Newry Athletic Club

Mary Peters

2010-07-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

Another visit to MPT in Belfast last Thursday night for a round of the Lagan Valley promoted Edwards Super 5. There were a total of seven athletes from the club who traveled down to the meeting. First up were our youngest athletes, Jessica Meehan and Jane Rea, both running the 100 mts. They finished 9th and 16th with times off 17.64" and 20.02". Well done to them both! Next up was Rachael Quinn also running the 100. Rachael has had more than her fair share of injuries this year but this didnt stop her storming to fifth place in a great 14.73" which is a season's best for her. Charlotte Rea and Lucy Quinn then made their debut over 1500 mts. It was a baptism of fire for Lucy as she pulled up injured on the third lap! Lucy has also had her injury problems this season. Charlotte however ran a blinder to finish a close second and in a great time of 5'19.97". She was later demoted to third as another athlete from this age group ran in an older category and posted a faster time. Very strange ruling by the officials!! However we seem to get a lot of that! Aislinn Crossey also debuted over 1500 and ran a comfortable 5'00.86" to win her race. Both her and Charlotte did well enough to suggest faster times should be possible. Last up was track newcomer and triathlete Andrea Stefkova also running the 1500. Andrea has improved a lot over these past few months but had never run a 1500 in under six minutes so she was delighted when the clock stopped at 5'59"! A great run altogether. Well done to all.

Ulster Champs

2010-06-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful weekend at the Antrim Forum and another strong performance from our athletes. Only four girls to represent us but what a great job they did. First up on Saturday were Lauren Hutchinson and Charlotte Rea in the u-14 800mts. After taking the time to phone the ANI office on the day before to ensure fair play in deciding the heat seedings for the large entry I was appalled to see our two girls being seeded into the two slower heats. Lauren and Charlotte both won their heats running time trials but the fastest heat provided three quicker times and therefore that's were the medals went. Our girls were denied the opportunity to compete for a medal!!! The official responsible later told me that he had selected the nine fastest athletes for the last heat. When I pointed out the fact that the last three athletes in this heat finished in times outside three minutes and that it would have taken about 30 seconds on his own website to see the rankings he had no answer and he didn't even offer an apology. At least the meeting director had the decency to do do that! Our athletes slotted into fourth and sixth places and without doubt had they had the chance to compete on a level footing they both had a live medal chance. Absolutely inexcusable from the officials involved!! It is a matter which I shall pursue! On the Sunday in the older age groups Aoibhin McKay jumped a season's best 1.45 to claim an excellent third place. Brilliant effort from the Banbridge girl who jumped with conviction and belief. Last one on was reigning u-15 and Ulster schools champ Aislinn Crossey now bidding for the u-16 title. Only three other competitors lined up but despite carrying a slight injury and suffering from a cold there was only ever going to be one winner and Aislinn went about her work in a professional manner and is now a triple Ulster champion. Congratulations and well done to our four athletes.

YAL in Magherafelt

2010-06-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

You know a journey to Magherafelt is worth it if only to remind yourself of the incredible facilities there are at the Meadowbank sports centre on the outskirts of the town! That our athletes can compete and compete so well with other clubs who have access to such facilities speaks volumes about the talent we have. Only five hardy souls made the trip on a cold and windy night. First up were Charlotte and Lauren in the 800 and they jogged their way round in a time which would have been a pb for both six months ago but now seems slow. They then had their now familiar burn up to the line. Familiar finish as well. Lauren can sprint better than most at this age and Charlotte will have to come up with a plan to counteract that. A gun perhaps!! This will be a feature of their athletics over the coming years as indeed it has been for the past few years. I am delighted that both girls have spurred one another to such a good level and if this continues both will flourish and develop into serious athletes. I'm also pleased that their friendship has grown in tandem with their rivalry and is surely what athletics should be about. Next up was Aislinn Crossey who bypassed her favoured 800 mts and sprinted to a 28.0" in the 200. Second place seemed a fair reward. Rachael Quinn also took a go at the 200 and did well on such a cold night to improve her pb to 30.7". Last up was Lucy Quinn who won the 150 mts in a swift 21.1". We also had a go in the 4x100 relay but had to move up an age group due to only having three minor girls. Rachael filled in as we moved to the junior event. Despite a horror change between Charlotte & Lauren we held on to third place. Whats that..............oh yeah,,,there were only three teams, but hey I'm sure had there been more we would still have been third!! Thanks to the Hutchinson family for transport and support.

Schools Epilogue!

2010-06-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

The schools T&F championships ended on another blazing hot day in Tullamore Co Offaly. Unfortunately there are no Irish champs at minor level thereby depriving Lauren Hutchinson of a day in the sun but Aislinn Crossey went in search of a time to elevate her to the ANI development squad and get a UK athletics grade 1 ranking. As expected the race went of at a breakneck pace and right from the go Aislinn looked laboured. The lead group went through the bell in 66" with Aislinn trailing in 7th place. As the gap's appeared going down the back straight she picked up a few places though never looked like closing the gap to the leaders. With her season's target in the balance Aislinn dug deep and gave her all to the tape. It was too close to call but when the times were posted we were all delighted to see 2'20.48"! A second inside her previous best and inside the time for selection. The experience will be well learned. Aislinn is good enough to be running in national decider's and when that light comes on in her head more improvements will come. A huge well done!!

Fun in the sun.....

2010-05-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

A glorious sunny morning was the reward for everyone who turned up to the fun run at the Newry City marathon today. We had loads of young athletes running and some parents in the half marathon. It was good to see all enjoying the atmosphere and the craic. Star turn was 10 year old Bill Finegan who I reckon was up in the top ten. We'll have to get him a pair of spikes and see just how fast he is!!

Ulster medal for Lucy.

2010-05-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

After the disappointment of the indoors in Magherafelt, when a trip off the start line scuppered the defence of her title, Lucy Quinn brought her collection of Ulster medals to three with a brilliant silver medal in the 600 mts at the juvenile games in Shercock Co. Cavan. In complete contrast to last weeks blazing sunshine today was a damp and cold day. The tiny village of Shercock now boasts a state of the art eight lane 300 mt track and we all felt suitably ashamed at our own lack of an athletic facility. Newry City...................city my backside!!! Anyways in the girls u-13 event Lucy went to the line determined not to repeat the trip from the indoors and blazed of the line and led through the first 200 in a steady 35". A few months ago Lucy would have gone through in 32" and ruined her chances but now this lesson appears learned and she continued to lead with an apparent confidence. When passed with 150 to go Lucy tucked in and waited for the sprint. A bit of tactical naivety then cost the chance of a win as she got boxed on the inside lane as the eventual winner came from third place. By the time Lucy got into the sprint she ran out of track!! It's a mistake I suspect won't be repeated! Her time was a storming 1'52" which is over four seconds quicker than her previous best. Great stuff and well done Lucy.

