Aaron makes a huge impact at Irish Schools Cross Country           by Siobhan Grant

At tte weekend, Newcastle AC proudly watched on as three members made their way to Tymon Park, Tallagh, after qualifying for the Post Primary Schools All Ireland Cross Country Finals. Having been trailblazer for their schools through Districts in Delamont and then again at Mallusk Playing Fields carving their way into the opportunity to represent their schools at All Ireland level, everyone was behind Fiachna McAleenan, Aaron O Boyle and Ethan McMullan as they toed the line amongst the best runners in the whole island.

It was a first for Fiachna to represent his school, St Malachy’s High School, at this level. Phil Hodge had made the trip down to support this young up and coming athlete whilst the rest of the school and their staff headed to Carlow for a different kind of All Ireland Final. Needless to say, the school included the Year 9 and his upcoming race within the build up to the Dr.Eamon O Sullivan Cup and his own All Ireland Final, where he too received a full training kit, sponsored by Quinns Bar, to mark his achievements of representing the school at such a level.

Fiachna set off at a comfortable pace as he navigated quite a tough first section with ease. With 2500m ahead, he had to pull together all the race experience he had to make this a race to remember.

Always one to break out an unforgettable finish, with 200m to go, Fiachna sat in 43rd place. However he knew what he had in reserve and on hearing younger brother Rossa cheering him on, he left everything out there to cross the line together with a number of other runners in 9.44 for 34th place, well within the top half of the field. He’ll be sure to take this as a positive race experience and come back next year ready to aim for a higher place and add yet again to his hoodie collection.

Aaron O’Boyle was up next in the Junior Boys race. Last year Aaron represented St.Patricks Grammar School, in the Minor Boys race as a Year 9 and claimed 44th place. This year, Aaron has continued to build on a strong foundation and have more faith in his exceptional talent as a Cross Country runner. With family travelling down to Dublin alongside Principal Joe McCann, Aaron had plenty of support around the course. The new St.Patricks running vest looked well and Aaron wore it with pride. With an additional 1000m on last year’s final, this would be the longest Cross Country race of the season for this young man. Though very sure of his abilities and in race tactics, Aaron smoothly made space for himself in the early stages and held strong throughout. He crossed the line after a spectacular final assault to finish in 24th place. A 20 place improvement on last year and proof that hard work pays off.

Ethan McMullan is no stranger to this event. Having represented his school, Down High School, at this competition before. Last year he competed in the same race category as a Lower 6th finishing in 48th place. Since then, Ethan has gone on represent Ireland at the World Mountain Running Championships as an U20 and was an integral member of the Newcastle AC Senior Squad during this year’s Cross Country Season, finding himself on the podium a number of times as an individual and as part of the team. His dedication to managing the demands of school work alongside a rigorous training plan is exemplary. He had 6000m of difficult terrain underfoot to navigate as the final race of the day. With over 1000 pairs of feet having travelled the route prior to his race and weather conditions remaining wet and miserable, Ethan needed to stay focused and pick each runner off on his way round. Words of wisdom and support from dad Martin prior to the race stuck with Ethan and he powered around the route in 20:11 to take 25th place which was a massive improvement on last year and a performance that Ethan should be very proud of.

It is great to see the local schools supporting the achievements of their young athletes and enable them to access opportunities to shine. All our Juniors work relentlessly at training and show up at many different events in yellow and red however it is always that bit more special to represent your school. The amazing performances of these three young men at the weekend will go on to inspire and encourage their peers, school mates and club mates for years to come.

Fiachna working hard mid race in Tallagh

McMullan support crew out for Ethan in the Senior Boys race.

O’Boyle family support for Aaron in Tallagh

Jimmy’s 10K

Well done to Juniors Patrick McDaid and Karim Jardine who completed Jimmy’s 10K in 36:20 and 39:53 respectively – fantastic running by both lads.

Parkrun

It was also a first for one of our youngest Junior members. Niamh Watson, who is only Primary 1. She was met by club mate and Parkrun Stalwart Charlotte Kerr at the start of Castlewellan Parkrun and the supportive smile and excitement of the 5k ahead with a friend was infectious and the two girls set off full of optimism and determination to get their steps in with club mate Aoife Grant staying with the two young ladies for the duration of the distance to encourage and also distract them from time to time when little legs got a bit tired. With all three girls finishing well within the 45 minute barrier, there is such potential coming up the ranks.

Nearly 20 minutes ahead of his sister was Ruaidhrí Watson who was also taking on his first parkrun. The 8 year old, who recently topped the leaderboard in the McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series was accompanied by dad Ronan who kept him focused and filled the young runner with self belief to smash through the line in 26.11. A brilliant first parkrun for this young man, there are great things to come from him in the near future.

Last week at Castlewellan Parkrun, Natalie Cotton had a blistering run to secure a new PB of 23.42 taking 8 seconds of her time from her last parkrun back in October.

Parkrun continues to take place every Saturday Morning at 9.30am across the Country including in Castlewellan Forest Park, Dunleath Playing Fields and Kilbroney Forest Park.

Charlotte Kerr helped friend Niamh Watson to complete her first Castlewellan Parkrun.