The Weekly News – 28/10/19

Posted on 28/10/2019 by Alison Carroll

NI & ULSTER EVEN AGE GROUP CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following on from Comber where the mud was the prevailing memory, the Juniors travelled to Greenmount Campus in Antrim for the Evens Age Group XC to find a totally different scene. On a day that was bright and dry, the runners were treated to both better weather and kinder conditions. That is not to say the racing was not tough as this being an NI & Ulster Championship event meant that all comers were here to test themselves and hopefully get a slot for the All Ireland’s on 23rd November either as an individual (coming top 12) or as a team (coming in the top 4 teams) or as part of County selection (coming in the top 10 of a county who qualify). So there was lots to play for and EDAC juniors as always were determined to be in the mix and gave it their best shot with the following results.

Boys U10 Jarleth Kearney 23rd, William Taylor 53rd (54 runners)

William Taylor, Jarlath Kearney and Caragh Moore (U10s)

Girls U10 Caragh Moore 36th (38 runners)

Boys U12 Alex Robinson 55th, Aaron Lennon 59th, Matthew Taylor 86th (94 runners)

Aaron Lennon, Alex Robinson and Matthew Taylor (U12)

Girls U12 Erin Moore 55th (100 runners)

Erin Moore in the U12 race

Boys U14 Oliver Robinson 39th (75 runners)

Girls U 14 Anna Gardiner 2nd, Emily 31st, Kara Trainor 34th, Anna Kearney 70th (74 runners)

Boys U16 MacKenzie Murray 24th (64 runners)

Girls U16 Lauren Madine 3rd (65 runners)

MEDALS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Big congratulations to Anna and Lauren on getting a prestigious Ulster Championship medal as well as qualifying as an individual for the All Ireland’s.

Lauren Madine with Bronze medal in U16

Anna Gardiner with Silver medal in U14

The club was also delighted to find that the U14 Girls of Anna Gardiner, Emily Burns, Kara Trainor and Anna Kearney go forward as 4th qualifying team. There was more good news when all the sums were done as Alex Robinson, Aaron Lennon, Matthew Taylor, Ollie Robinson and Mackenzie Murray will also get to race at the All Ireland’s by being part of a qualifying County Down Team in their respective age groups. It was a good day out for the Club and thanks go to coaches and parents for the smooth handling of the necessary logistics. Well done all!

Lauren Madine, Anna Kearney, Anna Gardiner , Kara Trainor, Emily Burns and Mackenzie Murray

DUBLIN MARATHON

It dawned bright and very sunny on Sunday morning as we prepared for the journey to Dublin for the 40^th running of the Dublin City Marathon, now a world class event, in terms of numbers and rapidly approaching those levels in terms of the quality of the elite fields it now attracts. It is however sad to report that the overall winner, Moroccan Othmane El Gourmi has just returned to competition following a 2 year ban imposed in 2016 for irregularities in his biological passport. His inclusion in the field raises questions about the integrity of the event, not least because he set a new race record time of 2.08 which will mean that his name and the ban will be mentioned every time the time is discussed.

SPECTATING AND ALL THAT

We were of course well rested courtesy of the time changes which gave us an extra hour in bed, though the “hunches” displayed by a couple of cyclists we met near Newry at around 8.00am was certainly evidence that there was a cool edge to the temperature. Ideal running weather as it turned out with calm conditions throughout, a bright sun but just the nip of frost to keep everyone on their toes. We made it to our usual vantage point, just as the thousands of runners began to appear, some 8 – 10 minutes after the leading clusters of elite runners had passed. It is really exciting watching hundreds of runners approaching at speed as they all pursue their own dreams, whether in terms of their finishing time or just to stay ahead of an old foe or, more likely, later in the day, just to finish. It also becomes quite scary as a veritable wall of runners the full width of the street descends the fairly steep hill in front of you and then have to be directed to bottleneck into half that width in order to keep to the course, avoid tripping on the traffic island, running into the bollard or, most importantly, Me, standing right in the middle of the road waving frantically for the runners to keep left.

And you think you’ve got problems out there running!? Afterwards we headed for Ballsbridge and the 25 mile mark, and we succeeded in getting parked within 50 metres of the route, complete with folding chair, expertly carried and erected by my extremely helpful and attentive companion for the day the lovely Brian Hamilton.