Schools T&F Pt 4

2010-05-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

A story of many parts came to a head in a scorching hot Antrim Forum in front of a huge crowd last Saturday. The Ulster schools T&F championships is the biggest day for junior athletes. I have long held the belief that despite the discomfort there is in competing in severe heat, good performances are available for fit athletes in such conditions and we turned up on Saturday with five fit athletes! First up in the early morning was high jumper Aoibhin McKay representing New-Bridge Integrated. Aoibhin cleared 1.40 at the first attempt but narrowly missed 1.45. A real pity as a clearance at this height would have been good enough for a bronze medal. As it was Aoibhin finished in 6th place. A reward for her was a call up to a N.I. team! Next up was Aislinn Crossey, representing Sacred Heart, in the junior 800 mts. The race was fast and close with a lot of bumping and elbows and a group of six went through the bell in 70". Down the back straight and as Aislinn made her move up the inside, which is a move flirting with disaster, she got bumped off the track as the picture shows!! Her incredible balance honed through years of Irish dancing allowed her to regain the track albeit now in third place and with a lot of work to do! With 200 mts to go she took the race by the scruff of the neck and barged her way to the front! Now the race was on in earnest but Aislinn had flown the coop. Try as the pack might they could not reel in the flying Crossey and when she reached the line the clock stopped at 2'21.48"!! The new champ was ecstatic and rightly so. A new PB and just 48 hundreds of a second from a UK Athletes Grade 1 ranking! Without the excursion onto the grass she would have made it. She now moves on to the Irish schools in search of the time. After 30 mins or so to catch our breath our minor girls took to the track for their 800 mts final. I believe it to be a remarkable achievement that we managed to qualify three girls for what is the top event in Ulster. Lauren Hutchinson, Charlotte Rea and Lucy Quinn went to the line representing Sacred Heart and St Pauls. This was another top quality race which our girls had to compete successfully three times just to qualify for! The pace here was also furious but our girls stayed in the leading group throughout. Charlotte tried to make a move down the back straight but found herself boxed to the outside and was in the wrong place as the pace took off. Lucy was fighting for her place all the way round the home turn and quietly holding onto the leaders Lauren was hugging the bend. As the sprint opened Lauren was perfectly placed but was chopped by another athlete and had to shorten for a few strides and at this level it was a hard ask to recover lost ground. But Lauren is quick and has a heart like a lion! She forced her way back into the race and sprinted for her life and was rewarded with a brilliant third place, just on the heels of the front two. Without the chop off the bend who knows!! Charlotte came home a strong sixth with Lucy in eighth. Their times were also brilliant with Lauren in a 2'32", Charlotte in 2'34.8" and Lucy in 2"39". Huge PB for all. It reflects well on our club to have five athletes not just competing but competing so well on a provincial stage. A huge well done to all and to their families for taking the time to travel and support. It means a lot to our athletes.

Schools T&F Pt 3

2010-05-21T12:52:00.001-07:00

Late post on this one 'cos I was waiting on results to be posted on t'internet. They never were so there are no times and placing save to say that at the D district's (Armagh/Monaghan) last week Lucy Quinn won the 800 race quite easily and joins her club mates in tomorrows showdown! Rachael Quinn came fourth in the 200 and just misses a place in the finals. So it's a baptism of fire for four of our athletes tomorrow!! Are you nervous?? I am..............

Schools T&F Pt 2

2010-05-14T03:07:00.000-07:00

We moved onto to a windswept & cold Bangor on the 12th for the A district finals. First up was Hollie Halpin representing Our Ladys in the 100mts. The transport from the school was late and poor Hollie had to jump from the car and leg it to the start. There was barely time for her to pull on her spikes and without any form of warm up Hollie blasted out a pb in a time of 14.6"! She just missed qualification by two tenths of a second! With time for a warm up Hollie would have made it no doubt. Next up was Aislinn Crossey in the junior 800. Ais made short work of the race and for the second year is the Co Down champ. She will go to the finals next week with hopes of a medal. Lauren Hutchinson and Charlotte Rea also breezed through their 800 and will go to Antrim next week as well. It was a first championship success for Lauren and she is now the Co Down schools 800mt champion! Last runner today was Sarah Creegan in the 200 for Our Ladys. Again a pb was a great result for Sarah as she stormed home in a time of 31.3". A great reward for some hard training! Most of the girls then turned out for their schools in the 4x100 relay and though both teams qualified for the final they both ended up in fourth place. A real pity as the top three teams qualified for the finals next week.

Schools T&F Pt 1

2010-05-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this will be a story of many parts!! Part one was played out today at a sunny MPT in Belfast. We had three athletes representing Sacred Heart in heats of the A district 800 mts and Aoibhin McKay from New-Bridge Integrated in the high jump.The three amigos all came home with comfortable heat wins. Charlotte Rea was first and took 2'38" to complete an emphatic win. Lauren Hutchinson then had a gun to tape win in 2'37" followed by Aislinn Crossey who soloed to a 2'28". Job well done by all three. They move onto Bangor next week for the district finals. Aoibhin jumped well for second place and qualifies for the Ulster champs on the 21st. Hopefully the amigos will run well in Bangor and will also make the champs. We'll see. Also next week we have a few other athletes in the A districts and a few in the D. Full report as soon as the dust settles.

PB's across the board!!

