From Watching His Heroes to Inspiring the Next Generation

Few athletes arrive with promise so clear that it feels inevitable. In March 2023, a race report captured that sense perfectly, noting that “there is no doubt that Harry will make history with being eligible for this competition for another two years.” 3 years on, that prediction reads less like optimism and more like an understatement.

Before he ever toed the start line, Harry spent years watching his older siblings, Maisie and Connaire Óg compete at the Flahavan’s NI Primary Schools XC League Final in Mallusk. Even being highlighted by race commentator John Glover who noticed the young lad in the red coat running on the outside of the tape alongside the competitors. When his own opportunity finally came, he wasted no time making an impression.

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Ian Brannigan: A Lifetime Woven Into the Fabric of Newcastle & District AC

Some people join an athletics club, pull on the vest and run their races. Others become part of the very fabric of the club itself. Ian Brannigan is very much in the latter category.

For many years, Ian has been a familiar and much-valued face around Newcastle & District Athletics Club. His own journey in athletics is impressive but what makes his contribution so special is everything that has come alongside it – the coaching, encouragement, friendship and support he has given to many generations of athletes.

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Newcastle AC continue to impress

Both Junior and Senior athletes continue to demonstrate the diverse range of talents nurtured within the club. Over the past week, there have been outstanding achievements from the Junior mountain runners, alongside some notable performances on the track. With the local road racing calendar in full swing, there is always a red and yellow vest appearing among the line-up.

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Lagan Valley Super 6 Series Ends on a High

The Lagan Valley Super 6 series came to a spectacular conclusion at Meet 6, with athletes from across the junior and senior ranks producing a host of medals, personal bests and outstanding performances.

The headline performance of the evening came from Harry McVeigh, who stormed to an exceptional 4:49 mile to become the fastest U14 mile runner in the UK this season. McVeigh had already enjoyed success earlier in the evening, claiming silver in the 100m to complete a memorable night.

Harry Breaks UK U14 Mile record

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A Weekend of Racing Success for Newcastle AC

This weekend offered something to whet the appetite for athletes across all disciplines, with plenty of strong performances and podium finishes for Newcastle AC.

From the Lurig Challenge in Cushendall to chasing Irish selection in the mountains of Wicklow, with stops along the way in Carlingford for 5K PBs and Dublin for National medals, there was plenty to celebrate. Several athletes also kept the carbon footprint down by staying closer to home and taking on the iconic Seven Sevens in the Mournes.

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