At an age when many young athletes are still discovering their sporting interests, Emily Kerr has already earned the honour of representing Ireland on the international stage. The Down High Student, recently, she travelled to Scotland to compete in the Junior home International. The JHI brings together the most talented young orienteers from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and selection is widely recognised as one of the highest honours available to junior athletes in Orienteering.
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.
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.
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.
Ashley Crutchley is quickly becoming one of the most recognisable names in Northern Ireland’s mountain running scene. The Newcastle AC athlete has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the ranks, collecting race victories and earning opportunities to represent Northern Ireland on the international stage.
From dominating local hill races to competing against some of the best mountain runners in Britain and Ireland, Crutchley has built a reputation for determination, endurance and consistency. His recent performances have attracted growing attention within the sport, with many believing he has the potential to become one of the country’s leading mountain athletes.
As his list of achievements continues to grow, Crutchley’s journey is inspiring a new generation of runners and proving that hard work, commitment and passion can take local talent to the highest levels of competition. Continue reading
Newcastle AC’s Sam McNeilly and Rebecca Magee with Team Ireland (L-R Andrew Tees, Sam McNeilly, Rebecca Magee, Sarah Brady, Tim Conway (and Barry Hartnett not pictured))
Newcastle AC’s Holly Fisher, David Hicks and Tom Crudgington with Team Northern Ireland (L-R Esther Dickson, Holly Fisher, Naomi McCurry, Karen Wilton, David Hicks, Keith Johnston, Tom Crudgington and Lorcan Vallely)
Newcastle AC athletes were proudly represented at this year’s Snowdon International Mountain Race held on Saturday 18th July, with several club members selected to compete for both Team Ireland and Team Northern Ireland. Continue reading