2010-05-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Wow wee & golly!! After the meeting ran late we were on the edge of darkness and under floodlights by the time our 800 runners got their chance to pull on their spikes and go to the start line. A big field of 27 meant two heats for the 97/98 girls and Lauren Hutchinson and Charlotte Rea were paired together in the first heat. Both girls were also running their second race of the day!! In school that morning they both had a run off to seek selection for the Sacred Heart team for next weeks schools T&F district heats. This isn't an easy task as the school standard is very high. Nevertheless they both qualified although the effort was sure to tell tonight. In a high quality race both settled quickly on the shoulders of the leaders and ran to the bell in under 77 seconds. As the pace intensified with 300 to go our girls pushed on and soon both were in a group of three as the sprint opened. Neither could get up and past Olivia Diamond of Balmoral but with Lauren second & Charlotte third the clock stopped at 2'35.77" and 2'35.81" respectively. We were all stunned! At the start of the current training phase 2'35" was mooted as a possible target for this season and here we were in April!! Massive PB for both. The options now are either to retire or reassess their targets!! 2'33" perhaps........ In the second heat Lucy Quinn was trying for her second PB in a week and was in a heat with Rebecca Gamble and May Morgan, both running their first 800's. Lucy did what Lucy does and what aggravates me, and tore away in the lead!! If your reading this Lucy then QUIT DOING THAT. This time it worked out and a PB of 2'43.91" was an excellent reward. It was enough to win the heat and finish 5th overall. Lucy will run quicker as the season develops. As indeed will Rebecca and May who recorded 2'59.45" & 3'13.83". Good first runs from both girls. Both will also now know there is no hiding place on the track and success is hard. I get the impression that neither are scared!! Last performer was Aislinn Crossey and by the time she got on the track darkness had arrived. It was really cool to be watching under the floodlights. Aislinn did her normal thing and followed the pace for 550 mts and then took off. An impressive win in a blistering 2'23.99" and her first time into the 23's. Aislinn's problem in running faster will be finding competition to drag the last 1% out of her. Maybe if this happens and the summer goes on the teens might be be possible. Another great night out. Again thanks to all the families who turned up to support, it really does make a difference.

Bigger sprinters.

2010-05-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

We had three sprinters in the older age groups.First up was newcomer May Morgan running up an age group in the 97/98 girls 200. As this was May's first track event a PB of 34.67 was a good effort and placed her 16th overall. In the 95/96 girls 200 Hollie Halpin & Rachael Quinn were both running up a year with poor Hollie being born in December 1996 at a distinct disadvantage. Both girls are getting more experienced and sooner or later that will turn into results. Rachael recorded a 30.80 and Hollie a 31.76 into a headwind. Again well done.

Wee sprinters.

2010-05-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

At the Edwards league at MPT last Thursday night we took two young athletes for their first ever track race. Jessica Meehan and Jane Rea had a go at the 150 mt sprint. Jane was first up and was a bag of nerves. This wasn't helped by a bogey starting pistol! Jane was also told by the starters assistant that she must use a crouch start which she had never done before. Despite all this she had a good time and recorded a 29.3" run and the coach is very proud of her :-))) Jessica was in the next heat and she stormed to an excellent 25.87" to finish 16th from 32 entries. Jessica has a bright future in athletics and it was encouraging to see her mum and sister supporting these first few steps. Well done girls

What is it with Jennifer and MPT!!!

2010-05-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah what is it!! Every time we go there Jennifer has a problem!! Sick or injured or both. A real pity this time she hurt her knee in the warm up cos she's be running great and another PB was a dead cert. Next time Jennifer.

Spike sale.

2010-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

As part of my extensive research program to improve the club I have learned that Donaghy's shop in Banbridge are having a sale of spikes. All sorts are on offer, sprints, middle distance & xc. Make sure you buy the proper one's!!! Ask me if you're not sure.

Relay Success!!!

2010-04-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Also in Antrim we had the first relay success in the club's short history. The minor girl's 4 x 200 gave us the chance to field a strong team with Charlotte leading off from lane 8 and breaking off the bend with the a lead which she handed to Lauren. This lead was extended by the time our regular number three, Jennifer, got the baton. Jennifer is a brilliant bend runner and by the time she handed over to Lucy we were always going to win!! Absolutely brilliant by all the girls!! They all work really hard every session in training, they are all great friends and they have done themselves, our club and their families proud. WELL DONE.

YAL Rd 1

2010-04-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

For sure there won't be many better days than this!! We travelled to the Antrim Forum for the first round of the McCain's Young Athlete's League with no small amount of trepidation as it was our first track meeting of the year. It's always hard to know what to expect from a first event and we definitely couldn't have expected the our athlete's to perform as well as they did. First up was high jumper Aoibhin McKay. A good clearance at 1.40 was good enough for second place. Aoibhin just scraped the bar off on her third attempt at 1.45. As we were only allowed two competitors in the 800 mts and as we had four possibles, Lauren Hutchinson and Charlotte Rea got handed the short straw and were bumped into the 1200 mts, much to Charlotte's annoyance, but, hey, that's why the coach gets paid a fortune, to make the hard decision's!!! The girl's went to the start with instruction's to follow the pace and see what develops. Not much was the answer and after 300 mts or so they set their own pace. They chatted their way round for another 700 mts and then the two chum's had to race a 200 mts to the finish. Lauren came out on top and both girl's will take few lesson's but good confidence from this mature run.Next were the sprint's with Lucy Quinn subbing for Rebecca Gamble and Hollie Halpin running up an age group to gain a bit of experience. Both girl's ran really well with Hollie running a PB. The experience will help when the summer comes.
Then came the 800's with Lucy along with Jennifer Heaney getting the start in the minor girl's. Again with instruction's to follow the girl's found themselves in the lead after 300 and they pushed on to record another first and second with Lucy just shading Jennifer to the tape. A PB for both as it was Lucy's first 800 and Jennifer took a massive 5 seconds off her best. Their spring training has obviously been going great.
Aislinn Crossey was too old by three weeks to take part in the junior girls so was the youngest competitor in the under 17. Our under 15 Ulster 800 mts champ has been under the weather and had a dis-jointed prep these past few month's and went to the line a bundle of nerves! Aislinn is a competitor through and through and was always in control of the race. She followed the pace and produced her customary kick with 250 mts to go and in a matter of strides opened a race winning advantage. An impressive start by all our athlete's then but they will know that harder days lie ahead.

Circus in town!!!

2010-04-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

Nothing unusual in that, or nothing to do with us you may think. Well that's where you'd be wrong. Of all the land in Newry where the local politicians could have put the circus some clown's in suit's decided that the running track was the best place. These same clown's and their political colleagues will be knocking your door soon to beg for your vote and will be pleading absolute support for whatever you fancy.............remind them of the circus as you slam the door in their face!! We are again indebted to Glenmore AC for use of the track at the Bush this Thursday night. Please be there by 6.30, if you ain't going to the circus that is. Give me a bell if you need transport or directions.