HARD WORK ALL DONE

After many weeks of preparation with weekly long runs and then anxieties over niggles, coughs and other potential hazards the date finally arrived when the marathoners could put all their hard work into practice. A marathon is a test of endurance both mentally and physically and all our club members passed the “test” with flying colours as they all made it “home”. There were those who achieved PBs and those who suffered mishaps which meant that they had to revert to plan B. There were those who were first timers and those who have done so many marathons that they are almost blasé. The times tell one story but the personal experience of each on the day can make the numbers almost irrelevant. All the runners were bowled over by the atmosphere and the delights of running in such a mass of participants. The weather was nigh perfect and the course was scenic. One for the bucket list by all accounts.

DEE AND DEIRDRE FIRST HOME FOR EDAC

The first EDAC male home was Dee Murray who had to lay off for a while in training with niggles but with a strong base fitness was able to get in good enough shape for a more than decent 3.02 on the day. Much as he would have liked a sub 3 hour time as per his PB he found himself totally drained from mile 21 and was grateful to finish in more or less one piece. On the female side, Deirdre Weatherall was tipped for big things as her approach to training and competition is exceptionally committed and determined. It was fantastic to see her achieve her goal and more with a superb time of 3.20. She executed the plan with precision and never really had a bad moment enjoying the run from the moment the gun went and nerves were no longer an issue. She insists that she is leaving marathons aside for now but London 2021 will surely be on the cards.

Janine and Dee Murray celebrate their achievements

Deirdre Weatherall with her number one supporter mum Mary Duffy

FROM THE BIG APPLE TO DUBLIN

2nd EDAC male Gareth Kelly ran a confident and highly commendable 3.16. Tony O’Connor is new to the club but ran 3.27 which was slightly unexpected as he was only taking up the challenge as a way to raise much needed funds for PIPS and discovered that he was actually fitter than he thought! As mentioned last week, Cheryl Denvir too often doubts her abilities but should take confidence from this latest event. She has to be clever in her training as night duties cut into her spare time so she was “over the moon” to run 3.32. Gavin Hynds who is the much appreciated training buddy of Deirdre ran 3.36 and was happy enough with that result. He was more pleased with the fact that his sister Helen Carbin who had travelled from New York to take part managed to cross the finish line in great spirits. Poor Helen had come over for this race last year but injury defeated her and she wasn’t even able to run one mile let alone 26.2. What a difference a year makes. Well done to the Hynds family!

Deirdre Weatherall and Cheryl Denvir at the finish

Gavin Hynds EDAC and his sister Helen Carbin who came home from New York to take part

KEVIN LEARNS LESSON FROM BELFAST

The happy duo of Dermot Cahill and Phillip Vint ran a slick and synchronised 3.36, though Phillip suffered from his recurring calf injury from mile 16 onwards and had to walk bits from mile 18 onwards. Patricia Galloway, always looked comfortable and clearly enjoyed herself, finishing in an impressive 3.43. These three make it look almost easy even when it’s not! Kevin Kelly who suffered badly in Belfast Marathon put that ghost to bed with a time of 3.55 which was a 40 minute improvement from May and a 6 minute cut from his previous PB set in Dublin 2018. He paced it well and when the dreaded cramp struck at mile 22, he managed to work through it with enough in the bag to secure a sub 4 with a good margin.

Kevin Kelly, Clare Carson and Patricia Galloway in Dublin

FIRST TIMERS

In just behind Kevin Kelly was Nuala Taylor, one of the debutantes at this distance. She had been plagued with achilles problems but was adamant that she was going to at least start the race. She did extremely well to stay on target, making her first attempt a sub 4 hour marathon in 3.56 and always looked happy. The other 2 first timers – Nuala’s husband John Taylor and Ladies’ Captain Janine Murray had mixed fortunes with various niggles and tummy issues but despite this they both made the finish line. No DNFs in this camp! John’s time of 4.16 is not to be sniffed at despite some initial disappointment on his part and Janine’s 4.40 may have been slower than she had trained for but despite being a first timer she has watched enough marathons to know that anything can happen on the day. The support along the way seems to have been a source of inspiration with Janine reporting “goosebumps in the final mile”. John could well be seen having another go at this despite Nuala saying that for her the box is ticked. Janine has also said that once is enough. Watch this space however as all 3 could be seen on an entry list in a future marathon if the addiction has kicked in.

