No Second Violins on Leeson Street or jumping on a bus to Dunlaoghaire
by Bogusboy

Conditions were far from ideal as the athletes crossed the line at the start of the recent Dublin City Marathon.  With swirling winds, enough to blow the lid of Podge’s Frappuccino and cause minor apoplexy, the Newcastle AC contingent made their way through streets broad and narrow as the course moved along the canal towards Phoenix Park.  With the wind in their faces (when is it ever not!!!), they continued undeterred, determined to put in a good performance after the months of intensive training.  Some club members took a more relaxed approach to the race and casually ambled between viewing vantage points to shout encouragement (sic: hurl abuse) and proffer words of wisdom on how best to go about the task of surviving.  Kendall was once again the leading man, turning in a more than satisfactory performance and yet another sub 3 hour time.

Dementors & Tormentors!

Aidan Brown led to rest the ghosts of 2013 and stayed well to the finish to record a fine time.  He was obviously unfettered from the demons that were waiting for him at the 20 mile marker.  As he approached his spectating and, dare I say, somewhat sceptical and cynical club mates at just before the 26 mile marker there was a noticeable grin on his face:  this was perhaps the NAC performance of the day.  Shortly afterwards they came in thick and fast – some faster than others!  The Prophet had a remarkably steady run, irrespective of the fact that the sub 3 he had worked hard for eluded him – this was a fine run on a difficult day. John Kelly, Norman Smyth and Niall Carson all finished within 5 minutes of each other and all paced themselves well. Francie McAlinden beat his target time by almost 8 minutes and Jerome Farrell (in his debut over the distance) and Rita Devlin were comfortably inside the 4 hour barrier. Paul Fegan completed the NAC with a typically stylish and well-paced 4:19.  Well done to all. The team were running for ‘Target Ovarian Cancer’ and would like to acknowledge the generosity of the many sponsors who supported their campaign.  Well done also to Niall King (3:37) Monica McCrickard (4:30) and Cathy Morgan (4:16) who turned in stellar performances and to our many friends from Murlough AC, most notably Alan Johnston in recording a marathon debut time of 2:50 – impressive stuff

Parkrun Fever

‘Sure 26.2 on Monday is ideal training for a 5k Parkrun on a Saturday.’  Wise words indeed from Norman Smyth who, after sustaining a bad injury in May, completed the Dublin Marathon last Monday!  To complete his week of exercise the ‘Steve ‘Bronzed Adonis’ Beeton’ of NAC won the Craigavon event on Saturday morning – even Audey was impressed, but he didn’t let on!!! Elsewhere, Luke McMullan was also victorious in the Hampstead heath Parkrun on the same day.  Both were part of the ever increasing number of athletes of all abilities who avail of the free 5k timed races hosted at venues throughout the length and breadth of the UK each Saturday at 9:30am.  There is no entry fee – you simply register online, print off your barcode, turn up and run. Not to be outdone by a mere 5k jaunt, Paul Fegan completed the Decathlon half marathon in 2:00:54 on Sunday 2November – the man must be flat out on the beetroot juice!!!

Springwell XC

Eight male athletes travelled to Coleraine for the third Cross Country Meet of the season.  Team captain David McNeilly was very pleased with his charges who remain in pole position in the team standings. With 4 athletes in the top 20 it was another impressive and profitable excursion to the north coast.  The only disappointed man was Stevie Rice, who looked crestfallen at the finish line.  When asked why he was looking so glum, he shook his head and said, ‘Sure it’s not the same when I don’t have Cairnsy or Big Phil to beat.’ The boys were joined by Rita Devlin, another marathoner from 6 days previous! Rita ran impressively to finish 53^rd – no mean feat in the same week as a marathon!

Dolly’s Brae Race

Next Sunday, 9 November, all roads lead to Dolly’s Brae for the 6.5 mile race or 3.5 mile walk.  The course will take in some scenic country roads as well as the tranquil beauty of Castlewellan Forest Park. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome and registration is from 12:30pm at the Dolly’s Brae Inn, with the race starting at 2pm.  Entry is by donation and all proceeds are in aid of the Children’s Heartbeat Trust – a very worthy cause.  There will be live music and refreshments and the prospect of Frank Morgan doing the Hucklebuck – he is already shining his best pointy boots!!! Look out next week for photos!!!