Spring has sprung!!

2010-04-11T10:47:00.001-07:00

At last!! Yes this is the Bush track this morning when over twenty young athletes from Glenmore joined our own regulars for the Sunday session. Beautiful morning and everyone running well. We are indebted to Glenmore AC all winter for use of the track. Our athletes are due for their first track race of the year at the YAL meeting at the Antrim Forum on the 24th of this month. Then it's onto MPT Belfast on the 29th. Details about travel asap.

XC round-up

2010-04-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

The schools xc shoot out happened after a weather cancellation and it was the chuckle sisters who ended up with smiley faces, at least for a day or two! Having been awarded the leading minor school Sacred Heart had it taken off them later in the week when after a recount Victoria College were discovered to have actually taken the prize!! Ah well it was a really good effort and at Newry AC we placed four girls in the top twenty five places with Charlotte Rea 8th, Lauren Hutchinson 10th, Lucy Quinn 11th and Jennifer Heaney in 25th. In fact if it been a club race we would have been close! In the junior race an injured Aislinn Crossey struggled home in 9th place and Mairead Grant came home in 20th place. Now onto the track season.

Indoor round-up

2010-04-02T01:32:00.001-07:00

Late again with reports!! I'll speak to the P.R.O. , oops, that's me!! Anyways, the report!! In the Oddyssey we had a few 800 and a few sprint runner and the very tall Aoibhin McKay in the high jump. Aoibhin jumped her way into third place and will do well when the outdoor season comes around. In the sprints the very dedicated Hollie Halpin just missed a place in the final of the 60 mts but again is getting better all the time. Mairead Grant was, in most peoples opinion, unfairly disqualified from the 60 due to a false start. A real pity this 'cos the heat winner easily qualified for the final! Mairead was a cert to qualify! In the 800's Charlotte Rea and Jennifer Heaney both ran a pb despite both ending up in a slow heat. The seeding system seemed odd!! Last up on the Sunday was Aislinn Crossey and if Aislinn's race last year was a victory for naivety this years race was no better!! Ais let a huge gap open to the leading threesome and despite a storming last lap she came up just short and took home a silver medal for the second year running. The look of thunder on her face said more about her feelings than any words! Next year............Of course we also put in a relay team with Sarah Creegan, Lucy Quinn and Rebecca Gamble joining Jennifer Heaney for the 4x200. The girls ran great and brought the baton home for third place in their heat. Really good against much bigger clubs. At the younger age groups in Magherafelt Lucy Quinn and Rebecca Gamble were in seperate heats of the 600 mts. Rebecca never got round the first bend before a tangle resulted in a heavy fall and a visit to the medical people! Despite some cuts and heavy bruises Rebecca was fine. She got further than Lucy mind 'cos she stumbled off the line, twisted her ankle and before she got into her stride the race was gone!! A brave run brought her back to a credible fourth place but Lucy was here to get a medal. So a grand total of a silver and a bronze medal, not bad but close to more! Next year!

XC round up

2010-02-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

Dont know too much about this one apart from the fact that Lucy Quinn had a comfortable win in the Armagh/Monaghan schools xc on Thursday. Her school, St Pauls, also won the team prize thanks in no small measure to our club's latest recruit, and a contender for the "smallest feet in the world" title, Rebecca Gamble, who stormed home in 6th place. This off course puts them on a collision course with the chuckle sisters in the Ulsters on the 24th of Feb!!! Place your bets.......

The Chuckle Sisters

2010-02-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

The last two athletes we had running on Tuesday were the club comedians, Charlotte Rea and Jennifer Heaney. Both bluffers were running for the Sacred Heart which isn't unusual saying that they are in the same class! Charlotte has had a winter full of niggling injuries and has spent a lot of track time sitting on the fence as a spectator, and this lack of work left Charlotte exposed over the last quater of the race. She had been holding a good second place behind her excellent school mate Emma Laverty, but she was caught on the run in by another class mate Lauren Hutchinson and finished 3rd in a huge field of 140 athletes. This put Sacred Heart in an uncatchable position and leaves them strong favourites for the up coming Ulster finals. Jennifer also missed a lot of running over the winter but looked strong finishing in 17th place. Both girls head to the Oddyssey this weekend. If they stop laughing long enough we might even get them to run!!

Daisy

2010-02-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Our most senior athlete, if we don't count Rory Quinn (and who does), is Daisy Murray from Warrenpoint. Daisy is from a dubious athletic background, namely fell running! This branch of athletics is more commonly the home to old gimmers who usually have beards and always have a dreadful dress code, and that's the women! People indeed like our esteemed head coach and Daisy's dad, Jimmy. Ah but, it makes you strong and hard! Unfortunately it also makes you more donkey derby than Epsom derby in the speed department! This though is where the aforementioned Miss Murray bucks the trend, this and of course the fact that she doesn't have a beard, as she has been showing quite a bit of speed and has been noticed by the power makers in the fell running community. Daisy has had a good winter and before Christmas finished 12th in the Ulster Champs to qualify for the Irish champs where in a field of 80 starters she took a brilliant 21st place. She too was recruited by her school, Sacred Heart, to run at Delamont this week in the senior race. Daisy ran another class race to finish 3rd behind international runner Ciara Mageean. Top class performance.

Normal service is resumed

2010-02-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Also running in Mairead's junior girls race were Aislinn Crossey, Hollie Halpin and Sarah Creegan. Neither Hollie nor Sarah would claim to be, how can I put it, let's say, fans of cross country but both stuck to the task and finished strongly in the fast run race. Both girls will be better suited by the track during the warmer days. Aislinn also claims to dislike xc and even though this may indeed be the truth she still seems to be quite good at it!! The race settled into a fox and hound sort of contest with the early leader from Strathearn College opening a 30 mts lead by the halfway mark and was running strongly enough to suggest she was going to take a bit of catching. Aislinn slowly reeled her in though and on the big hill smoothly accelerated away for a comfortable win. This was a race Aislinn has twice finished 3rd in so to finally win was a good result, though Ais will know there will be harder days ahead when the track season comes round, starting in the Oddyssey this coming weekend.

A star is born!

