Newcastle Juniors show class at Tollymore

On Sunday, the club hosted the 3rd race of the McGrady’s Financial Junior Cross Country Series. The weather was onside and even the sun came out from time to time to remind us that Spring was incoming. With all the Junior coaches and volunteers undertaking various roles across the event, some for the first time and other, experienced stalwarts directing, the teamwork was evident and reflected on the smooth running of the event and bonus baked treats in the tent for all.

With a course set up to return to the normal anti-clockwise route, it was deceivingly a very undulating route which would test even the most seasoned runner but still be kind enough to those shorter, younger legs taking on the Tollymore Experience. Under the experienced eye of Catherine McInotsh, everyone was delegated jobs and instructions given, with the event kicking off at 1pm with the Year 11 and over race.

With many of our “Senior Juniors” busy elsewhere on the day, the club was thin on the ground in the oldest age category of the day. Cohen Murphy McKibbin, fresh from a football match, arrived well warmed up and put in some great running to be second boy in the Year 11 & 12 category finishing in a remarkable time of 9.35. Sophie Neill proved to be in great shape stretching in the closing stages to finish the 2400m route in 11 minutes. Natalie Cotton, who was sporting a nice set of spikes, crossed the line four seconds later with Kaileigh McKibben, representing the club for the first time, finishing strong in 5th place.

Half of the Year 10 start line were donning the red and yellow vests of Newcastle AC. Aaron O’Boyle ran exceptionally well and although he may not be aware, a lot of the younger runners were in awe at the speed of this young man as he barely touched the ground whilst in motion. Inspiring others whilst getting the miles in. Club mate Jamie O’Flathery, who has been involved in the McGrady’s series from when he was old enough to walk, continues to come back year on year and put in strong runs each time. Finishing in 2nd place in 7.08. Erin Easton, also a stalwart of the series, took to the line declaring “it is for the last time” and what a memorable run it was for the young lady. Sandwiched between Dromore ACs Finn McGarry and Euan Kennedy, Erin displayed that although she may have lost the love for running currently, that she still has plenty of fight and determination. Clara Flynn though is going from strength to strength and put in a great race to finish in 9.49.

The Year 9 race was busy with 15 runners in total. Fiachna McAleenan had a fantastic race which will set him up well for the Irish Schools Cross Country Championship. Donal McDaid and Sebastian McCaughey held strong in the middle section of the race for sub 8 minute mile pace around the route. Fionn McEvoy continues to improve and after a great run at Stormont last week, he was well prepared for Tollymore and the challenges it would offer. Rónán Grant, fresh from his 100th Parkrun showed huge improvement in his cross country running and pushed right to the end. Eve McNamara continues to show her ability to transition well between the demands of being a multi-event athlete. Her race experience is what set her apart at Tollymore as she dug in deep at the right moment to create plenty of distance between her and the runner behind her to secure first place. Maisie McVeigh had a well paced run to dip under the 7 minutes for the 1600m course. Niamh Watson and Mila Astruc Kidd are both showing huge improvement with times of 7.51 and 8.05 respectively.

Connaire Og McVeigh was the only Year 8 boy for Newcastle AC and he took that title very seriously ensuring that he took first place in the boys race in 5.23. Saorlaith McAleenan continues to dominate this category with a first place finish, 24 seconds ahead of second place Lily McMurray who is proving the many Monday night trips to the Mast with the club have paid off dividends with regards her belief and developing technique. Aoife Grant has shown immense improvement over the past few months, and found herself finishing ahead of a number of runners who in the past would have been in front. Even with this increased effort, Aoife yet again spotted the camera and sold cross country as a fun sport through her smile mid race.

Senan Gosling not only had to contend with the usual challenges of the runners in his P7 category, he also looked across the line to spot his cousin running also. Senan has proven in the past that he has his eyes firmly on the finish line and Sunday was no different. He finished in second place in 4.50. Emily Kerrs race was strong and controlled, preparing for the demands that Friday at Mallusk will bring in the NI Flahavans Cross Country Final. Isla McMullan was in fine form and her final 100m allowed for her to stretch out her long legs and stride to a 5.59 finish. She was soon followed by Zoe Astruc Kidd in 6.14 and Isabella Sloan was supported by team mates as she entered the final stages of the race and finished with an amazing smile on her face.

Drama was high in the P6 race, Harry McVeigh was sure to be far away from the drama as he led from the front and seemed to enjoy his run out as he stretched his legs on home turf. Behind him club mate Rossa was luring East Downs Mack Canavan into a false sense of security before his final assault to take the young man on the line after he dropped back to create the illusion that there was no fight left. Though the young Laitriom man knows only too well at this stage what his abilities are and he was sure to show that to those watching as he slipped into second place. Curan McMurray also had a fight on his hands with another one of East Downs runners. Cuan was taking no prisoners as he approached the final stretch but if he had ten more metres he would have passed the runner in front, coming in, in 4.48. Aydah Mc Kibbin is the third of our runners who will represent their school at Mallusk on Friday and she too used the opportunity to test her race tactics. She took a very convincing first place and is definitely one to watch as she grows fully into her talent. Meabh McCartan demonstrated huge improvement since the last race and clearly her confidence is growing as she powered around the route in 5.02. Ellie Moore fought hard in the closing stages of the race to finish in 5.13.

