McAleenans Jump Into All Irelands

This weekend, a small squad of Newcastle AC Juniors embraced their maiden journey into Indoor Athletics as cars were packed up and headed off to the National Sports Campus in Dublin to represent the club at the NI & Ulster Indoor Championships.

The venue itself was something of dreams, the vastly spread NSC just outside Blanchardstown caters to all sports from the Aquatics Centre to full size hockey, rugby and football pitches and nestled between the National Gymnastic Centre and the Irish Rugby Union Performance Centre was the Indoor Track and Field arena were Athletics NI were hosting the the event.

Saturday welcomed the Even Age categories and Sunday the Odds which resulted in two full days of excitement, drama and unforgettable experiences. The flawlessly executed race day programme delivered by ANI was exemplary and added to the positive experience which was weekend long. The club was positively welcomed by officials and organisers to the line up as ‘newbies’ and with that the yellow and red vests made their mark on the various events across both days.

Saturday kicked off with the U12 600m. For the club, the dynamic duo of Rossa McAleenan and Harry McVeigh took to the line in what was a straight final. The 200m track would offer spectators a 3 lap battle which had them on the edge of their seats as the mid field battle played out. However at the front, Harry McVeigh made his break after lap 1 to make space between himself and those behind him, stretching out to demonstrate that his ability to move smoothly between terrains and disciplines was unmatched. Last week NI Cross Country Champion, this week NI 600m Track Champion. Completing the 600m in 1.48. Rossa McAleenan put in a spectacular last 200m as he passed tiring legs into the final straight to gain a few places and take 7th overall in 1.58.

Both boys also tackled the 60m sprint which was super competitive with 4 heats. With such small margins between runners the top 8 finishers Rossa missed out on the final by hundredths of a second in 9.68. Harry slipped into the final and finished 4th in 9.29. Both boys are not usually found on the shorter track sprints but with time they both show great talent should they venture along the shorter distance options.

Though it’s not always about the track events, Harry took on the Shot Put and Rossa took to the sand for the Long Jump. Harry looked small and isolated in the throwing circle but threw 5.48m to claim 4th place. At the other end of the arena though Rossa McAleenan was fully embracing the Long Jump and enjoying every moment as he jumped 3.64m to claim 5th place.

Maisie McVeigh was sitting in the call room waiting for the U14 800m as she watched her brother win the 600m. Knowing this wasn’t her focus of the day, it was still an event in which she would be competitive in and be a solid warm up and stretch out for her later events. Maisie put in a strong race to finish in 2.44 which equated to 7th overall in the U14 girls 800m.

With training this season geared towards the shorter distances, Maisie was focused on the 60m which followed soon afterwards. After a strong heat finishing in 8.73, Maisie qualified for the final and with her evidently getting more confident off the blocks and her starts getting sharper, she powered up the middle track of the arena, a fountain of focus and power to take 3rd place in 8.60 and secure an All Ireland qualification position. Even on the podium celebrations continued as the announcer had checked the paperwork and alluded to it being Maisie’s Birthday. So double shout out.

She was in high spirits heading into the 60m hurdles later in the afternoon qualifying for the final with ease. Though even the best will have mishaps which cost them dearly. Fast off the blocks, Maisie led from the gun and glided over each hurdle effortlessly though as she landed on the track over the final hurdle she took a stumble and unfortunately fell which cost her the race. However she immediately got up and finished the race in 8th. A bruised ego and some track burns aside, the level of professionalism displayed by this young lady was admirable and exemplary. She’ll go on this year to prove herself at outdoors knowing her qualifying time of 10.31 alone was enough to win the final if she had stayed upright for 5 more metres.

Over in the Cage was Aoife Grant, who has opted to venture into field events this season after a 2nd place finish in Hammer last season, took to the circle for the Shot.

Throwing 2kg at Under 14 level for 4.85m, Aoife delivered some great throws, with strong arms and perfect alignment. It is clear with more work on finely tuning technique that this left handed thrower will come into her own over the next few months and better her 8th place finish against girls who have been working on this discipline for a number of years and are a year older than her. Aoife also took part in the U14 High Jump and made some great clean Jumps to finish in 6th place.

James Carson kicked off his day in the U16 boys Long Jump. The determination and focus of this young man is admirable as he undertook the event as a first timer. He jumped a 4.03 to place 11th overall. Forever the sportsman, he was the first to extend a hand of congratulations to his fellow competitors.

James also took to the start line in the U16 200m and 60m sprint heats. He demonstrated an enviable start in both races and was quick off the blocks for 8.43 and 27.62 respectively. As he grows into the track and field seasons there will be plenty of opportunities for him to further develop his racing experience which will pay off dividends.

Sunday saw Ulster Multi-Event Champion Fiachna McAleenan move up into the U15 age category. With an eclectic mix of events lined up for the day proving how versatile this young man is. Starting with the 800m he made massive improvements on his Personal Best to finish in 4th in 2.21. He took on the High Jump with gusto and cleared 1.35m with ease, hitting the bar at 1.40m and unable to push through the first contact to get the confidence to glide over. Although frustrated with himself, he secured 2nd place and will hope that wall doesn’t appear and knock his confidence come the time for the All Irelands in Athlone. Though relentless in his pursuit to always give 100%, Fiachna fought hard in the 60m Hurdles, even navigating a minor stumble to take home his 2nd silver medal of the day in 11.08.

Not the only one in the Laitroim area with a spring in their step, younger sister Saorlaith McAleenan earned a well deserved bronze medal in the U13 High Jump with a 20cm improvement on last season clearing 1.25m. A spectacular performance from this elegant young lady who was able to set nerves aside and focus on gliding backwards over the bar. Saorlaith also earned herself a spot in the 60m sprint finishing in 9.36 for 8th place.

The U13 600m races welcomed Saorlaith and Connaire Og McVeigh to the track for 3 laps. With the fastest finishers making up the final results with no qualifier. Connaire Og came 3rd in his heat which was 6th overall in a time of 1.50. Saorlaith was 10th overall, completing the distance in 2 minutes dead.

As far as maiden voyages go, this was a success trip with lots to celebrate including a birthday. The red and yellow of Newcastle AC stood out amongst the participants and graced the podium a number of times also. An overwhelming experience for our youngsters at times but they held their composure well to do the club proud. For Fiachna and Connaire Og though, they’ll have to change the spikes back one last time as they prepare for the Irsih Schools Cross Country Championships next week in Wicklow.

Report by Siobhan Grant

Newcastle AC Junior squad in Dublin

High Jump podiums for brother and sister, Fiachna & Saorlaith McAleenan

James Carson proud to be representing the Newcastle AC at NI & Ulster Indoors in Dublin