The 2025/26 McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series concluded in style with a memorable Presentation Evening held at the Burrendale Hotel and Country Club. The beautiful summer sunshine provided a stark contrast to the challenging winter conditions, weather warnings and muddy courses that athletes, coaches and volunteers navigated throughout another highly successful season.
Mini London Marathon success celebrated
Harry with Junior Chairperson Patrick Higgins and our youngest member Malin
A talented young athlete from Drumee is gaining recognition across the Irish athletics scene after an outstanding year of success in cross-country and track.
Harry McVeigh (12), who represents Newcastle and District Athletics Club, attended Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche and currently a pupil of St.Malachy’s High School, has been nominated again for Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2025 in the Newry, Mourne and Down Sports Awards. The awards recognise the achievements of young athletes who have excelled at provincial, national and international level throughout the year spanning from January 2025- December 2025.
McVeigh and Sheridan deliver strong performances at Mallusk National Schools Cross Country Championship
Wishing the best of luck to Juniors Connaire Og McVeigh and Hermione Sheridan as they represent their schools tomorrow in Mallusk.
Connaire Og and Hermione at the London Mini Marathon last year
On Sunday, the club proudly hosted the fourth and final race of the 2025/2026 McGrady’s Financial Junior Cross Country Series at Tollymore Forest Park.
Emily McGreevy leads home the full P6 race
After the weather gods had played their part in previous fixtures, we were fortunate to find a welcome break in the conditions for race day. Although heavy downpours greeted the setup team early on, the clouds cleared just as participants began to arrive, with the rain seemingly skirting around our wee microclimate by the Monument.
Thanks to the dedication of our junior coaches and volunteers—who worked tirelessly from course setup and marshalling to takedown—the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Their efforts were warmly appreciated, as was the welcome sight of an array of homemade baked treats in the tent, enjoyed by runners and supporters throughout the afternoon.
At junior training this week, we celebrated the recent massive achievements of one of our Junior members.