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Newry AC athletes this week covered a lot of ground and heights. Places visited were Dublin, Dundalk, the Mournes, Fermanagh, Cavan and Belfast.
Disciplines covered were track, mountain, road, Parkrun, marathon and orienteering.
DUBLIN ATHLETIC BOARD GRADED SERIES MEET ONE - MORTON STADIUM, DUBLIN
Gary Crummy travelled to Dublin for the first meet of the Dublin Athletic Board Graded Series.
Gary competed in the 800m against great competition. He completed in a time of 2:00.54 and took 2nd overall placing out of 6 heats. His aim now is to break the 2 minute barrier and with his grit, determination and dedicated training regime it will be pretty soon.
HILL & DALES BINNIAN RACE
On a dry and sunny Thursday evening, ten Newry AC athletes joined 242 runners to take part in the fourth Hill & Dales Race which was also a NIMRA Championship Race. This race was an uphill only event up Slieve Binnian with a 1.7 mile distance and an ascent of nearly 1,800 ft.
Keiron Kelly had another strong race finishing 5th overall in an impressive time of 23:30 and lifting the MV45 category top position.
Esther Dickson ran another good race showing her power in this physically challenging uphill run. Esther won the first female position coming 26th overall in a time of 27:29.
Paul Le Blanc joined the crew this week with a fine performance and topped the MV55 category in a time of 28:56.
The full squad times are as follows:
Kieron Kelly 23:30
Esther Dickson 27:29
Rory Mulvaney 27:32
Warren Cartmill 28:26
Adam Ervine 28:44
Paul Le Blanc 28:56
Sarah Quinn 32:15
David Burns 35:20
Meadow McCauley 37:19
Joanne McCauley 44:05
MARIST 5k RUN, DUNDALK
Sarah Jane Beattie and Jonny Gregg took part in the Marist 5k in Friday evening. This race had a massive field of 520 competitors. The race started and finished at St. Mary’s College (the Marist), Dundalk.
Jonny finished 10th in a time of 18:19 and Sarah Jane came in 48th with a superb time of 21:02.
ROSTREVOR PARKRUN, KILBRONEY FOREST PARK
The Patterson clan were out in force this week again at the Rostrevor Parkrun with great running and new PBs. Ethan had a great run and continued his consistent top performances taking 3rd place in a time of 19:50. Ryan stormed round the course to notch a great PB of 22:48. Myles followed through in 27:16 with mum Fiona recording a fantastic PB of 27:25 and taking the 2nd female position. Young Erin impressed with another PB with a time of 29:55 and dad, Martin followed in on her heels with 29:58.
ATHLETICS NI OPEN MEET - MARY PETERS TRACK, BELFAST
On Saturday, Gary Crummy took on his first 400m race and did not disappoint Coach Kookie O’Hagan.
Gary blasted round the track to finished 2nd place in a great time of 53:52. A good event for Gary to gain track experience and an athlete who is one to watch over the next few years.
IRISH ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIPS - FERMANAGH & CAVAN
Meadow McCauley had a week-end of competing in the Irish Orienteering Championships which drew in orienteers from all over Ireland and is the highlighted event of the Orienteering calendar year. Meadow impressed on Saturday in forest terrain of Castle Archdale, Co. Fermanagh in the Middle Distance Event, where she lifted the W16 Irish Title. On Sunday, the event moved to The Cavan Burren Geopark of which had open mountain and heavily forested terrain. This technical terrain is Meadow’s favourite and she powered round the course to take the W16 Irish Long Distance Title and also finish overall 1st female, 6th overall on Course 7 which incorporated various age and gender categories.
Orienteering is an event for all levels (novice to elite) and can include all the family. If you are a mountain or trail runner it assists/develops your knowledge of navigation and is highly recommended.
BELFAST CITY MARATHON
On Sunday morning, Ciara Coffey joined thousands of athletes to take part in the Belfast City Marathon.
The marathon on its new day and new route had its highest turnout and Ciara Coffey joined in the atmosphere and went out to enjoy and notch a great time.