John and Nuala Taylor – first time marathoners

CLARE AND PAT MAKE THE PERFECT NEIGHBOURS

Clare Carson was another sub 4 hours (3.59). This was by no means a PB, but considering the nausea that kicked in during the latter miles she was gratified to get under the barrier. She had the good fortune to fall into the company of the indomitable Pat Shields of Murlough AC, our nearest neighbouring club. Pat is a long time ally of EDAC and a kindly soul. Just the sort of person you need when you are suffering and she and Clare formed an allegiance and jollied each other from mile 23 to the end. Good neighbours make good friends.

Pat Shields (Murlough AC) and Clare Carson EDAC both glad to have found a friend for the last miles

LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNER

Joanne Carson had to plough a lonely furrow when many of her usual marathon chums elected not to go to Dublin but she was well supported in training by the gang and she paid tribute to them for getting her through the schedule by running the long runs with her in the lead up. She did them and herself proud with a 4.24 finish and thoroughly enjoyed the run itself. Gavin McConvey has declared that 2 marathons is plenty but if that is true he ends his marathon career with a PB as he took over 14 minutes off his first attempt with a time of 4.52.

TRACEY TAKES THE HONOURS THIS TIME

Declan Teague is a multi marathoner but on this occasion it was his wife Tracey who took centre stage. She was running to fundraise on behalf of the Alzheimers’ Society. Declan having started the marathon with a niggle decided that supporting Tracey would be much more worthwhile so he pulled up in Phoenix Park to await the arrival of Tracey who started in a later wave. They then ran together from mile 6! She deserves great credit both for running her first marathon in 4.52 and for the sum of £1600 which has been collected by her as a result. She also deserves credit for staying with Declan for the final 16 miles and afterwards. Amazing what folk can do when they put their mind to it.

Tracey Teague running in support of Alzheimer’s Society

WHAT’S NEXT

Now that the marathon is out of the way local runners can relax and perhaps concentrate on something shorter with an aim to injecting some speed. The Co Down 5K on Sunday 17th November could well be the answer. There is also the upcoming Seeley Cup on November 30th. One that sells out so get your entry in!

Joe Quinn, Alison Carroll & Marguerite Robinson (with the juniors)

29 October 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 – 03/12/18

Posted on 03/12/2018 by Alison Carroll

A PERFECT WAY TO SPEND THE DAY??

Saturday began dull, damp and foggy, a typical early December day and the feeling of depression it engendered was not eased any by difficulties encountered with my word processing system. You know the sort of thing, when the machine which you are in total control and charge of, suddenly closes down and all your inspirational and potentially Booker prize winning prose is lost, without so much as a “Would you like to save this?”

Allowing for the fact that 2 hours slipped past during this session, when I should have been shopping or at least sampling the delights of some local coffee shop, you’ll perhaps appreciate my mood as I left the house at 11.30am. Even allowing for the fact that it was Seeley Cup day, one of the highlights of the road running fixtures and one of my favourite events, to which I was looking forward to immensely, I was not a happy bunny.

So after stocking up with some replacement lighting accessories, to lighten my mood, I paid a visit to Tel’s recently opened coffee shop and enjoyed a splendid latte and a toffee scone. The day was already brighter as I headed off to Belfast to my usual marshalling spot in Ormeau Park, with plenty of time on my side, or so I thought.

Anyway the traffic gremlins were at their work, beginning on the outskirts of Saintfield, where a street market which, on reflection, I realised I knew about, was causing long tailbacks into the village. However when you’re in the middle of a traffic jam there is no point in remembering the traffic bulletin you heard earlier, it only adds to your frustration. Does your memory do that on you too? I mean mine is perfect at remembering things it just has a serious timing defect!

JUST IN TIME

By the time I reached the entrance to the Ormeau Embankment on the Ravenhill road, it was closed off. Not only that but it was totally deserted so I had no option but to drive on, cross the Albert Bridge and turn up the Ormeau Road to enter the Park by a different gate. I made it at 2.10pm, just twenty minutes before the race was due to start. Not so lucky were a group of EDAC runners who were delayed in Saintfield and who only just made it to the start in time. So annoyed by this disruption to their pre-race rituals that several of them dropped out after one lap, which kind of put my day in perspective.

