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Newry Ladies 0-2 Bangor Ladies
On Saturday 24th November Newry Olympic Ladies Hockey Club hosted rivals Bangor in the Ulster Hockey Senior 3 league at home. Newry started brightly and were carving Bangor open at well in the open fifteen minutes. The Bangor keeper was having a superb game as she kept out attempts from Ali Benson and Shannon Robinson, her best save though was pulled off at full stretch diving back towards her own goal after Rachael Greer had taking the ball round 3 defenders before firing to wards the goal, only to be denied by that great save. Newry were snubbing most Bangor attacks out before they got a shot on target but right on the stroke of half time the visitors pounced on a loose ball in the circle and got their first goal to go in one up at the break.
Newry made a few position changes at half time but Bangor came out with a new found confidence and kept pushing their whole game high into the Newry half. Ervine made some spectacular saves, lobbing the ball high over the Newry net with Mc Cullough stopping the Bangor forwards weaving their way with a few last ditch tackles. Newry fought back with Lewis safely clearing the ball when Bangor tried to come down the right on numerous occasions. Half way into the second half Newry switched their players around with Greer dropping back to left mid and successfuly used her speed and skill to work her way up to the top left of the Bangor end and then in through their defence with Benson picking up the ball at the edge of the circle winning another corner for Newry. With Simpson coming up to centre forward, Newry once again put the pressure on the Bangor defence but were unable to find the back of the net in order to equalise. Twenty minutes into the second half Bangor were awarded a corner and pushed the majority of their team up into the Newry half putting the defense under immense pressure and although the shot on goal was successfully saved by Newry keeper Lambe, Bangor forwards were in on the rebound and unfortunately for Newry slipped the ball into the goal making it two nil. Newry kept battling back at every opportunity but were unable to catch up on goals when the final whistle was blown. Player of the match went to Alison Benson and NOHC Ladies would like to thank Sammy DJ & Entertainment for sponsoring the match ball. Newry Ladies are away to Civil Service pitches to play the PSNI this Wednesday 28th Novemberwith pass back at 7.30 p.m.
Team: C Lambe (goals) K Baird (Captain) E McCullough, L Ervine, V Lewis, L Simpson, B Murdock, C Ferris, G Davidson, A Benson, R Greer, S Robinson and L Inns
Newry 1XI 6-1 Antrim 1XI
Newry hosted Antrim on Saturday in a must win game. The homes side flew out of the traps and were one up within two minutes with Keith McWilliams getting his first of the match. Newry continued to press forward and were creating plenty of chances, but could not get the second. Antrim got back on level terms with fifteen minutes gone, making the most of hesitation in the Newry defence. however this was short lived as Newry got their noses back in front when Neil McKnight rounded the keeper and slotted home. Just before the break it was three with John Taylor firing high into the net.
In the second half Newry were even more dominant, again creating plenty of opportunities. McWilliams was again the first to score in the half as he deflected the ball home at full stretch five minutes in. Only a few minutes later he had a shot stopped in the line by a defenders foot and was awarded a penalty stroke which he coolly slotted home. Newry’s sixth came from a well worked short corner which Colin McKnight fired home.
Newry next face Mossely on Friday night at home.
Team: Beck, C. Henning, A. Baird, J. Greer, R. Simms, C. McKnight, N. MCKnight,N. Davenport, K. McWilliams, K. Fletcher, J. Taylor, R. McGivern, M, Rodriguez
Antrim 2’s 4-6 Newry 2’s
Newry travelled to Antrim with just ten players and new they would be up against it, their job got even harder as they went one down with only 45 seconds played. It could have been more but for a few smart saves from Ashley Collum and some brave defending from the returning David Lawson.
Newry steadied the ship and got back level when Jonny McWilliams playing as a lone striker played in Josh Porter who slapped the ball home. As Newry piled on more pressure Porter got his second just before Simon McCafferty got their third picking out the bottom corner from the top of the circle.