Ciara was consistently running a 7:17 pace and was very happy with her finish. She didn’t anticipate the now publicised extra distance on the course which took the runners well over the 26.2 miles. Unfortunately, on going to press her official time was not available. Well done Ciara.
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China Trip 2019
Saturday morning saw our senior ladies and their mentors return from their two-week trip to China. In conjunction with Confucius Institute, who are based in Ulster University in Jordanstown, the girls spent two weeks over the Easter period taking part in jam-packed cultural visit to China. The girls flew to Beijing on Saturday 13th April before taking a connecting flight on to Shanghai. In Shanghai the group took in many of the sights, including the Shanghai Museum, the Bund District, ship cruising on the Huangpu River, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park before playing a challenge game against the local Shanghai Gaels team.
The girls then travelled on the world-famous Bullet Train from Shanghai to Wuhan where they spent two days and got the opportunity to visit the beautiful Yellow Crane Tower tourist attraction and spent some time shopping.
Huangshi was the next stop on their trip where they stayed at the magnificent Tonino Lamborghini Hotel. The group were formally welcomed to the Hubei Normal University on Monday of the second-week of their trip and they spent the rest of the week attending the university where they participated in comprehensive Chinese classes and get to experience some ancient Chinese cultural activities including calligraphy, martial arts and fragrance bag making. The girls also had the opportunity to take part in the 42nd Annual Hubei Normal University Faculty Parade and Demonstration and proudly carried the tri-colour in the parade.
This was the second time in as many years that our senior ladies have had the opportunity to visit China courtesy of Confucius Institute and they had a brilliant time throughout.
The club would like to thank Yan, Michael and the rest of their colleagues at Confucius Institute for not only providing the girls with this tremendous opportunity but also for their continued and generous support of Ladies football at Shane O’Neill’s. Our girls and mentors enjoyed every single minute of it and were overwhelmed by the generosity and friendliness shown to us not only by our hosts but by the Chinese people overall. On behalf of the club we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our friends in Confucius Institute and Hubei Normal University, especially Cheryl, Lucy, Ivan, Jack, Joe and Leo, for making the trip a truly unforgettable experience. The club would also like to thank all the girls for being great ambassadors of the club – they were fantastic throughout the entire trip and represented the club with great pride and honour.
Senior Men
Following two successive defeats our senior men recorded a hard-fought five-point win away to Tir na nÓg on Sunday, 3 – 12 to 1 – 13.
Paddy Gregory opened the scoring for the Shane’s in the opening minute with a well taken point, with Tir na nÓg replying with a pointed free. A Paul O’Rourke point from a placed ball put the Shane’s back in front before a long-range effort from David McCabe gave his side a two-point advantage but two points in as many minutes had the home side back on level terms. The sides then swapped two points apiece with Eamon McCabe and Greg McCabe on target for the Shane’s before Tir na nÓg registered the first goal of the game to go three in front. However, the away side didn’t panic and they clawed themselves back level with three points on the trot courtesy of two pointed frees from Paul O’Rourke and well taken score from Paudie Hillen. Tir na nÓg went back in front again in the closing stages of the first-half to lead by just the minimum at the break, 1 – 6 to 0 – 8.
The Shane’s made the perfect to the second period when a great ball from Paudie Hillen sent Kristian Magill clear on goal and the big man made no mistake as he rattled the ball to the back of the net and the Camlough side now lead by two. They increased this to five in their very next attack when Paddy Gregory netted from close range after Matthew Girvan’s effort was saved by the keeper before Tir na nÓg’s first point of the second-half left four between the sides. A point apiece for Paul O’Rourke and Paddy Gregory gave the Shane’s a comfortable six-point advantage, however four points in a row from the home side got them back to within two with fifteen minutes still remaining on the clock and the game was right back in the melting pot. A Paul O’Rourke free was quickly cancelled out by a Tir na nÓg point as both sides kept the scoreboard ticking over and a fisted point from the impressive Kristian Magill gave his side a three-point lead with the game now into injury time. The away side scored their thirteenth point to keep them right in the game but Matthew Girvan sealed the win with a brilliant finish to raise the Shane’s third green flag of the game, to leave the final score 3 – 12 to 1 – 13 in favour of the Camlough men.