2010-02-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Wow Wee!! How does our 60 mts sprint expert turn into a 1600 mts muddy xc star!! With a lot of determination, hard work, belief and a competitive streak that can't be coached would seem to be the answer. At the Ulster School's A district xc in Delamont Park on Tuesday and running for Our Ladys, Mairead Grant turned in a sparkling performance which left this coach and the school's PE teacher smiling from ear to ear!!! Mairead actually led the early stages on the very tough course and wasn't for quitting when passed by the race favourites. She dug deep and clung on to the chasing group until the final long climb when she accelerated to split the group. Into the home straight in 5th place but within striking distance Mairead did what she does best and as the picture shows sprinted for a brilliant 4th place. And this in a field of 130 athletes! Mairead was like a wee dog with 2 tails after the finish and rightly so. She finished 2nd scorer for Our Ladys finishing in front of her much more experienced team-mates and earning her place for the Ulster schools champs. A huge WELL DONE!! Shame about the socks....................

Is there a track here somewhere??

2010-02-04T05:36:00.001-08:00

The answer would appear to be "sometimes" at least if this winter was anything to go by!!!

Is hibernation time over yet??

2010-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

Will someone look out the window and see if it's safe to come out yet!! Is all the snow gone? Is it warmer? Not yet, but its time for your correspondent to start reporting on what's been happening. And the answer is not much!! At least not until this week when we all awoke from slumber to test how the winter training went. The answer appears to be "very well". Reports on schools district xc above would seem to indicate that. Despite the poor weather and huge lack of running by almost everyone the hard work done on our strength and conditioning seems to be working. Nobody has any great speed but everyone is stronger and fresher than before so the prospects for the track season would appear to be good. First we're off to the Oddyssey this weekend for the indoor champs. Should be a good weekends craic. In the meantime here's a few pics of a couple of dedicated athletes and new club mascot Bob the snowman. Funny, he's disappeared..........

Thanks

2009-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

We end the track season with some very impressive times and 2 Ulster Champions in our club. We have progressed from last year and impressed many with our performances, conduct, friendliness and good humour. Well done to each and every one of you, I'm sure all off your parents are as proud of you as I am. Now our attention turns to the Autumn and Winter, circuit training and mud baths................BRING IT ON!!

End of season track meet

2009-08-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Last night at a damp and cool MP track 7 of our athletes lined up in various events at the last under age meeting of the season. First up was Lucy Quinn in the 100 mts and despite having only one other in her heat took 1st place overall from an entry of 26 athletes. Sarah Creegan was next up in the 96/97 100. This was Sarah's first track race and she came an excellent 12th. It's always encouraging seeing young athletes facing their fears, pinning on a number and having a go, well done Sarah! Helen McParland found time in her hectic schedule to run the 94/95 100 and didn' t she run well, when they put a race with sailing, dancing, gymnastics and music in the meetings I suspect we'll have an Irish Champion!! Lucy went to the line in the 600 with the coach's words ringing in her ears "if I see you leading this race through the first lap I'll take my umbrella and................" it worked and Lucy sensed the slowing of the group after 300 mts and quickly opened a gap which she extended to over 4 seconds at the tape, great pb too, going under 2 mins for the first time with a 1'56.5", really impressive run! Charlotte Rea and Jennifer Heaney went in the 96/97 800 and both girls also had a pb! Charlotte jumped off very fast with the older Ciara Grimley from Banbridge AC and got to the bell in 76", just inside her 400 pb! With Ciara stretching on Charlotte had a lonely second lap and tired a bit to finish in 2'41". A bit of company may well have had her inside 2' 40", excellent 2nd place from 17 entries. Jennifer took 3 seconds of her previous time in 2'54.4" for a fine 7th place and is still improving each race, good dance moves as well :-) Due to low numbers the 94/95, 92/93 and senior girls and ladies were sent off together, this proving a good thing for Aislinn Crossey who followed a senior through the bell in 68" and finishing in a pb of 2'24". Ais needs to be running 68" for the first lap and this was a good workout for her obviously winning her age group. Also in the same race we had fell runner and track debutant Daisy Murray. Now Daisy was a bit unsure about this track malarky but kept the faith, borrowed Helen's spikes, and tore round for a very impressive 2'42.5". Brilliant for a mountain goat and we can now see the first green shoots of a bit of speed in Miss Murray! Thanks to the Quinn family for transport and support.

Monkey Madness

2009-08-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Tollymore mountain center's recently opened high ropes course provided a great mornings entertainment for 8 of our young athletes this week. Three and a half hours of scary monkey madness with a lot of squealing, mostly from Niall, left everyone buzzing and me with a sore neck from looking up and sore ribs from laughing! If you weren't there make it the next time 'cos its great fun and dead scary. Thanks to Peter Creegan and Marion Crossey for transport.

Ardee Sports Day

2009-08-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Another low key meeting in Ardee last Sunday and we had only 2 individual entries from Katie O'Hare and Jennifer Heaney, both running well and still improving. We also entered a team in the girls u15 relay with Jennifer and Charlotte Rea running up a few years to join Helen McParland and Aislinn Crossey. Despite a few ropey changes the girls stormed home to a fine win with Aislinn on the anchor leg . Niall Conlon also joined a trio from 3 Ways AC to win the boys u13 relay. Thanks to everyone who bought me chocolate on the way home. :-)

Drogheda Sports Day

2009-08-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

At a low key sports day in Drogheda yesterday some of our regular competitors took the opportunity to miss a days training and opted for a race. Wins for Charlotte Rea, Aislinn Crossey, Niall Conlon and Katie O'Hare seemed to suggest it was a good idea!! What do I know.........as you can see Niall's race was won in the last stride but it was a bit easier for the rest. Lucy Quinn had a fine 2nd and Jennifer Heaney is still in good form and came home third in her 600 mts. Jude Campbell finished second in both the 100 and 200 mts and will improve. We ended the day winning most of thre relays after mixing with 3 Ways AC and for that joint effort we are well pleased. Thanks to the Campbell family for support, it always helps.

Carlingford RR

2009-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Friday was the Glenmore AC Carlingford road races. Jude Campbell was first up in the boys u11 and although running up a year Jude came home in a fine 5th place. Excellent first race. In the girls u13 Charlotte Rea messed up her start but ran strongly to lead early on in a 600 mts race. She led until the sprint where she was pipped by Lauren Hutchinson form 3 Ways AC, reversing the previous Tuesday positions. Lucy Quinn in 5th and Jennifer Heaney in 6th rounded off our athletes. Niall Conlon ran strongly again to finish 3rd in his race. Katie O'Hare was a fine 4th in the girls u11.
Daisy Murray lined up for her second 5 km this week and took nearly a minute and a half off Tuesdays time to finish in 21'10", a really great effort and for sure Daisy can look foward to more PBs after this winter's work.