Newry started the se one half well as McCafferty got his second from a clever cut back from Porter. Antrim got one back but it did no stop Newry as Jonny McWilliams got a quick fire brace to make it 6 for the visitors. As the fitness started to tell, Antrim got two late goals but it was not enough to stop Newry the points back home.
Team: Collum, D. Lawson, J. Lawson, A. Patterson, G. Moffett, J. Porter, A. Marks, S. McCafferty, J. McWilliams, S. Graham
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Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (NIMRA) 2018 Prize Night
Esther Dickson lifted the top female accolade on Friday evening at the 2018 NIMRA Prize Giving Dinner.
Esther has dedicated strong performances throughout the year in the mountain racing and deservedly lifted the lead lady trophy.
This is the 2nd local mountain racing title that Esther has earned this year. Esther lifted the Female Hill & Dales top prize in the early summer.
Congratulations on your 2018 achievements, Esther from all at Newry AC. Well done to Paul Le Blanc on taking top placing in the MV55 category and Kieron taking 3rd in the MV45s.
Running4Rescue 10k, Annalong
Lee Maginnus competed in the annual Running4Rescue Event in Annalong on Saturday. This event is a fundraiser for the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team and always well supported.
The 10k is a challenging race and Lee ran a strong race finishing on the podium with a 2nd place in a time of 39:40.
Malcolm Cup Cross Country, Ballyclare
Meadow and Joanne McCauley travelled to Ballyclare on Saturday for the Malcolm Cup Cross Country Championships.
Weather and ground conditions were good and a few hundred competitors joined in this favourite annual event.
Meadow competed in the U17s 2 mile race and continued her consistent race form breaking the tape for podium 1st place in a time of 12:50.
Joanne competed in the Senior/Masters 3 mile race, happily finishing middle of the table in a time of 23:55.
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Newry AC were out competing this week in the various disciplines of road, trail and cross country.
Run in the Dark, Stormont 10k
On Wednesday evening new Newry AC member, Nuala Boyle put on the night vision to compete in this popular charity 10k race within the grounds of the Stormont Estate, Belfast This was attended by over a thousand runners.
Nuala completed the course in a brilliant 53:53.
Born2Run 5k Drum Manor, Cookstown
Saturday morning saw Sarah Jane Beattie compete in this popular trail series in the beautiful setting of the Drum Manor Forest Estate.
The undulating course did not deter Sarah Jane and her grit and determination was rewarded with a podium place for 3rd Female. Her time was 23:49 and overall was placed a fantastic 14th out of 160 runners.
Castlewellan Parkrun
Meadow and Joanne McCauley on Saturday morning joined 180 fellow runners at a misty Castlewellan Parkrun as a warm up before attending an Orienteering Race at Tyrella.
Meadow had a great run, having no time to admire the beautiful landscape as she finished in 1st Female place, 8th overall and in a time of 21:12.
Joanne did enjoy the scenery and followed in with a 12th Female placing, 58th overall and in a time of 25:20. Joanne has 4 more runs to go to hit that impressive 100th Parkrun.
Annagassan 10k Viking Run, Dundalk
Johnny Gregg continued his consistent running form placing on the podium at this large and well supported running event on Saturday. 517 runners were at the start line.
Johnny competed against a strong field of top Co. Louth clubs to take a well deserved 3rd Male placing in a time of 37:11.
County Down 5k Road Race, Downpatrick
Sunday saw three of Newry ACs Elite Senior Squad hit the roads of Downpatrick for this popular and annual 5k Road Race.
This is a race that allows the athletes to run Graded 5ks (3 different classes). Each class group is highly competitive as all athletes are out to get a PB and beat fellow and other club athletes.
Gary Crummy, Mark Malone and Hughie Mackin joined the ranks of the top class elite group. They took off on a mission with Gary Crummy recording a finish time of 16:56 - 18th place; Mark Malone (of whom has been trying to get off the injured list) notched 17:04 - 19th place and Hughie Mackin completed the trios performances with 18:26 - 38th place.