Next up is home game next Sunday against Sunday.
Senior Ladies
Following their trip to China our senior ladies return to league action on Tuesday evening with an away game against Sarsfields.
Club Membership for 2019
The membership rates for 2019 have been set as follows:
Full Adult membership: £50.00Juvenile membership: (U8’s – Minors): £30.00Family Membership (2 Adults & Children U16): £100.00Students & OAP’s: £40.00Cairde Members: £25.00U6’s: £10.00
Cúl Camp
This year’s Kellogg’s Cúl Camp will take place at the club from Monday 15th July - Friday 19th July. Online registration for the camp is now open and anyone planning to attend should register online asap using the following link – www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Well Done
Well done to Eoghan Jones who won £200 in the second of the Armagh Club Draws which took place in our clubhouse last Thursday evening.
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The annual Armagh Down Cycling Club (ADCC) charity event took place yesterday Sunday 28 April. The event has fast become one of the most popular events in the local cycling calendar with over 250 participants signing up for the cycle, the largest attendance to date. With Surefreight Ireland committing to match all funds raised on the day, it will also be a record breaking event in terms of money raised.
All funds raised are being donated to Friends of The Cancer Centre, based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, the charity funds life-saving and life-changing projects and it has already put £1.2 million back into local cancer services.
After a drizzly start, participants were rewarded with a dry and settled day, with food stops in Jonesborough and back in Newry. Feedback from attendees at the event was extremely positive, many looking forward to next years event already.
ADCC Chairman, Benny Smyth commented: ‘Events like these take a lot of effort to organise, and in addition to our own members, their families and our sponsors, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of Newry Shamrocks Social Club, ABP, Jonesborough Pastoral Centre, and Bridge End Bikes – just to name a few’.
Pictures of the event and contact details for Armagh Down Cycling Club are available at www.facebook.com/armaghdowncc
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This week saw Newry AC athletes compete and excel in races in Rostrevor, the Mournes, Draperstown and across to the Highlands of Scotland. Disciplines of road, trail and mountains were covered in sometimes highly challenging weather conditions.
MILES FOR MUSCLES 5K/10K
On Easter Monday, 2 Newry AC athletes took part in the Miles for Muscles charity running event in Kilbroney Forest in glorious warm and sunny weather. This event was organised by the Killowen Fundraising Group with 26 Extreme in aid of research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Aidan Murray raced in the 10k and took podium 2nd placing with a time of 41:20.7. Club Junior, Eve Welsh placed 13th in the 5km in a brilliant time of 23:23.7.
HILL & DALES – SLIEVE MARTIN, ROSTREVOR
On Thursday evening, the weather took a U-turn turning cold with poor summit visibility and windy with technical ground conditions. This did not deter 11 hearty Newry AC athletes who joined nearly 300 athletes in this challenging course. This was a 4.1 mile race up by Slieve Martin taking the runners up an elevation of 1,700 feet. The race was a steep 2 mile climb through forest and into the open mountain – where the runners where greeted with poor visibility and a strong bitter cold wind, there was then a steep tough descent back to the start which covered a variety of ground from rocky path, mountain and forest trail. Full concentration by all runners was required on the descent due to the technical nature of the ground and many places were again gained and lost on this section.
Newry AC had 2 men finishing in the top ten this week – Maurice Harte finished a fantastic fourth placing overall, first MV40 and in a time of 38:38; Rory Mulvaney flew into ninth position in a great time of 39:12 and was well pleased with his hard earned top ten placing. Warren Cartmill placed first MV45 with twenty-fourth place in a time of 41:19. The ladies continued to perform brilliantly with Sarah Quinn placing sixty first overall and being rewarded with the third female placing in a time of 45:04. Ciara Coffey for a third week in a row maintained her top FV40 position in a time of 48:57.