SEELEY CUP ACTION WORTH WATCHING

However despite all these negatives what a lift to spirits was the sight of the leading group as prominent was the unmistakable shape of Neil McCartan alongside a formidable quintet comprising Mark McKinstry, Ben Branagh, Paddy Hamilton, (the last 3 winners of Jimmy’s Ten) Conall Kirk and Chris Madden. By the end of lap 2 Branagh and McKinstry were clear of McCartan, Kirk and Madden and it was a superb run by Madden to eventually finish third. However one week after he had been beaten comprehensively in the Malcolm Cup in Ballyclare, Kirk produced a blistering burst of speed which took him clear of Neil who had to yield not only to Kirk but to the fast finishing Conan McCaughey. Although a little disappointed that he slipped to 6th position in the last 500 metres he nevertheless was pleased to have set a new PB of 31.25, knocking over 80 seconds off his previous best and is up for another exciting race next year, but with the intention of providing a very different outcome. He certainly gave all the spectators, especially this one, a huge lift in morale.

Neil McCartan 763 in full flight chasing Chris Madden City of Lisburn in the Seeley Cup in the Ormeau Park

OTHER and FORMER EDAC RUNNERS

A little further back Paul Lloyd as predicted in these pages some weeks ago broke the magic 40 minute barrier with a fine 39.27 timing.

Donal Smith suffered a bit of hip niggle but enjoyed the course and posted a time of 50 minutes dead. Gavin McConvey’s time of 54.20 was a course PB by over 3 minutes.

Eimear Degan, was one of those who only made the start line by the skin of her teeth, then proceeded to set a PB of 53.13 for the distance and was our only female competitor on the day.

Eimear Degan heading for a PB also Seeley Cup

Davy Foster and Dee Murray were within sight of each other through the race but Dee came out on top in the last lap, using his years of experience to cross the line in 38.01 to Davy’s 39.19.

I noted too Connaire McVeigh, a former youth member of EDAC, striding to a magnificent 36.21 PB for present club Newcastle AC. And it would have been hard to have missed Andrew Telford as he cruised round 43.20 wearing a bright red duncher followed closely by his friend and co-organiser of the recent successful Co Down 5K championships in Downpatrick, Mick McCreesh in 44.39.

HOWTH MARATHON

Another of those events which attract more and more runners these days this time brought 2 of our regular competitors and “one” who I thought should know better, to the genteel surroundings of Howth on Saturday. Phillip Vint, 3.38.54 was the first of the trio to finish what was described as 3 laps of an out and back course over Howth hill each time, the 6 climbs representing 2400 feet of climbing in all. He was followed home by the already referred to “one” above, Mark McDowell, in 3.46.1 with Declan Teague just behind 3.46.56. I think that concludes Declan’s marathon programme for the year with his total on 12 marathons completed. Stephen McCartan ran the half marathon as an alternative to the full 26.2 miles he had entered, citing some sort of flu bug as the reason for his decision. Unfortunately his name did not appear in the half marathon results as he is presumed to be alive.

Declan Teague, Mark McDowell, Stephen McCartan and Phillip Vint in Howth at the Marathon Event.

OTHER BITS AND PIECES

Lara Proctor- Amos took part in a Santa run in Loughborough while younger sisters Keira and Mia upheld the family honour with good displays in the 5K Santa Run in Crossgar, a race in which Callum Kent finished in 3^rd place overall out of a field of nearly 100 runners.

Lara Proctor-Amos in Loughborough Santa Run

Keira and Mia Proctor- Amos ready for the Santa Run in Crossgar

Pos	Bib	Athlete	Gender	Club	Finish
1	47	Kyle Ross	Male	Ballydrain Harriers	00:16:31
2	95	Thomas Compton	Male	Crossgar Harriers	00:17:52
3	121	Callum Kent	Male	East Down Athletics	00:18:46

Callum Kent – 3rd in the Santa Run 5K

CROSSGAR 5 MILES SANTA RUN

Roisin Gaffney chose to celebrate her birthday running the longer 5 miles race on offer and she finished in 50.49. A really consistent competitor is Roisin to whom I offer belated Happy Birthday wishes from all at Éast Down. Eamon Kelly was the first of the East Down contingent to finish in 10^th place in 41.34 followed closely by the first EDAC Female Clare Carson in 43.21 in 14^th place overall. Kevin Kelly was next in 47.52 followed by the ubiquitous Gavin McConvey 49.50, who had also turned out the day before in Ormeau.

Kevin Kelly, Eamon Kelly, Gavin McConvey, Clare Carson and Roisin Gaffney in Crossgar

Joe Quinn & Alison Carroll

3 December 8

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 – 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