Moira Autumn Cross Country, Moira Demesne
On Sunday, Meadow and Joanne McCauley travelled to Moira for a charity cross country event.
Weather was cold, dry but windy in the open sections. This was a new event and used a good course design of which had a few inclines with athletes finding some areas tricky underfoot due to roots and tree debris.
Meadow competed in the U17s 4K of which she ran a good, well paced run to lift a podium place of 2nd in a time of 16:25.
Joanne ran in the Senior Open 6k finishing with a 17th placing.
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Annual General Meeting
The Club held its annual general meeting last week and outgoing Chairperson Raymond Watters thanked all club members, supporters and players for their ongoing support. He also paid tribute to those who had coordinated the various fund raising events during the past year and those businesses and individuals who had financially supported the sustainability of Craobh Rua through their financial support.
Following the AGM, the following officer posts and committee were elected; Chair Labhrás Bradley, vice Chair Raymond Watters,
Secretary Henry McCloy, vice secretary David O'Brien,
Treasurer Peter O'Hanlon, vice Treasurer Cathal McGinn,
Registrar Patricia Nutley, Children's Officer Patricia Nutley,
PRO Pat McGinn,
Coaching officer Fiachra Bradley, Irish officer Orla McCaul,
Healthy Club Officer Orla McCaul, County Delegate Henry McCloy, Merchandising Officier Paul Elshaw. Committee membership includes all Club Officers and Paul O'Callaghan, Donna Tavey, Miceal Doran, Paul Cunningham.
Quiz
The Club held a very successful fundraising Table Quiz in the Canal Court Hotel Newry. Thanks to all who helped organise the important fundraising initiative and to those who attended. We also appreciate the efforts of the Canal Court Hotel staff, Quiz Master Aidan O Rourke and his team. All monies raised will help to promote the game of hurling and health and emotional wellbeing within our communities and help ensure the sustainability of our Club.
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Newry Olympics 2 Enniskillen 2
On Saturday 17th November 2018, Newry Olympic Hockey Ladies 1st XI played Enniskillen 1st XI Ladies in the Ulster Hockey Senior 3 league. Newry won the toss and chose to play home second half giving Enniskillen pass back. Enniskillen started off the match strong keeping possession but as soon as they reached the strong Newry midfield players of Gayle Davidson and Caralyn Ferris they soon lost possession. Right wing Ali Benson picked up the ball weaving in and out of the Enniskillen defence slipping the ball through to centre forward Rachel Greer who won the first corner for Newry. The speedy injection from Captain Kathryn Baird to left wing Shannen Robinson threw the Enniskillen defence off guard however the Enniskillen goalie foiled any shot on goal, keeping the scored nil all.
Enniskillen sweeper took the hit out quickly but the powerful shot was stopped dead in its tracks by right back Lynne Ervine who picked up the ball and drove right up into the Enniskillen circle winning a second corner for Newry. Unfortunately Ali Benson was unable to get a shot away as Enniskillen foiled any attempt on goal and again were quick to get the ball away from their own side. Enniskillen fought back hard and around the fifteen minute point won their first corner against Newry. Enniskillen took the corner quickly but could not get a clean shot off due to the speed of left back Victoria Lewis who blocked the shot on goal. Enniskillen tried to switch the ball left to their wing but sweeper Elaine McCullough read the play and had covered the move, tackling the player and won the hit out. Centre back Laura Simpson fooled the Enniskillen forwards by playing the ball round the back of the Newry defence and right back Ervine swiftly picked up the ball and driving the ball through the Enniskillen mids releasing the ball to Baird in midfield. Newry had just switched the forward line and with fresh legs on the pitch Enniskillen found themselves under attack from right wing Aimee Magowan who drove the ball forward straight into the Enniskillen circle finding herself surrounded by Enniskillen blue shirts. Magowan pulled the ball back and fired the ball to the top of the circle where centre forward Laverne Inns had no option but to use her reverse to scoop the ball up over the Enniskillen defence and drop shot past the Enniskillen goalie putting Newry into the lead just before the half time whistle.