Full results for all 11 athletes are:
4th - & 1st MV40 Maurice Harte 38:38
9th Rory Mulvaney 39:12
20th Adam Ervine 40:54
22nd Aidan Murray 41:05
24th & 1st MV45 Warren Cartmill 41:19
61st & 3rd Female Sarah Quinn 45:04
90th & 1st FV40 Ciara Coffey 48:57
126th Aaron Montgomery 52:01
133rd & 2nd Female Junior Meadow McCauley 53:04
176th David Hughes 57:29
193rd Joanne McCauley 59:58
BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS MOURNE HIGHLINE MOUNTAIN RACE, NEWCASTLE
Esther Dickson and Rory Mulvaney alongside competitors from all over the UK took part in the highly competitive 1st round of the British Championships Mountain Race in Newcastle on Saturday. The race was meant to follow the Mourne Highline route starting at Spelga but due to the arrival of Storm Hannah early that morning the organisers had to quickly change the route and resort to the bad weather course. This course took the runners from Donard Park into the Forest, up the Granite Trail, following forest trail to the Ice House to follow the Glen River path up to the saddle and summit of Commedagh before returning back down via the Glen River Valley through Donard Forest and back into the shelter of the open green area at Donard Park.
Weather conditions were challenging for marshalls (which included Newry AC members Paul Le Blanc, David Hughes & Gavin Crilly), runners and spectators with gale force winds funnelling down the Glen Valley and it was very difficult to maintain any pace or posture due to the wind buffeting. Visibility was not too bad but the strong winds, cold temperatures and the technical ankle busting ground were tough factors in this race.
Rory Mulvaney after a tough Hill and Dales on Thursday evening finished a fantastic 60th place with a time of 1:17:23. Esther completed the race in 1:19:07 in 71st overall place and in a fantastic top 10 position of 8th female and 2nd local female to complete.
HIGHLAND FLING ULTRA MARATION, LOCH LOMOND, SCOTLAND
Cathal McGreevy, Noel Carr and Ronan Mynes bravely took on this 53 mile Ultra Race on Saturday. This race based around Loch Lomond, took over 700 competitors along the West Highland Way through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The race cover 7,500 feet of ascent, 90% trail/10% road and a time limit of 15 hours plus throw in the cold and windy weather conditions.
Noel Carr came in 122nd in a time of 10:23:28; Cathal McGreevy finished in 206th place in a time of 11:09:17 and Ronan Mynes completed in 13:31:08. Well done to these men on a tough and challenging event.
RUN DC 5K, DRAPERSTOWN
On a damp and cold Sunday morning, Meadow and Joanne McCauley travelled to the picturesque Draperstown for the annual 5k road race held by Draperstown Celtic Football Club. This well organised event took 101 runners which started and finished in the centre of Draperstown through the surrounding undulating country roads.
Meadow completed the race to take 3rd female, 16th overall position in a time of 21:26. Joanne followed through as 8th female in 36th overall position in a time of 25:01.
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Colm Mc Geary Cup Final
St Fechins (Louth) 1-9 Craobh Rua (Armagh 2-7
Craobh Rua seniors lifted the Colm McGeary Memorial Trophy after defeating St Fechins in the final.
The game which was played at Darver was a tight affair. Weather conditions influenced the game but credit to both sets of players they produced a tough, skilful encounter.
St Fechins led by 1-3 to 0-5 at halftime and the second half was nip up tuck, both teams having their chances.
A point separated them at the full time whistle and it was a delighted and very proud Craobh Rua captain Micheal Ó’Gairbhith who received the McGeary Memorial Trophy on behalf of his team and Club.
We wish St Fechins well for the rest of the season and we thank them, the Louth County Board and all involved in organising this competition.
Senior Hurling Fixtures/Training
Tuesday 30th April
League
Middletown v Craobh Rua
Thursday 2nd May
Senior Team Training at Club 7pm
Underage Activities
Blitz
Craobh Rua fielded teams in the
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz hosted by Killeavy on Sunday past. It was an enjoyable and good learning experience for all our young hurlers.