Mark McDonald was the only boy in the P5 race and although surrounded by the red and black of Murlough AC, Mark was sure to give everything he had to finish in 5th place. Rua Gosling had a spectacular finish as even at P5, she knows the concept of leaving everything out on course. A brilliant run from the young lady and a dramatic finish over the line for extra effect. Sophia Sloan also had an exceptional run and was supported by club mates as she entered the final stages. It is this support that makes this event so special, you are never alone out there.

The P4 and Under race got underway with all athletes fully believing that the most important was saved for last. Ruaidhrí Watson was a force to be reckoned with and continues to show great promise within athletics finishing 1 second behind first place. Luca McIntosh fought hard from the start whistle and never gave up in his quest to take another spot in the closing stages. Crossing the line shoulder to shoulder with East Downs Oisin Taylor. Sophie Kerr had a flawless race and smiled as she crossed the finish line in first place. Freya Savage was quoted prior to the race as saying “running is stupid.” Most runners would agree with this resolve but as Freya also learned, it feels great afterwards. Although barely over an illness she had a fantastic run and came over the line in second place. Maria Sloan soon followed to take fourth place.  Though the day finished with the most amazing example of innocent and pure respect. Alfie Sloan, who is only P1, reached out in the closing stages to Charlotte Kerr, also P1, putting his hand out to encourage Charlotte on. And this was the perfect way to end a brilliant day, running may at times seem stupid, it may be hard work, though it is a sport that brings out so many positive behaviours which were clearly on display at Tollymore.

An exceptional turn out from all our athletes and also from our coaches and parents to make hosting the event run smoothly from set up to clean up and all in between. The club would like to thank our local clubs for coming along and taking part in the event and we look forward to next Sunday 25th February  where we hope that our young athletes will travel to Delamont for the final race of the series, there is still so much that can change on the leaderboards at this late stage, so don’t miss out.

 

Born2Run Castlewellan

Hundreds of runners descended upon Castlewellan on Saturday to take part in the final race of the Born2Run Run Forest Run, Winter Series. Amongst the runners there were the familiar faces of those Newcastle Juniors who have travelled the length and breadth of Northern Ireland to take part in these great races, in great places.

Karim Jaidane has upped his game this year and taken on the gruelling task of completing the 10k races. He also set himself an additional challenge to raise funds for Chest Heart and Stroke and donned the Red Vest to every race in his bid to raise awareness of this great charity.

Karim has undoubtedly found his stride during the 10k distance as he has taken over 10minutes off his time since the start of the series four months ago. He completed the race in 42.24 and afterwards also collected an age category win as best performing junior male throughout the series. An unexpected bonus but a very deserved trophy for this young man in addition to raising over £450 for his chosen charity.

Callum Flynn also took on the undulating course at Castlewellan. He embraced some very challenging hills and took advantage of tiring legs around him to put in a strong finish to cross the line in 47.15.

Michael Lynch completed his full house of Series Races with another’s strong and consistent effort in the 5ks in 22.34. This is not the first time the Year 9 has completed this full series. Last year, he also demonstrated amazing dedication to completing the series and this year was no different.

Parkrun

Earlier in the day, as the crowds began to pour into Castlewellan, Parkrun continued as normal at 9.30am. With numbers being boosted by the impending race event, it was Patrick McDaid who took the win at Castlewellan in an amazing 17.58.

Junior Coach Angie Kerr embraced her 100th parkrun by pushing herself and capitalising on the opportunity to run without one of her wonderful daughters by her side. As she glided across the line in 24.27, with over a 90second Personal Best, it wasn’t long before she was sharing out sweets with all 279 runners in celebration.  Also joining the elusive 100 club was Rónán Grant. The young thirteen year old has now dedicated over two years worth of Saturday mornings to running 5k to mark this milestone. He chose to spend his 100th parkrun with clubmate Sebastian McCaughey, using parkrun as more of a social run where they got the miles in, with plenty of smiles.

Coaching Update

The junior members rely heavily on the dedication and commitment of the coaches and volunteers at training throughout the week and at various events. The club is always supportive of volunteers and coaches wanting to further upskill to aid the growth of the junior squad. On Saturday,  Connaire McVeigh was the latest volunteer who earned his coaching licence after successfully completing his Leadership In Running accreditation at Mary Peters Track. Offering an insightful session on Hill work as part of his assessment he passed with flying colours and will continue to further support the Juniors with his new found knowledge.