Enniskillen came out at the beginning of the second half very determined and from the whistle fought hard working the ball straight into the Newry circle and were the first team to be awarded a corner. Just five minutes into the second half the Enniskillen team failed to score from the first shot but found the back of the Newry net on the rebound. Now on an even keel, Newry upped their game working the ball from left mid Ferris to right mid Baird, switching across the mid line with Simpson picking up the ball and driving through the Enniskillen defence, putting the blues under extreme pressure. Davidson collected the ball around the edge of the circle and found Benson free who walloped the ball into the Enniskillen net putting Newry into a two one lead. Enniskillen were not to be defeated and Newry found themselves under a lot of pressure again around the twenty minute point when Enniskillen drove down the right hand side, across the top of the circle and scored again. Newry kept fighting back to gain possession of the ball and at times put the Enniskillen mids and defence back up into their own circle but were unable to secure the lead again
Final score Newry Olympics 2 Enniskillen 2
Team: Collette Lambe (Goalie), Kathryn Baird (Captain), Elaine McCullough, Laura Simpson, Lynne Ervine, Victoria Lewis, Gayle Davidson, Rachael Greer, Caralyn Ferris, Shannen Robinson, Alison Benson, Laverne Inns, Aimee Magowan and Stephanie Smart.
Lisnagarvey 5’s 4-3 Newry 2’s
Newry 2s travelled to lisnagarvey 5s on their new “Smurf Turf”. Both teams started the game off slow. Newry opened the scoring mid way through the half when Jonny McWilliams won the ball in midfield passed it to davy andrews who then squared it to Davy Hogg who smashed the ball through the goalkeeper. With the Newry midfield struggling to find the front 3 due to miss placed passes the game was very scrappy and the score remained one nil at half time.
Newry made changes at half time moving players to different positions this seemed to work as 5 minutes in davy hogg set up andy marks who drilled his shot into the roof of the net. Garvey then sparked into life and within 5 minutes it was 2 all through 2 short corners. Newry hit back on the counter attack when Alex Irwin passed eventually to Jonny McWilliams who rounded the keeper an slide the ball into the net. Garvey hit back when a mistake from the Newry keeper got the homeside back on level terms. Newrys heads dropped after this. Garvey got their 4th and the decisive goal when their centre forward ran onto a ball missed by the Newry defence who then reversed it into the net.
Team: Collum, A. Marks, J. Niblock, G. Alderdice, D. Hogg, G. Moffett, L. Harding, D. Andrews, S. Graham, A. Irwin, J. McWilliams, A. Patterson
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U21s
Our U21s and Loughgilly Gaels played out a hugely entertaining draw in Camlough on Sunday, with the final score 1 – 10 apiece.
Loughgilly Gaels began the game the much better side and found themselves 0 – 4 to no score ahead after ten minutes before Ciaran Mackin fired over the first score for the Shane’s with fifteen minutes on the clock. The same player slotted over a close range free soon after before Damian O’Hagan had the Shane’s back to within one with a well taken score. A brilliant individual score from Matthew Girvan had the Shane’s back on level terms with less than five minutes remaining in the first-half but a late Loughgilly Gaels point saw them lead by one at the break, 0 – 5 to – 0 – 4.
Two points, both from Matthew Girvan, in the opening minutes of the second-half put the Shane’s ahead for the first time in the contest but the away side levelled up minutes later with a pointed free. Another Girvan free edged the Shane’s in front again and a further two points from Ciaran Mackin and Jack Beattie gave the home side a three-point advantage but two points in row from Loughgilly Gaels reduced the deficit to just one with still ten minutes left to play. Matthew Girvan was on target again when he gathered himself to slot home a penalty after he was upended in the square and the Shane’s were now four to the good. However, Loughgilly kept themselves right in the game with the next two points before Cormac Feely popped the ball over to give the Shane’s a three -point lead with less than five minutes left to play. The Shane’s had several chances to extend their advantage but failed to take them and they paid the price in last minute when Loughgilly Gaels slotted home a penalty with the last kick of the game to salvage a draw, 1- 10 to 1 – 10.