Míle buíochas to the organisers and those who helped with transport and ensured that our hurlers has a safe and enjoyable day.
The next County Blitz is due to take place next Sunday (5th May), it is being hosted by Sean Treacys Of Lurgan.
Coaches will be in touch with players and parents during the week.
Underage training (Primary 1 to Primary 7 age range) takes place Monday night’s 6:30 to 7:30pm at Craobh Rua Playing Field & Clubrooms.
Coaches will inform their players and parents of any changes etc.
Current Underage Coaches & Coordinators
U6 Orla McCaul & Majella Bradley
U8 John Kelly & James McCartan U10 Joe McEldowney & Sean Cunningham
U12.5 Miceal Bradley
U14 Fiachra Bradley & David O’Brien
U16 Gareth Matthews, Paul Elshaw, Henry McCloy, Eamon McCann & Pearse McLaughlin
U18 Paul Cunningham
Anyone wishing to help in a coaching or support capacity with our Underage Activities is welcome to approach a team coordinator or Committee member to discuss. We welcome any support or help with all our club activities.
Craobh Rua Hurling Club encourage anyone who wishes to help with any aspect of our Club Activities to speak to an under age mentor or Committee member.We will be happy to give all appropriate support to any individual who wishes to become involved in our activities.
Coiste Meeting
The next Committee meeting is due to take place at clubrooms on Monday 6th May
Buíochas
Thanks to all who helped with our “Big Tidy Up” At our Clubrooms last Saturday. This was viewed by those who participated as a good initiative and we would hope to repeat it during the year. Míle buíochas to Newry Mourne & Down Council & Cllr Roisin Mulgrew for supplying litter pickers, bags etc .
Fixtures
Monday 29th April
U13 League
Craobh Rua v Middletown
Throw In 7:30pm. (Players should be at Clubrooms 7pm)
Tuesday night 30 April
Armagh Senior League
Middletown V Craobh Rua
Sunday 5th May
Under 8 & 10 Blitz
Hosts Séan Treacys (Lurgan)
Managers/Coaches will inform panels through usual communication channels should there be additions/changes to Fixtures. The Master Events/Fixtures Calendar is accessible for viewing on our Craobh Rua Camlocha Facebook & Twitter Pages
Siopa
Club shop is now open and has deals on hurls, helmets, grips and sliotars. This will be available every Monday.
Dates For Diary
Cúl Camp – confirmed week of 22nd July
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
Craobh Rua will host an all County Under 8 & Under 10 Hurling Blitz on Sunday 2nd June.
Hooley Around Cooley Cycle
The date for this annual Cycle has been confirmed as Sunday the 29th September.
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Newry 1's 0-0 Mossley 1's (4-3 on Penalty Run Ins)
Newry hosted Mossley on Saturday in the semi final of the Sussex Regiment cup. The home side have been in good form of late having won their last four games in league and cup, however the visitors having finished third in the league were going to be a tough challenge.
The game was cagey in the opening minutes with both teams reluctant to give much away early on. It was Mossley who settled into their rhythm first forcing a number of short corners, however McGivern in nets and the Newry defence kept them at bay. Newry looked dangerous on the break but were found wanting in the final third when a little bit of composure was needed. The first half ended all square.
Newry were stronger in the second half and started to create more opportunities. Ryan Simms was extremely unlucky to see his drag flick deflected wide after a great save by the Mossley keeper, chances also fell to Colin McKnight and Keith McWilliams, both were unable to find the finishing touch. As the game neared the end and with penalty run ins looming, neither side could get the all important goal and the game ended 0-0.
David England was the hero as he netted the all important goal in sudden death as the first round of penalties ended all square. Newry now face Queens in the Final on May 11th.
Team: McGivern, D. England, J. Greer, S. Megaw, C. Henning, R. Irwin, N. McKnight, N. Davenport, C. McKnight, K. McWilliams, M. Russell, K. McCombe, A. Baird, J. Porter, A. Marks, R. Simms
Newry Olympic Ladies 1ST XI -v- PSNI 1ST X1 Ladies 1ST XI
Friday 26th April was the final match for Newry Ladies Hockey match at the end of the Ulster Hockey Senior 3 season against PSNI.