Race Update

2009-08-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week for some off our athletes and some great results as well. Bangor was the venue for the North Down AC promotion last Tuesday night and in the girls u13 800mts Charlotte Rea, who was making her return to the track after a long injury lay off, was joined by Jennifer Heaney and Lucy Quinn. All the girls followed the pace and went through the bell in 84". The gaps started to open down the back straight until with 150 to go Charlotte accelerated to a 10mt lead which she held to the tape in a 78" lap and a 2'41" run. Lucy held on for 4th and Jennifer 5th. In the boys u13 Niall Conlon was in a class off his own and won easily in a 2'43". Meanwhile in Warrenpoint Daisy Murray ran a fine 22'33" for the Newry Lions 5kms also on Tuesday evening.
This was good enough for 2nd place and was Daisy's second 2nd place in as many weeks having finished in the same place the week before in the race to Sl Martin during the Rostrevor festival.

Gold Medal for Aislinn

2009-06-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

After a few near misses, and a lot of hard work , Aislinn Crossey got her hands on an Ulster Championship gold medal! At the Antrim Forum yesterday she stormed home a comfortable winner of the 800mts. It was a performance full of confidence and maturity as Aislinn pinned a fast start, tucked in and followed the race leaders, moved into a challenging position after 400mts and when she accelerated with 250 to go made it so decisive that the race was over in a matter of strides! There are no easy races at this level but Ais made this loook routine and although her time of 2' 25" was a massive PB it is still a long way from what she is capable of. Also running was Rachael Quinn in the 200 mts. With a target of qualifying for the final Rachael finished fourth in her heat and comfortably made it. Rachael ran the exact same time 4 hours later in the final and came home sixth. A great effort in her first year on a sprint program and again great potential. Well done to our star performers.

Attack of the Clones!!!!

2009-05-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Are we starting to look well or what........our new hoodie's were delivered last week and everyone loves them and due to the weather we need them as well!!!

Schools T&F

2009-05-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well done to all of our athletes who took part in last weeks schools district qualifiers for this weeks championships.

Holiday arrangements

2009-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

For younger athletes on Mon and Wed to the 3 Ways AC in the Abbey PS grounds and for everyone else to the track at 7.30 on Tues and 6.30 on Thurs. Back to normal on the 9th of June. I'll miss you all.........NOT.

Easter

2009-04-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

No session on Easter Tuesday and we're on the track on Thursday nights from now on. Happy Easter to all our athletes and STAY AWAY FROM THE CHOCOLATE!!!!

Relays.............

2009-03-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

Now some may say that Newry AC were last in their two relay events yesterday and while the records may indeed indicate that was the fact of the case, the truth of the matter is that the girls were true champions! The work rate, dedication and enthusiasm that these young ladies showed yesterday and over these past few weeks have made their display yesterday the highlight of the winter season for this coach. The fun and laughter continued all the way home, absolutely what our club should be all about! Thank you girls for all your hard work. Thanks also to Mary McParland and to Damien Feehan of 3Ways AC who stayed on to the end of the day to support our girls.

Gold Medal and Ulster Champion

2009-03-15T03:56:00.000-07:00

WooHoo! After a few near misses Lucy Quinn got us over the line and becomes the first Ulster champion for our club. And a good one it is, a track championship from the indoor champs in Magherafelt yesterday. Lucy went to the line in the 2 heat 600 mts race and with there being no final it was imperative that Lucy ran flat out to avoid the second heat being quicker. As has become her trademark Lucy took the race by the scruff of the neck, attacked from the gun and said to the rest "catch me if you can". Only one competitor was able and turning for home it looked ominous for Lucy, but as she has demonstrated in the past catching her is one thing, getting past.............well now that's another thing, and this time was no exception. Lucy fought all the way up the straight and got home by the thickness of her vest! Now it was down to the second heat and again it looked bad as the winner looked to be quicker and indeed dad Rory timed the second heat quicker. Anxious moments later the result had Lucy on top of the rostrum, by hundred's of a second! After having second third and fourth in title races this winter is is hugely satisfying to get a gold medal into the club and hopefully we can build on it. A big thanks to Rory for all his support. Aso competing were Jack O'Hanlon and Niall Conlon. Both lads ran their hearts out and first timer Niall led for most of his heat eventually finishing third. Surely with a bit more time a big improvement will take place. Thanks to John O'Hanlon for transport and support. It all helps.

Anoher medal for Our Ladys duo

2009-03-11T04:58:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Helen & Mairead were again in the medals when they were part of Our Ladys team in the Irish schools xc final at the UUJ. A bronze medal was a good reward for the hard work put in by the girls on a tough 2500mt course, well done.

Gold Medal success for Helen & Mairead

2009-02-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Helen McParland and Mairead Grant on being part of the winning Our Ladys team in the recent regional and Ulster schools cross country championships. Excellent work.

Indoor Champs

2009-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Two of our young athletes made the start line for the 800 mts in the Oddessy last Saturday. Aislinn Crossey & Helen McParland were the pride of Newry A.C. with their excellent performances and as representitives of the club. Both had worked hard over the Christmas break and were both very nervous on the day. Helen had been training to a 3 minute program and when she broke the tape in 2' 55" it was a brilliant effort and more encouraging was the fact that her last lap was the quickest! With 4 heats and only the heat winners guaranteed a place in the final Aislinn faced reigning champ Rachael Henderson from Willowfield A.C. A bad start didn't help and starting the last lap it looked like a hard task for Ais. It was a startled champ when the Newry vest came storming past on the home straight! Fastest heat by some margin too. 2 hours later in the final Aislinn ran the race from hell! Another bad start, running in the third lane on the bend and getting caught on the inside and having to check and come around the outside on the last bend......and she still came home with a brilliant silver medal! What a stunning run! Aislinn will never run as naievly again and all the competitors in the final will know that. A time in the fnal of 2'31.9" was a pb by an incredible 7 seconds and in 9 months was a reduction of 17 seconds! We'll be working on a futher reduction.............Well done to our girls and thanks to all who traveled to the event to support them, as always it really helps.