At the time of going to print it was still unknown if the U21s had progressed to the knock-out phase of the competition.
Senior Ladies
The Shane’s senior ladies began their pre-season training on Sunday morning with a hike up Camlough Mountain. After making their way back down Tracey, Violet, Louise and Pauline were on hand with very welcome refreshments in the club-house. The girls will continue their pre-season with gym training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in EST28 from 8.30pm – 9.30pm.
Underage Winter Training Schedule
U6’s: Tuesday evening in Bessbrook Community Centre from 6.00pm – 7.00pm – contact Yasmin Mackin on 07927 933548
U8’s: Sunday morning at the field from 11.30am – 12.30pm – contact Albie Kelly on 00353 873388332
U10’s & U12’s: Wednesday evening in Scared Heart Boxing Club gym, Loughbrook Industrial Estate, Green Road from 7.00pm – 8.00pm – contact Dee Beattie on 07733 405769
U14 & U16 Boys: Sunday morning at the field from 11.15am – 12.15pm – contact Seamy O’Hare on 07816 268077
U12 Girls: Wednesday evening in Cloughreagh Community Centre from 7.15pm – 8.15pm – contact James Feehan on 07864 783211
U14 Girls: Starting Sunday 18 November at the field from 10.30am – 11.30am – contact James Feehan on 07864 783211
U16, Minor Girls & Senior Girls: Started Tuesday past at Est 28 gym, Bessbrook from 8.30pm – 9.30pm – contact Tara Byrne on 07397 540087 or Peter Lynch on 07876 453546
Well Done
Well done to our club coaches Peter Lynch, Stephen Mooney, Damian Beattie, Cathal Evans and Louise Kenny who all attended the Steven Poacher coaching session in Lismore School on Saturday. The coaches undoubtedly picked up some tips and will bring them back to their respective teams as the prepare for next season.
Paddy Lynch Memorial Cup
The annual Paddy Lynch Memorial Cup darts competition will take place in the club next Sunday 18 November. The competition will take format of the best of 3 legs, with double in double out. Registration begins at 1.00pm with the first darts scheduled to be thrown at 2.00pm. Entry fee is £5.00, with a £300 prize fund and all proceeds raised will go to Children with Diabetes.
Club Merchandise
A full range of club merchandise is now available to buy from the O’Neill’s website – www.oneills.com
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 14, 22, 25 & 31. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winner. The jackpot now stands at £2,500.
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Newry AC athletes were active in road, trail, Parkrun and cross country events this week and also had an individual All Ireland Qualification being lifted.
Armagh Parkrun
Meadow and Joanne McCauley took to the hilly Armagh Parkrun on Saturday - a favourite training circuit for this family duo.
With 110 enthusiastic parkrunners, Meadow ran a steady pace taking first Female, 7th overall and recording a new course PB in a time of 22:30. Joanne followed her daughter through to finish in 29th overall and 4th Female.
26 Extreme 10k Trail Race - Tollymore Forest Park
Johnny Gregg joined 119 runners to tackle this challenging 10k course set along the trail paths of the beautiful Tollymore Forest Park.
Weather conditions were perfect for the race with only tree debris on the forest floor showing evidence of Fridays storm. Johnny was strong from the start and lead the pack in to take a deserved 1st podium place with a time of 38:27.
Davagh Forest 10k,
Co. Tyrone
On Saturday, Lee Maginnus took part in the first race of the Sperrin Harriers Winter League Trail 2018/2019 Series.
In the surroundings of Davagh Forest, Co. Tyrone, Lee completed the race in a time of 42:14 and placed 25th out of 173 runners.
Our Lady’s Greenhill Remembrance 5km Run, Drogheda
On Sunday, Hughie Mackin and Andrew Knapton travelled to Drogheda for this popular race.
Weather conditions were perfect for the race and competition was tough with athletes from all the main County Louth clubs in attendance.