Passback took place at 8.00 p.m. ar home during the wet, cold and windy conditions of Storm Hannah with PSNI retaining possession of the ball and driving straight down the right hand side of the pitch into the Newry 25. However due to the spectacular skills of sweeper Laura Simpson and left back Stephanie Smart, they blocked any imminent threat from the PSNI forwards. Simpson switched the ball across to speedy Lynne Ervine in right back who played some lovely one twos back up the pitch with Captain Kathryn Baird putting the PSNI mids under pressure. Forwards Caralyn Ferris and Laverne Inns picked up the ball in the PSNI 25 and drove into the opposition's circle whilst being heavily marked but Inns found PSNI feet and secured the first corner. The PSNI were penalised for breaking the goal line too early and had to send one of their players to the half way line. Ladies Top Goal Scorer Shannon Robinson in left wing fired the ball at the PSNI goal with immense force but the PSNI goalie was no mean feat and just about stopped the ball. The PSNI tried to retaliate but with Rachael Greer and Becky Murdock marking tight and tackling every attempt to pass, Newry remained strong. Newry had a 13 strong team and ten minutes into the game began to roll players on and off to keep up the momentum on the pitch. Robinson was awarded another corner and centre forward Suzy Rollins kept the PSNI defence on their toes with a fabulous shot on goal putting the PSNI goalie under immense pressure but kept Newry from scoring. Half time nil all.
The second half was a very different story for both sides with centre mid Greer weaving her way in and out of the PSNI defence to slip the ball to the right of the PSNI goalie within the first five minutes. However the PSNI fought back hard and around the 15 minute point they were awarded their first corner and switched the ball around their forwards and equalised. With a new found confidence the PSNI midfield and forwards pushed high keeping the Newry defence under attack, but Gayle Davidson in centre back kept a level head and fed the ball out to Victoria Lewis in left back who played the ball wide and right through the PSNI. Robinson and Rollins worked the ball around the PSNI defence and were awarded another corner. Simpson stepped up to the top of the D and with an outstanding shot on goal the PSNI goalie was forced to dive but the ball deflected up into the net putting Newry into the lead. With minutes to spare and weather conditions getting worse the PSNI were not going to give up and fought back. They secured their second corner with Collette Lambe saving the first shot on goal but PSNI were fortunate to just score from the rebound, equalising just before the final whistle. Player of the match was Rachael Greer. Newry Ladies would like to that Noleen O'Neill, Sports Massage Therapy for sponsoring the match ball.
Newry Ladies hockey will resume for pre-season in August 2019 and welcomes any new players for the forthcoming season.
NOHC Team:- C Lambe (goals), K Baird (Captain), L Simpson, S Smart, V Lewis, L Ervine, G Davidson, R Greer, B Murdock, S Robinson, L Inns, S Rollins and C Ferris.
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The Big Tidy Up
Saturday 27th April 9am to 1pm
This Saturday (27th April) the Club are organising a “Big Tidy Up” around our Clubrooms & Grounds. This is a hugely important initiative and the Committee extend an invitation for all members, players and supporters to come along and spend some time helping out with our “Big Tidy Up”.
Senior Hurling
Tuesday 25th April - Seniors have a Bye in league.
Senior Team Training at Club 7pm
Thursday 27th April
Senior Team Training at Club 7pm
Fixtures
Wednesday - 26th April
Down Minor League game
Padraig Mac Raing v Craobh Rua
Wednesday - 26th April
Armagh U16.5 League game
North Armagh v Craobh Rua
Thursday - 27th April
Armagh U12.5 League game
Killeavy v Craobh Rua
Thursday 27th April
Senior Team Training 7pm
Underage Activities
Please Note There are no Coaching activities this Easter Monday 22nd April. We hope all our young hurlers have a Happy Easter / Beannachtaí na Cásca
Blitz Dates
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
The first all County U8/U10 Blitz will take place in Killeavy on Sunday 28th April.
