Newcastle AC at St Malachy’s High School 5k & 10k

Report by Brexiter

A number of Newcastle AC members took part in the inaugural St Malachy’s High School 5k / 10k races on Thursday 4th April 2019. These races were in aid of the schools Trocaire Lenten Campaign and were a huge success.  The races were also part of NIMRA trials for the season ahead.

Conditions were very tough with some heavy hailstone showers at the start of the races. Both race courses were very demanding and involved some climbing over slievenaslat. First home in the 10km race was Ex St Malachys old boy Castlewellan’s Connaire McVeigh and fellow student Bryansford’s Sean Russell followed closely in suit. The Dromara teacher Jonny Crutchley used the local race for his attack on the London Marathon hopefully he will remember his club vest for that. The Newcastle Hotelier was next showing the younger McVeigh how to climb. It was notable to see Jack O Hare, fresh from his winter hibernation and Brexit debates back racing again. Next home was Kilcoo man John Kelly who relished having a Reece over the course with the young lads. Other finishers were Dominic McGreevy who took a detour looking for another climb. St Johns man Micky Flynn enjoyed the local trails Rita Devlin, Lorna Cunningham, Nicola Mathers and Mr Castlewellan Parkrun McCann  took time out from there marathon preparation. Mr & Mrs McCrickard completed with the Mr loving the chocolate biscuits and 15’s. Castlewellan’s Charlie McAlinden who missed the local Derby in the meadow loved reminiscing from his school days. The locals did notice a notable absentee in the Burrenbridge man James King who excuse was he didn’t have enough eggs for lunch and was busy calving.

Young Tom Cruddington took part in the 5 km race where he finished 6th and Mr Damian Brannigan took part in the 5km in highly competitive race that was part of the NIMRA trials.

As special thanks to St Malachy’s High School staff Clare Murnin and Phil Hodge who put in a huge amount of time to making these races a success. Also, a thanks to the staff, management and pupils from St Malachy’s High School on their fantastic hospitality and the use of their wonderful facilities. It was also good to see some ex teachers attending and offering support to some of their past pupils. Shimna wheelers also had 8 Marshall’s on the course and offered encouragement.

The first race of the annual Newcastle AC Hill and Dale Series takes place this Thursday 11th April in Castlewellan Forest Park. Full details are available on the Newcastle AC website https://www.newcastleac.org/?page_id=13250.