On Sunday, the club proudly hosted the fourth and final race of the 2025/2026 McGrady’s Financial Junior Cross Country Series at Tollymore Forest Park.
Emily McGreevy leads home the full P6 race
After the weather gods had played their part in previous fixtures, we were fortunate to find a welcome break in the conditions for race day. Although heavy downpours greeted the setup team early on, the clouds cleared just as participants began to arrive, with the rain seemingly skirting around our wee microclimate by the Monument.
Thanks to the dedication of our junior coaches and volunteers—who worked tirelessly from course setup and marshalling to takedown—the event ran smoothly from start to finish. Their efforts were warmly appreciated, as was the welcome sight of an array of homemade baked treats in the tent, enjoyed by runners and supporters throughout the afternoon.
The course, unchanged from previous years, once again provided a challenging yet fair test for seasoned competitors and those experiencing the Tollymore route for the first time. The now-infamous “spicy” hill was the standout feature of the 800m loop, as athletes climbed back towards the Monument on each lap. Under the expert guidance of Catherine McIntosh, roles were assigned efficiently and the schedule executed with precision, with proceedings getting underway promptly at 1:00pm with the Year 11 and Over race.
Hosting a Sunday fixture at this stage of the year is never without its challenges, as football and hockey seasons are in full swing. Many runners, having already completed three races in the series, chose to sit out the final event, while others arrived straight from morning matches to use the race as an extended cool-down. Despite these competing commitments, the atmosphere remained positive and supportive—bringing a fitting close to another successful Junior Cross Country Series.
The Year 11 and Over race saw Parisa Susay-Quinn secure the girls’ series title with a powerful run amongst the boys, completing the 2000m course in 9:38. McGrady stalwarts Donal McDaid and Ronan Grant secured their podium places for the series with notable performances off the back of two very different but equally challenging sessions the previous day.
In the Year 10 race, a strong contingent of Newcastle ladies once again claimed a full podium of red and yellow. Mary Houston led the girls home in 7:08, making an exceptional effort look effortless. Lily McMurray followed, with Aoife Grant and Evie Barnett McNulty closing out the proceedings. Connaire Óg McVeigh secured his second win of the series, powering home in 6:23 (5:42 min/mile pace) as he prepares for the upcoming All Ireland Schools in Mallusk.
Luke McDonald has shown tremendous improvement over the past year. Completing the mile in 6:17, he claimed both the race win and the overall series title—his second victory of the series. There is undoubtedly much more to come from this talented young athlete.
In the Year 8 girls’ race, Ellie Moore took second place with a graceful performance, while Lizzie Houston finished her cross-country season on a high in fourth place with a time of 6:06. Among the boys, the recent Ulster Schools Champions Harry McVeigh, jested with his coach before hand about holding him back for the chase, though with a call up to the London Mini- Marathon impending, he thought it was wiser to try to keep pace and not just pocket a fiver. Rossa McAleenan was determined to secure the series win, keeping Dromore’s Patrick Smith at bay. Quick from the start, Rossa ensured he stayed ahead of the field and is now the 2025/2026 Year 8 champion. Callum Toner and Darragh Scannell followed closely behind in fourth and fifth respectively.
Rua Gosling completed a clean sweep with her fourth victory of the series in the Year 7 race, delivering another flawless run. Maria Barr made her first appearance of the series and impressed with a strong 7:09 over 1200m. In the P7 boys’ race, Jamie McKibbin and Mark McDonald claimed fifth and sixth places respectively, finishing strongly over the final hill.
The run of the day undoubtedly came from Emily McGreevy in the P6 girls’ race. Fresh from a superb performance at the Flahavan’s Final on Friday, Emily led from the gun—not only winning the girls’ race but crossing the line seven seconds ahead of the first boy. A determined and memorable performance. Sophie Kerr battled throughout with clubmate Toby Mayers, who had already had a busy morning at a football tournament. Toby pulled away in the final 100m to secure third place, with Sophie close behind.
Maggie Gibson runs strong
Jaxon McKibbin continued his impressive form in the P5 boys’ race, delivering a gutsy performance to take second place in 3:13. He set the pace for a strong group of Newcastle AC girls—Sophia Barr, Isabella Jennings, Aoife McClements and Maggie Gibson—who showed undeniable grit over the full 800m route, including that demanding hill.
Cousins race to the line
The P4 and Under race was, as always, a highlight of the day. With series standings still to be decided, excitement filled the start line. A family battle unfolded in the closing stages as cousins Noah Jennings and Logan McKibbin sprinted for bragging rights. On this occasion, Noah edged ahead, though both were already discussing next year’s series. Charlotte Kerr led the Newcastle girls home, followed closely by Niamh Cunningham and Niamh Watson. One of the day’s most enthusiastic runners was Tilly McVeigh, confidently declaring before the start that her daddy would be the tall man at the finish directing runners—exactly the kind of joy we love to see at this level. Cillian Higgins once again demonstrated his growing talent, tackling the final hill with determination, while the youngest competitor in the series, Malin Higgins, showed remarkable improvement with each race and will certainly be one to watch in years to come.
The event saw an exceptional turnout and remarkable performances from athletes across all age groups. The club extends sincere thanks to all coaches, volunteers, parents and visiting teams who helped ensure a smooth and enjoyable afternoon. Details of the prize-giving ceremony will be announced soon as we celebrate the achievements of all our young athletes.
Cillian Higgins smiles to the end