eagerly to the opening round of the 2018/19 Cross Country League, which takes place on Saturday at the Billy Neill Playing Fields when Ballydrain Harriers stage their annual Comber Cup fixture. Races begin at 12.00noon, so see you all there!

AND DON”T FORGET – DATE FOR THE DIARY

The Annual Senior Awards and Social Night will take place Saturday 10th November at the Club Rooms and by now you should have received an email inviting you to attend. Guests accompanying members are also welcome. Do let us know if this is not the case to allow us to check our contact records. Please reply to the email or get in touch with Janine 07821 698695 by October 30th to confirm numbers and dietary requirements in order to inform the caterer. There will be a buffet supper, complimentary drink on arrival, music, awards and all for a tenner. What more could you want? It is carefully timed long enough after Dublin Marathon so that those who took part will be fit to celebrate and also that the stories told will encourage others to give it a go rather than put them off! It is also a good chance to egg each other on to sign up to some challenges for the season ahead.

Nominations for awards can be emailed to membership@eastdownac.co.uk or left in an envelope with any Committee Member. (Male/Female/Most Improved Male/Female and Club person based on the last 12 months). Nominations should be forwarded by November 2nd.

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

15 October 2018

Mackenzie First and Jack Second

Posted on 21/10/2013 by Alison Carroll

Most impressive of the East Down debutants in the 3rd round of the McGrady’s Financial Services Junior Cross Country series last weekend in Tollymore Park was Mackenzie Murray who fairly romped home in the P5 Boys race with clubmate Michael O’Connor making it a 1,2 just behind. In near perfect conditions a record 41 East Down juniors took part in the various age group races and were given an inspirational start by Jack Dornan in the P4 and Under Boys race as he took a superb 2nd place behind Newcastle’s James McVeigh. Another to catch the eye in that race was Jamie McDowell with a power packed run in 5th place and both were well backed up by Lewis McMullan and Thomas Nay. In the P4 Girls race Anna Gardiner was again a notable winner with everyone doing double takes as first Eimear and Ciara McCann and then Emma and Louise Wiggins surged up the hill to the line. P6 TO YEAR 8 Daniel Burke, another on Continue reading →

Brendan and Cheryl lift prizes at GR8 Dundrum race

Posted on 14/10/2013 by Alison Carroll

In what is becoming one of the top road races in the country the 4th Gr8 Dundrum race took place in ideal conditions on Saturday. It was business as usual at the front end of the field as Brendan Teer made it three in a row crossing the line in 44.46, one second quicker than last year, but almost one minute ahead of the prolific Don Travers from Newry City Runners with the fast finishing Paul Carroll from Annadale a superb 3rd in 46.03. Continue reading →