The sixth and final race of the McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series took place in the agrestic surroundings of Tollymore Forest Park on Saturday 18th February. The heavy rain overnight made the conditions underfoot a little soft, but the sun was shining and the conditions more favourable than they have been for some of the earlier races in the ever-popular series; one might even be tempted to say there was a distinct feeling of apricity as the cars steadily appeared on the driveway and the athletes emerged.
The course markers were showing their usual alacrity as they tramped the course, driving in stakes and stretching out tape, making a little go a very long way. By 10:45am the course was ready and the majority of athletes were registered and ready for the warm up and stretching, led with typical aplomb by the club coaches. At just after 11am, the Primary 4 and under athletes were called under starter’s orders (sorry again PJ!). At the finish the avuncular Frank Morgan was building one of his epic funnels to herd the competitors home, regrettably in the wrong place as he had failed to consult with the race directors before embarking on his building project. Predictably he was atrabilious as he began the arduous task or reconstruction and little could be done to assuage his anxiety! Thankfully, once promised a post-race fry at Meelmore Lodge his mood relaxed and the finish was suitably erected without further ado.
Eighty-eight of the best
88 runners took part in an exciting series of events resulting in some close finishes and some great personal performances and improvements from many of the athletes who have steadily made progress as the series has unfolded. Well done to everyone who participated and added to the event. Ronan McVeigh and Hannah Carson were victorious in the P4 and under as the customary frenetic scramble for the line was once again in evidence, particularly among the girls. Conor Murray and Natasha Savage shared the honours between the two clubs in the P5 races while honours were even again in the P6 category with Caoilin Quinn and Kaira Cairns emerging victorious. Sarah Dougherty and Caolan Hawkins had good victories in the P7 event and the Year 8s were led home by birthday boy Ross McCrickard and the fast finishing Laura Green. In the races for the older athletes there were wins for Laura Gardiner, Aidan Hawkins, Dearbhla Magee and Patrick Sheridan. Many of the year 8 and above pupils will be representing the various local schools at the forthcoming Ulster Schools’ Championships at Mallusk on Wednesday 22nd February – we wish them all well. Finally, a word of thanks to the many parents, grandparents and other relatives who came out in such numbers to cheer on each and every athlete, offering encouragement throughout the programme of races. Your words of wisdom are a great source of strength to the children. One great example of this was the parent who realises the fine line between enjoyment and competition. As the child passed by I overheard this loving (and unnamed – it’s not like me I know!) parent offer the following words, ‘pace yourself darling, but hurry up.’ The series’ awards ceremony and presentations will be held at 7pm in Shimna College on Monday 12th February.
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On reflection
As the series draws to its second successful conclusion, it only remains to thank all the sponsors, coaches and other club members as well those conscripted to help by their over-bearing parents. Without the voluntary efforts of these people there would be no series and ultimately no junior running clubs or events in the East Down area. All of the athletes who completed the series or competed in any part of it can be proud of their achievements. No doubt some future stars will emerge from this crop of talent. However, running stars are not born overnight and the ability to stick at it is as important as any talent that athletes may currently possess. Deon McNeilly frequently reminds me that he was by no means an outstanding athlete during his school days. At that point I reminded him that I too, incredible as it may seem, was of similar disposition in my youth. As usual Deon has the last word by reminding me that I never became much of an athlete and I am begrudgingly forced to concur with his sentiments albeit with the caveat that I have thoroughly enjoyed my mediocrity!
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Best wishes to Anne
We extend our best wishes to Anne Sandford who has, after many years of committed running in the Newcastle AC colours, decided to join Lagan Valley AC. We wish her every success with her new club, confident that she will be surrounded by like-minded ladies who will provide apposite support in training and racing. No doubt Anne will join us for the traditional Monday runs around the Hill and dale courses and both Francie McAlinden and Mark King have assured Anne of transport from Castlewellan to the start point each week as the 2012 Hill and Dale series draws ever closer.
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Deon does it again
The evergreen and highly talented veteran Deon McNeilly notched up another victory in the recent Extreme 26 event held in Castlewellan on 16th February. Deon dominated the race and on this occasion was not forced to cut the odd corner to record an impressive victory. While he admits he was no special talent in his youth, his longevity and on-going enthusiasm for his running make him one of the greatest talents Northern Ireland has ever produced and a truly inspirational role model for our junior club. Brendan Quail, fresh from qualifying for the final of the Leitrim GAC dance competition, was a very impressive 4th overall and is running very well at present. No doubt he will be hoping that this will continue in the lead up to his much anticipated Leitrim 5 Mile road race on 31st March (watch this space for a full preview).
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The ‘Hardy Bucks’ go right to the top
The Sunday morning ‘easy’ run saw the posse led by McNeilly plan a trip to the summit of Slieve Donard. As I disembarked from the car at 8:30 and saw the troupe gathering for the mountains, I was more than glad to be heading for the more mundane option of a road run. After waiting the obligatory 10 minutes for Brannigan (‘sure aren’t you all still here’ – mark my words we won’t still be there next week big lad!) we headed of at a gentle amble. The first disaster struck within minutes when Rory McMullan realised he had sore feet and had to retreat to the car park – how he stumbled (sorry for the pun) on this revelation after literally a dozen strides remains a great mystery. Unfortunately ‘Hen’ was not expecting his first fare until 10am and Rory was left to consider his options. The foot tragedy was to strike again, this time rendering Strachan (fresh from his 20 mile run the previous morning!) incapable of moving another step as we approached the Kidd’s corner (by which time Brannigan and Watson were well out of sight). I was left to play the Good Samaritan and ensure that my colleague was safely returned to from whence he came (a role I willingly accepted when the alternative was attempting to chase down Brannigan and Watson!). Meanwhile back on the mountain there were no such mishaps as all made it to the summit, posed for the photo and made their way back for the now mandatory ‘tay’. McNeilly was observed to be deep in conversation with Ian Bailey on the way down, perhaps trying to persuade him to ‘sign up’ before the beginning of the Hill and Dale series. Hopefully a deal was struck and all could be reported as early as next week!
Finally, I conclude with comments from my closest club mates; Firstly, Audey was reported to have said, ‘I really enjoyed that’ upon returning to Donard Park and more surprisingly there was a glimmer of commitment from Damien who commented, ‘I am hoping to definitely do Jimmy’s 10k.’ I am refusing to hold the little breath that I have left in me.