We're back!!!

2009-01-23T02:46:00.000-08:00

The height off laziness, busy, bogey internet connection, pick any one for an excuse why there have been no updates....but we're back again. Tons of news but you already know most off it so we'll pass on that and start fresh. Sessions on Tues and Thurs are flying along and Sun joint sessions with 3 Ways are brilliant and this is biggest news of the winter. Two entries for the Oddessy indoors on the 7th of Feb and we'll get a big entry for the Magerafelt indoors in early March. Spring is coming so get your shorts out of the attic................

Thursday Sessions

2008-11-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

We are splitting Thursday sessions to help manage numbers in the hall. Smaller kids and non competing people from 6.00 to 6.45 and those who compete from 6.30 to 7.30. If you are in doubt give me a call.

Ulster champs Pt. 2

2008-11-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

Another day, another shuck!!! More wind, more rain, just colder......and more mud, much more mud. It's no wonder kids give up on athletics when this is the best the governing body can come up with, dreadful course, shabby organising and a starter who was, at best, as useful as a trapdoor in a canoe and at worst was heavily biased towards the local athletes!! A complaint will be lodged to Athletics N.I. Anyways onto the racing, and we had just two brave souls today. First up was Lucy Quinn in her first ever Ulsters. As regular readers will know we are huge Lucy fans, she always gives 100%, and today she went the extra 1% that marks the really good from the rest. 101% from Lucy Quinn was good enough for a podium finish with an incredible 3rd place! A remarkable stat from the race was that Lucy was the only athlete from the 6 counties to get into the top 20! An Irish championship appearance in Cavan on Dec 7th is Lucy's reward (or penance). If there is an embodiment of all that is good in junior athletics then it must be Rachael Quinn. No-one enjoys their athletics more or is more popular than Rachael. Although more suited to sprinting on the track she gave everything for a qualification place and although she came up short it surely wasn't for the lack of effort. The disappointment she felt and still feels will be softened by the call we had with Athletics N.I. on Tuesday when it turns out Rachael made the county team with ease and will be going to Cavan in December! Unfortunately it's the Down county team so her folks might be asking her to move out..........a big thanks again to the support team.

Changed times from training

2008-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Don't forget 6.00 start on Tuesday night's from now on........

Ulster champs Pt.1

2008-10-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

We travelled to the U.U.J. on Sat for the even age group xc champs. With gale force winds and driving rain it was always going to hard for our athletes to make an impression. We train our athletes very lightly and with long term goals, principally for the track. This leaves them at a disadvantage in hard conditions on tough xc courses but should, we hope, pay dividend's over the passage of time. Despite this we had hopes of qualifying a couple for the Irish champs, this needing a top twelve finish. Tiernan Forde, Lorcan Forde, Aishling McAnulty and Katie O'Hare all finished strongly in huge fields in their categories coming home in 63rd, 21st, 90th & 29th places. These races are the highest standard races in Ulster every year and the pace is always blinding fast and relentless and our less experienced athletes will learn from their day out. It's hard to believe that 11 year old Charlotte Rea is now our most experienced athlete and was competing in her third Ulster's and was chasing a place in the Irish champs for the second time. Charlotte has recently started to develop a more competitive streak and went to the line determined to give herself a chance of qualification. 700 mts into a tough 1km race Charlotte was on course and on the finishing loop she controlled her race and came home in an excellent 11th place. This was a tremendous performance full of maturity and aggression. Every time Charlotte competes she learns more about herself and applies these lessons well. A tremendous athlete doing a great job. Last one up was Aislinn Crossey and as usual Ais delivered a sparkling performance to both put herself in a position to qualify and to finish the job off. Ais stormed home in 4th place and left this coach with no doubt that without the wind and muddy conditions a gold medal was a distinct possiblity! All our young athletes deserve immense credit for their hard work as do the parents who give up their time to come and support them. We move on to Donegal for the un-even Ulster's in a fortnights time.

Lucy wins again

2008-10-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning at the Bush track for the Glenmore AC promoted cross country was on the schedule for just one of our athletes. This was due to the Ulster age group championship next Saturday. Only one but a good one! A cold, miserable, windy morning at the Bush was nothing new for us as we have hidden in hedges out here all summer to get out of the weather! Lucy made her normal electric start and led off the line but unlike the race in Stamullen she was challenged after 200 mts and indeed dropped 10 mts off the pace and looked uncomfortable in 2nd place. Lucy knows how to dig in and rounding the last turn 100 mts from the line she was back in the race and into the gale to the line she was the strongest. Lucy will improve even more from this run and as this was only her 4th event she gains invaluable experience each time she competes. A big thanks to Charlotte Rea for helping with the warmups.

Sunday Session

2008-10-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

At the back of the pool this Sunday for any-one interested.

Stamullen xc report

2008-09-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

Another fine day, this time in the cattle fields of Co. Meath! A few of our young athletes were making their debut today, as was our new kit. Both kids and kit performed brilliantly and all credit to the parents who turned up to support their children, it makes a big difference to them and to the coaches in the club. Niamh Hagen, Jane Rea, Lorcan Forde and Ben McConville were the 8 and 9 year old debutants and all finished well up in their races with Lorcan and Ben finishing 5th and 7th. In the older groups Katie O'Hare showed she learned from last weeks xc in Belfast and had a great sprint finish to finish well, Gary Crummy, Aodhan O'Brien, Tiernan Forde and Luc Hanna all ran well in the boys u-12 1000 mts with Gary coming home in 7th. Charlotte Rea pinned the start this week, learning from last weeks mistake, and got away in the front bunch eventually finishing 4th, reversing places from last week. Fastest finisher off the day was Rachael Quinn using her natural speed to finish 10th. Lucy Quinn continued the good form from last week and led off the line in the most competitive race of the day, the girls u-11 800 mts. Lucy is a tenacious character and would not let go of the lead up the long hill and showed great composure and controlled the race all the way to the finish to win by 2 mts. Star performance from a classy athlete. Thanks again for all the support. Next xc for some is 19th of October in Carlingford. More info nearer the time.

CHANGE of VENUE

2008-09-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

From next Thursday night the 2nd of October the sessions are moving to the 3 ways community hall on High St in Newry. This is up High St and turn down to the right towards the Rope Walk football pitch. This only is on Thursday nights as the Tuesday sessions will continue at the swimming pool. These sessions will be almost always indoors but always take enough gear in case we go outside! Times will be the same but we may start a bit earlier in a week or two for any who want to do a bit more warm up and stretching.