Both Newry AC athletes ran well and were rewarded with top ten placings out of a field of 350 runners. Hughie Mackin finished 6th in a time of 19:08 and Andrew Knapton followed in 7th place in a time of 19:13.
NI/Ulster Unevens Age Group & Novice Cross Country Championships - Scotstown, Co. Monaghan
On Sunday morning, 3 Newry AC athletes travelled to Scotstown for the NI/Ulster Unevens Age Group & Novice Cross Country Championships.
The course was predominantly flat with good ground conditions despite the heavy rainfall on Friday.
A last minute course change added extra distance per lap onto the races, took out a major hill but made the challenge flatter thus faster but this did not deter great performances from the Newry athletes.
Eve Welsh competed in a highly competitive and fast 2km (2.2km) U13s Age Group. No results were available for the report.
Gavin Crilly competed in the 6km (6.8km) Mens Novice. This race set off hard and fast from the whistle of which Gavin soon found his pack pace and finished well up the placings.
Official timings for the races were not available at the time of this report.
Meadow McCauley competed in a competitive U17s 4k (4.4km) race. The race started off at a sprint from the whistle but soon settled down to a realistic and sustainable pace.
Meadow ran her usual tactic of running middle of the field for the first lap before working her way through as competition tired. By the 3km stage Meadow was now in the top 15 and on the last lap she powered through placings to finish in the top qualifying 12. Another great performance from this club junior of which credit must go not only to the athlete but to her Coach, Kookie O’Hagan.
Meadow with this fantastic performance qualifies for the All Ireland Unevens at the Navan Racecourse in December.
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Lisnagarvey 1XI 8-1 Newry 1XI
Newry travelled to EYHL side Lisnagarvey on Saturday in their latest Kirk Cup match. From the first whistle, Garvey dominated possession restricting the visitors to only a few break aways in between constant spells of pressure. Newry did managed to hold out in the first ten minutes but when ‘Garvey got one the flood gates open for a 10 minute period when they rattled in another 4. Newry managed to force a couple of Saves from the home keeper but he was to anything they fired at him. Garvey got one more just before the break to leave it 6-0 at half time.
In the second half, again ‘Garvey pressed forward and got a seventh just two minutes in. Newry did manage to get on the score sheet with Keith McWilliams firing home at the back post but the home side went straight up the other send and got their eighth. This was a harsh lesson to learn from for Newry but they host Antrim in the league on Friday night which they hope will be a slightly better result.
Team: McGivern, C. Henning, J. Greer, S. Megaw, R. Irwin, J. Taylor, N. McKnight, R. Simms, K. McWilliams, K. McCombe, C. McKnight, L. Beck, A. Baird, K. Fletcher, P. Gonzalez
Donaghadee Ladies 1-1 Newry Ladies
On Saturday 10th November Newry Olympic Ladies team travelled to Bangor Grammar school to play old rivals Donaghadee in the Ulster Hockey Senior 3 league. Dee won pass back and kept possession of the ball to begin with on the left but that didn't last long with midfield Gayle Davidson and Rachel Greer tackling the forwards and winning back the ball. Newry forwards Alison Benson and Shannon Robinson picked up the ball and played some lovely one twos up into the Dee circle with left wing Caralyn Ferris putting the Dee defense and goalie under some serious pressure. Dee held Newry from scoring and equally drove back down into the Newry 25 but due to the strong defence in the Newry back line, sweeper Laura Simpson foiled the first Dee shot on goal with goalie Collette Lambe jumping to clip the rebound shot over the Newry post. Dee quickly took their long corner but couldn't get back into the Newry circle with centre back Elaine McCullough clearing the ball out to right back Lynne Ervine who slipped the ball through the Dee forwards and gave Newry conrrol of the game again. Centre forward Shannon Robinson picked up the ball at the half way line and drove right up into the Dee corner unfortunately being shadowed and eventually fouled by the Dee sweeper but won the first corner for Newry. Dee defence were out fast stopping any chance of scoring and kept Dee safe. Newry knew a goal was imminent and kept the pressure constantly on the Dee defence.and five minutes before the halftime whistle Benson square passed the ball to left wing Laverne Inns and just as she reached the Newry circle was tripped up leaving the score nil all at half time.