This first Armagh Under 8 and 10 Blitz of the year in Killeavy starting at 10am sharp. Coaches will be in touch with players and parents during the week.
Current Underage Coaches & Coordinators
U6 Orla McCaul & Majella Bradley
U8 John Kelly & James McCartan U10 Joe McEldowney & Sean Cunningham
U12.5 Miceal Bradley
U14 Fiachra Bradley & David O’Brien
U16 Gareth Matthews, Paul Elshaw, Henry McCloy, Eamon McCann & Pearse McLaughlin
U18 Paul Cunningham
Anyone wishing to help in a coaching or support capacity with our Underage Activities is welcome to approach a team coordinator or Committee member to discuss. We welcome any support or help with all our club activities.
Craobh Rua Hurling Club encourage anyone who wishes to help with any aspect of our Club Activities to speak to an under age mentor or Committee member.We will be happy to give all appropriate support to any individual who wishes to become involved in our activities.
Club Shop
Club shop is now open and has deals on hurls, helmets, grips and sliotars. This will be available every Monday.
Dates For Diary
Cúl Camp – confirmed week of 22nd July
Under 8 & Under 10 County Blitz
Craobh Rua will host an all County Under 8 & Under 10 Hurling Blitz on Sunday 2nd June.
Hooley Around Cooley Cycle
The date for this annual Cycle has been confirmed as Sunday the 29th September.
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Building on three years of charity cycling success, Armagh Down Cycling Club is proud to announce this year's Gullion Tour 2019!
Setting off from Newry Shamrocks GAA on Sunday, April 28th, The Gullion Tour offers cyclists from all over the island of Ireland the chance to take on one of two fantastic routes riding through The Ring of Gullion, and The Cooley Peninsula - areas of outstanding natural beauty. Cyclists can choose a 55- or 95-kilometre route, with food stops and refreshments provided.
If the winding routes and beautiful scenery are not enough to tempt you to take part; this year, The Gullion Tour will be raising money for ‘Friends of The Cancer Centre’.
Friends of the Cancer Centre has a long and proud history of helping local cancer patients. Based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, the charity funds life-saving and life-changing projects that make a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of local people affected by cancer and in the last year alone, Friends of the Cancer Centre has put £1.2 million back into local cancer services.
Commenting on The Gullion Tour, Armagh Down CC Chairman, Benny Smyth said: “Once again, we are expecting a strong turnout and we welcome cyclists from across Ireland to join us and enjoy what the Ring of Gullion has to offer. This year's event is already shaping up to be bigger and better. Those cyclists who have joined us in past years know all about the fine cycle that awaits them. If you haven't experienced the Ring of Gullion, we urge you to join us on Sunday, April 28th!
"Crucially, are raising much-needed funds for our chosen charity, Friends of The Cancer Centre. We are also delighted to announce that our main sponsor, Surefreight Ltd., has very kindly committed to matching every pound or euro raised on the day. We would like to thank Surefreight Directors, Brian McManus and Vincent Waddell for this very generous contribution”.
A fully marshalled event, the Gullion Tour promises to be a fantastic day for riders of all abilities and there will be much-needed food and refreshments at the finish in Newry Shamrocks GAA. For the 95km route there will be an additional food stop at Jonesborough Pastoral Centre.
Registration is open from 8.30am at Newry Shamrocks GAA with riders departing at 9.30am. Minimum donation is £15/€15. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/armaghdowncc
The Route
55km and 95km routes, taking in the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Peninsula.
We get the biggest climb out of the way early (by 16km), at The Long Womans Grave. Not only will you be awarded with amazing views over Carlingford Lough and beyond, but there is an almost continuous 16km downhill section after this point, down to The Bush, and onto the Ravensdale turn at Fitzpatricks Restaurant.
Both routes follow the same road until 44km into the sportive (at Junction 20/Carrickdale), where riders can decide do another 50km+ and tackle Jonesborough Hill, or take the shorter route back to Newry via Meigh - where hot food and refreshment awaits.
