Category Archives: International Selection

Irish International Off Road Debut Sees Patrick Shine in France

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Patrick out on course in France during his first International cap for the Irish Off Road Squad

The 2026 Trail de Guerlédan brought together some of the strongest endurance athletes from across Europe to compete on the demanding trails surrounding Lac de Guerlédan in Brittany, France. Renowned for its steep climbs, technical terrain and unpredictable conditions, the event tested both the physical and mental resilience of every competitor. Among the international field was an Irish contingent determined to make its mark, with Patrick McDaid leading the team in one of the festival’s most competitive trail races.

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Magee and McDaid Lead Team Ireland Charge at Youth Skyrunning World Championships

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The world’s finest young mountain runners gathered in Croatia over the weekend as the 2026 Youth Skyrunning World Championships got underway in the spectacular surroundings of the Biokovo Mountains.

The six strong squad from Ireland included Newcastle ACs Patrick McDaid and Rebecca Magee

A record 32 nations from five continents competed at the prestigious event, which marked ten years since the championships were first introduced by the International Skyrunning Federation. More than 200 athletes descended on the coastal town of Makarska to contest the VERTICAL and SKY disciplines on demanding mountain courses rising high above the Adriatic Sea. Continue reading →

International Selection for Newcastle AC

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From a small corner of South Down, nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, it’s only natural that local runners don’t fear a hill or two. After all, with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as their back garden, it comes as no surprise that, as Northern Irish and Irish mountain running selection committees sift through results and trials, a Newcastle AC runner regularly earns a place on the team.

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Junior Mountain Stars Emerge at Donard Trials

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Strong team of 4 who took on the NIMRA Trials on Saturday

Young athletes from across Northern Ireland gathered in the Mourne Mountains for a key moment in the junior mountain running calendar, as trials took place to select the 2026 Northern Ireland junior squads. Hosted by Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (NIMRA),  the event at Donard Forest saw aspiring runners across three age groups, compete over a challenging 7km course in hopes of earning a place on teams set to represent their country at major competitions later in the year.

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