At the beginning of the second half both teams battled hard but at the 14 minute point Newry were the first to be awarded a corner. Captain Kathryn Baird injected the ball to forward Inns who slipped it right to Benson and with the goal on from the left, slapped the ball to Baird again who smashed the ball into that Dee backboard putting Newry into the lead. Dee kept working hard driving down the right hand side but met their match with left back Victoria Lewis stopping the Dee right winger with her flat stick tackle keeping Newry out of trouble. With ten minutes to go Newry sustained a lot of pressure from the Dee side who were awarded a couple of corners in succession and finally scored. One all at the final whistle with College Lambe as player of the match.
Team: C Lambe (goalie) K Baird (Captain) L Simpson, L Ervine, E McCullough, V Lewis, G Davidson, R Greer, L Inns, C Ferris, S Robinson, A Benson.
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After a quiet previous race week, Newry AC are now knuckling down into the tough endurance racing of the winter season.
Saturday 3rd November
Powerscourt Ridge Mountain Race, Wicklow Way
Esther Dickson and Rory Mulvaney made the journey down to Wicklow to compete in the Powerscourt Ridge Race. Tough weather conditions were anticipated but this was of no worry to these two hardened mountain runners.
This is a race of difficulty rating 9 and a 690m climb and approximately 8 miles. The Powerscourt Ridge Race began from Crone Woods on the Wicklow Way and moved up steadily to the summit of Maulin, were the competitors experienced tough weather conditions, then over Maulin's challenging trail paths to a fast descent before a climb up towards Djouce and a long run back down to Crone Woods. Due to high winds the route was changed to avoid summiting Djouce, the right and safe choice by the race director.
After her success in the Hill & Dales and NIMRA Series in 2018, Esther Dickson continued her strong form and finished 2nd Female in a time of 1:13:14 and 17th overall. Rory Mulvaney finished in a time of 1:15:59 and 32nd overall. These were great results against a race field of 145.
84th McConnell Shield Cross Country, Six Mile Water River Park, Ballyclare
3 Newry AC athletes attended this race which is one of the oldest and most famous races in the local cross country calendar. The weather was mild, dull, dry but with extremely strong winds. The ground conditions were good.
First to race was Club Junior, Meadow McCauley in the U16s, 2 mile race. Fresh off the plane 42 hours prior from Orienteering in China, Meadow gave a strong performance in a time of 13:30 and lifted 2nd place in her race bringing home the silver for Newry AC.
Next up was Joanne McCauley in the 3 mile ladies race. Battling an ever increasing head wind in the open field sections, she held a steady pace to finish in 24:35 and match her current course PB.
Gary Crummy complete the trio’s performances with his cross country debut and also a debut of this 5 mile distance. The pace was hard and fast from the offset and Gary initially fell into the trap of trying to maintain the pace being set by the lead pack. However, he soon settled into the race, found his pace set and maintained a steady placing. Gary ran consistently through the last 3 laps with the headwinds becoming very difficult and maintained his placing finishing in a fantastic 26th place in a time of 29:33.
Born2Run Race Series, Minnowburn, Belfast
Sarah Jane Beattie took part in the opening race of the Born2Run Race 5k Series in Belfast. In stormy and damp conditions, Sarah Jane ran well finishing with a fantastic 10th overall position, 6th female and in a time of 21:29. This was out of a large 5k race field of 167 runners.
Saturday 27th October
Bobby Rea Cross Country Championships, Greenmount Campus, Antrim
Joanne McCauley competed in this popular cross country event which was drew in clubs from both the North and South. Ground conditions were good underfoot with only a few mucky patches in the back woodland area. The weather was dry but extremely cold. Joanne completed the ladies 6k race in 29:07 and gained a new course PB.
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