Riders opting for the longer route need not worry, as the half way food and drink stop is at the top of Jonesborough Hill, in The Pastoral Centre.
After this stop, heading through Jonesborough, Dromintee, and Forkhill - the road opens up on The Longfield Rd., and round to Fords Cross in Silverbridge where the route heads south along The New Road to Kilcurry (always a fast section). The 95km riders then head back towards Forkhill, and up to Dromintee and Meigh - and onwards to Newry,for a well earned feed.
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HILL & DALES - RACE 2 - TOLLYMORE
Weather conditions were perfect for the 2nd race of the Hill and Dale Series with 11 Newry AC athletes footing the start line and four finishing in the top 20.
This was a 4.2 mile forest and open mountain race with just over 1,000 ft of climb. The race began at the stone monument and took 288 competing athletes down along the Shimna River before the calf busting long climb up the “chute” to the highest point of the Forest Park - from there the wall stile was negotiated with a run along flat bogland before ascending the hill with no name. A tricky sharp descent then of the hill is made and a technical and fast run down through forest trail to return to the final 200m cruel hill climb to the finish line is made.
Esther Dickson was out with full determination to take top lady and gain top points and she successfully gained that target beating challenger Karen Wilson by 14 places. 3 Female athletes gained top placings for the 2nd week in a row with Esther taking 1st overall female, Ciara Coffey 1st FV40 and Meadow McCauley 1st Female Junior. In the mens race, Maurice Harte was first in for Newry AC in 13th overall placing and Warren Cartmill came in 39th taking 2nd MV45 placing.
The overall results for all 11 athletes were:
Maurice Harte - 13th, 33:50
Rory Mulvaney - 16th 34:06
Esther Dickson - 1st Female, 18th overall 34:31
Aidan Murray - 19th 34:35
Adam Ervine - 33rd 36:07
Warren Cartmill - 39th & 2nd MV45 36:34
Ciara Coffey - 71st & 1st Female 40 39:25
Sarah Quinn - 76th 39:40
Meadow McCauley - 113th & 1st Female Junior 42:45
David Hughes - 208th 49:26
Joanne McCauley - 232rd 51:26.
The next event will be a technical and tough forest and open mountain race over Slieve Martin commencing in Kilbroney Forest Park.
26 EXTREME - ADVENTURE DUATHLON - “THE WALL’
On Saturday the annual Duathlon “The Wall” was hosted by 26 Extreme in the idyllic setting of the Silent Valley. Warren Cartmill was the sole Newry AC athlete brave enough to take on and join 84 competitors in this challenge. This was after a great performance at the Hill and Dales on Thursday evening.
This was a challenging duathlon in the hot conditions. The first section was a 3km run starting in Silent Valley and took the athletes through a mix of gravel and tarmac nature trails. Then a 45km cycle ensued following an anticlockwise direction heading for Newcastle passing Donard Park continuing onto Byransford up by Fofanny Dam before returning down the Moyadd and Head Road to the Silent Valley. At this point the athletes changed back to foot to run a final 15km race turning left out of Silent Valley towards Carrick Little Car Park before passing through the Annalong Valley between Slieve Binnian and Slieve Lamagan and descending steeply down to Ben Reservoir.
Warren finished in 14th place and lifted the 1st prize in the MV45 category.
ROSTREVOR PARKRUN
It was a family affair the Patterson clan on Saturday morning, with 2 of the family clocking great personal bests.
The clan of 7 Newry AC athletes took on the dry and very warm conditions to complete one of the most challenging but beautiful Parkruns in the country. Young Ethan maintained his consistent Parkrun performances by coming in 2nd place with a great time of 20:30. His brother, Ryan came in shortly behind him in 9th position and a PB time of 22:27. Pierce came in 19th with 25:45; Myles came in 30th with 28:06; mum Fiona came 33rd with 29:02 and sister Erin gained a new PB of 32:08 with dad Martin following in with 32:30.
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