XC in Stamullen

2008-09-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

Anyone interested in this Sundays XC please let us know asap so we can organise transport.

Barnetts Pk XC

2008-09-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day for a run, and what a glorious place to be running. Barnetts Pk is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Mary Peters track. Now the coaches at Newry A.C. hold the view that xc racing isn't altogether the best form of competition for young athletes, but at this time of year it has a value for some and is also useful as a training tool. With this in mind we took 7 athletes to the first xc of the season. First up in the P.6 race and competing for the first time was Katie O'Hare. This was a debut performance over a very tough 650 mt course full of determination and grit. Katie is a very quiet girl but is totally committed to her athletics and in the fullness of time will blossom into a very fine athlete. Boys and girls mixed in the P.7 race and had 2 laps of the course to complete. Lucy Quinn's speed took her past team mate Charlotte Rea and another competitor in the dash to the line and into a great 3rd place. Lucy really has the fire to win and this is something that cant be coached, the message is "dont take Lucy to the line, she'll beat you or bite you". Charlotte finished just behind in 5th and will improve for the run. Aodhan O'Brien ghosted into 6th place and Luc Hanna continued his improvement in 9th. Although Gary Crummy could easily have lined up in the P.5 race without raising an eyebrow his birth cert said he had to go in the year 8 group! Gary is an enigma, he has a massive stride length for someone so small, and more importantly has a high cadence to go with it. This combination will prove devastating as Gary gets older and it took him to a fine 3rd place, indeed but for a bit of tactical naivete second place might have been on the cards. Aislinn Crossey was well annoyed when she discovered that she had to run 3 laps of the course for a total of 2000 mts. The course didn't have a flat bit on it and indeed had a hill that has no place in a juvenile xc course, but thats another story. The original plan was to pull Ais out after 2 laps to preserve her speed, but circumstances changed and the decision was taken to run the full distance although the race plan also changed and Ais went off with instructions to keep her powder dry until the last lap. Maria Kinkaid, now with Dromore A.C., set of at a blistering pace and this tactic exploded the field on the first ascent of the steep hill. Aislinn soon appeared in second place albeit a long way behind. On the second climb of heartbreak hill the gap closed a bit but opened again on the following downhill. Third and last time into the bottom of the hill and the task for Aislinn looked like a bridge too far.....now perhaps this was my pessimism, never having seen a gap like this closed on a top class athlete like Maria in the last 250 mts of a race, or perhaps my lack of understanding of the power and determination in Aislinn Crossey but OMIGOD what a spectacle we were treated to over that last 250!! If you weren't there you missed a special athlete doing a special thing! Ais has only been with us for 6 months and it is very much a novice..........but she's getting better! Thanks to the Quinn family and Pat O'Hare for transport and support. Off to Stamullen next Sunday for the Star of the Sea xc, details asap.

Big crowds!

2008-09-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Really great to see so many young athletes at the session tonight, don't forget to return kit order forms asap and the cross country this Sunday, details on Thursday.

Update on Sunday training

2008-09-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Slight change of plans for Sunday due to time constraints! We will now be at the back of the pool at 5.00 instead of going to the Bush, sorry for any hassle.

Training on Sunday

2008-09-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

There is a training session on this Sunday at the Bush track at 6 p.m. for anyone who fancies it. I have limited space for a few but if any parents want to go down let me know. Its important for anyone intending running in the few xc races to try and get to the weekend sessions.

Update on kit

2008-09-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Should have some samples for everyone to try on next week. Keep the forms coming back and if anyone is coming to either of the two cross country races this month let us know asap.

Membership

2008-09-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

All the athletes who turned up at tonights session were given a membership form and a covering letter, please have a read and and decide if you want to join or not. Send the forms back to a session any time. Ta

Cross country schedule

2008-08-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

Some parents have been asking for a schedule of XC races this autumn so here is what we know so far, two races in September, on the 21st in Belfast and the 28th in Stamullen. The Ulster champs are on 25th of October for even age groups i.e. under 10/12/14 etc in the UUJ Jordanstown and the un-even is in Ballybofey on November 9th. It is very important to let us know if you intend competing as we have scheduled a program to lead into the championship races and it starts next week!! Parents are reminded that due to transport considerations it may be required that they chip as chauffeur's from time to get all the kids to events.

Track Meet

2008-08-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

First meet and first success for our new club! On a calm and balmy late summers evening at the Mary Peters track in Belfast we took 8 athletes to the last round of the young athletes league. First up were 11 year olds Gary Crummy & Luc Hanna in the 600 mts. Now, Gary listens to the coach, ignores all he's told, and does his own thing! And no bad thing too as Gary stormed to the lead on the first bend and held on to win by the width of his tee shirt....show's how much I know! A great time as well. Luc had a great race winning a three man sprint for a fine 8th place and in the process showing a determination he had kept hidden in previous races, keep it up. In the girls 600 we had 4 athletes, Charlotte Rea had trained hard all summer for this race in the hope of beating 2 minutes for the distance and she got a reward for all her work finishing in a new PB by over 6 seconds with a time of 1'59.5", her efforts got her into a great 3rd place. Newcomer Lucy Quinn adopted the Gary Crummy method of ignoring the instructions and going at it like a dog at a bone! This proved a hit for the second time......go figure. Lucy ran a smashing 2'05" and came home in 6th place. Jennifer Heaney, despite missing most of the summer still ran an excellent 2''10" and also in her first 600 race Olivia Gibbons ran a very good 2'36". Charlotte also found time to enter the javelin competition and threw 10.40 mts missing 3rd place by just one centimetre. In the '95 girls 800mts Aislinn Crossey followed the sluggish pace for 250 mts before she decided enough was enough and cut loose. Over the next 400 she wound up the pace and reduced the field to three contenders. With 150 to go she kicked again and the race was over! 2'38" doesn't go close to describing how emphatic this win was, Aislinn ran the last 200 in under 33 seconds! "It's easier when I run faster" says Ais, obviously not using the script the rest of us have! Jennifer Heslip ran a PB by over 15 seconds despite not liking longer races. This was good enough for 8th place. Also good enough for me, well done. Thanks to all who came down and thanks to Rory Quinn for transport and help.