Jamie O’Flaherty clears the barrier on this way to claiming his first Ulster Steeplechase title
Newcastle AC’s young athletes produced a series of outstanding performances at the NI and Ulster U14-U20 Track and Field Championships at the Mary Peters Track, Belfast, with the club enjoying a highly successful weekend across a range of events. Competing against the province’s best young talent, Newcastle athletes delivered medals, personal bests and impressive displays that underlined the club’s growing strength across all age groups with 8 athletes taking home 7 medals over the course of the weekend.
Danielle Trimble got Newcastle AC’s medal haul underway early in the programme as she competed in the discus at her first NI and Ulster Club Championships. Following a strong performance at schools competition the previous week, Danielle faced the added challenge of stepping up to the heavier 1kg discus with less than a week to adapt.
She embraced the challenge superbly, showing the power and fast arm action that are quickly becoming trademarks of her throwing. After four strong rounds, Danielle secured an impressive bronze medal, finishing comfortably clear of fourth place by over five metres. She later returned to compete in the shot put, placing seventh overall.
Aoife Grant opened her Ulster campaign in the hammer cage, where she faced the challenge of adapting to the heavier 3kg implement. Despite the adjustment impacting her distance, she still secured a solid fifth-place finish.
Aoife then turned her attention to the U16 2000m race walk, an event in which she has worked tirelessly to improve throughout the season. Setting out at a blistering pace alongside the U16 boys, she matched them stride for stride while maintaining flawless technique throughout. Her strength and determination saw her pull clear of the rest of the girls’ field as she smashed her personal best by an incredible 61 seconds to claim her second Ulster title in as many months.
Aoife Grant on the final straight to her 2nd Ulster Racewalking title
In a remarkable turnaround, Aoife then made it across to the javelin competition in time for the final round, without even changing her footwear, and produced a throw good enough to secure fourth place and qualification for the All-Ireland Championships.
Harry McVeigh arrived at the track following a late change of plans which allowed him to line up in the 800m. Unfortunately the time trials were not seeded and Harry found himself in the slower section race but produced a strong run of 2:15 to secure second place and an ideal sharpener ahead of Sunday’s 1500m final.
Harry claimed Silver in the 800m and added the 1500m ulster title to his wins
After a good night’s rest, Harry returned focused and composed for the 1500m, his calm demeanour in the call room reflecting his confidence ahead of the race. A controlled opening lap saw the field stay tightly packed at a quicker-than-usual pace as several favourites attempted to force the tempo. On the second lap, Harry moved decisively to the front, dictating the pace and opening a gap further on the athlete who had claimed victory in the 800m the previous day.
For yet another championship race, Harry and Donal Devlin battled over the closing stages, but Harry’s trademark finishing kick proved decisive over the final 300 metres as he powered clear to claim the Ulster title in an impressive 4:32.23.
Hermione Sheridan also found herself affected by the time-trial system, lining up in the slower heat of her event. Undeterred, she produced a composed and controlled performance, using her long, fluent stride to steadily create space within the race. Hermione ran with great maturity throughout and delivered a performance to be proud of, finishing second in her heat. Unfortunately, despite her impressive run, it left her just outside the medals in fourth place overall.
Hermione takes 4th in the 800m
Sunday brought drier skies and more success for Newcastle AC as Rónán Grant took on the U17 hammer competition. The transition to the heavier 5kg implement has presented challenges throughout the season, but Rónán has continued to show great resilience and dedication in competition.
Competing against the reigning Ulster Schools champion, Rónán produced another determined display to secure an excellent bronze medal. His performance provided a timely confidence boost as he continues to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Jamie and Ronan finished off Day 2 with a visit to the podium
Fresh from an outstanding performance at the All-Ireland Schools Championships the previous week, Danny O’Connor lined up for his first Ulster Club Championships in a fiercely competitive U16 field. With little margin for error against a talented group that included several familiar rivals from schools competition as well as older Inter Boys athletes, Danny rose to the challenge superbly.
Danny ran a strong 1500m in the U16 boys age group to take 4th
Producing a determined and composed run, he competed admirably throughout to secure an impressive fourth-place finish.
Rounding off the weekend’s action was Jamie O’Flaherty, who made his steeplechase debut in impressive fashion. Still only 16, Jamie has already shown exceptional versatility across a range of disciplines, recording outstanding road performances, confident displays in mountain running and impressive times on the track over 3000m.
Jamie O’Flaherty clears the barrier on this way to claiming his first Ulster Steeplechase title
A move into the steeplechase felt like a natural progression and, as some might say, it is very much in the blood. Jamie adapted brilliantly to the demands of the event from the outset, dominating the race from the gun with smooth hurdling and confident navigation of the water jump. His natural speed between the barriers was evident throughout as he maintained strong form across all five laps.
Relief and delight were evident on his face as he cleared the final barrier and powered down the home straight to claim the Ulster title to rapturous applause from the Newcastle supporters.
Across two days of competition, Newcastle AC’s athletes produced performances full of determination, resilience and promise, collecting medals, personal bests and valuable championship experience along the way. From throws and race walks to middle-distance battles and steeplechase success, the club’s athletes showcased both their talent and versatility on one of the biggest stages in Ulster athletics.
With several athletes now qualifying for the All-Ireland Championships and others continuing to build momentum through the season, this season is shaping up to be one to remember.