Last week I wrote
“Only 5 from East Down took on the out and back route along by the North Antrim coast this time and were led superbly by Niamh Kellett, whose time of 1.27.27 and 95th position in a field of over 1750 will surely inspire her to aim for 1.25”
Later a little bird, in the shape of the aforementioned Niamh, told me that she had not been in Larne never mind running there and although she would gladly have accepted the time recorded she would reluctantly have to decline. So who was the mystery runner? My investigations have since established that he was remarkably, coincidentally Ian McCracken from Ballymena Runners who is in the Over 35 category. My apologies to all concerned in this latest example of fake news – while I always say you can’t believe everything you read in the papers – that’s OK when you make it up yourself, but when you report something as fact which turns out to be completely untrue it shakes your faith in the value of good old fashioned rumours. As is often said about news items these days – you couldn’t make it up! All I need now is for another guy named Joe Quinn to run for me next weekend in Omagh – in fact if he can guarantee to get my number round in under 1.35 I’ll actually pay the costs of changing his name by deed poll myself, just to keep it legal.
MATTHEW STAYS INDOORS
To the present however – Matthew McGrattan made the long journey to the Indoor Arena in Athlone for the Irish Championships where he made his debut on the banked track. While he missed out on the finals he nevertheless came away feeling more than satisfied with his time of 54.73 in the Under 16 Boys 400 metres and an overall performance of 12th of the 18 competitors. A fine effort in unfamiliar surroundings and as he correctly pointed, out an indoor pb.
LAURA STAYS OUTDOORS
Laura Gardiner was one of a 13 strong Athletics NI squad which took on teams from England, Scotland and Wales at the Home Countries International XC in Port Talbot, Wales on Saturday and completed the course in 24:12 (32nd place). She was a member of the Under 20 Ladies team which claimed 7th place.
DECLAN ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Declan Teague , meantime clocked up another marathon in Bellewstown, the latest in the East of Ireland Marathon Series, on what was a really tough course, which included a hill like Bishops Brae at the end of every lap. However just 6 days after his heroics last weekend with the Ultra runners he clocked another full marathon just inside his target time of 3.45 and 7th place. Commenting afterwards on his performance he said simply – Legs Very Tired!! I wonder why that should be.
LOOP OF THE LOUGH
Well done to him though and when he heads off to the South Atlantic next month for some All Weather training he will be considering the Loop of the Lough which is scheduled for 25 November this year. It is a 64 mile run on foot, from Portaferry to Strangford via Newtownards and Comber which should whet the appetite of our group of ultra runners. With entries capped at 75 anyone interested should get their entries in as soon as possible. The nominated charity is SHINE (Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, Information, Networking, Equality) Contact Atlas Running for detailed information.
EDIE STARS IN GALWAY
On the weekend of Jimmy’s Ten Edie Carroll travelled to Galway with her family to compete in the National Junior Duathlon Championships, and much to her delight she took the Bronze medal in the 14/15 category. Well Done to you Edie.
DESSIE SAVAGE RIP
It was with great sorrow that the news of the death of Dessie Savage was received last week. Dessie was the father in law of Club member and coach Paula and grandfather to our junior members Niamh and Grace, who in spite of their tender years showed great courage and composure to deliver two readings at his massively attended funeral Mass on Friday. Dessie was a member of one of the best known business families in Downpatrick and was always easy to deal with. He was a friendly, quiet spoken man whose life revolved around his family and he will be sorely missed by all of them. Dessie had been in poor health for some time though his spirit was such that until a few days ago he was actively contemplating attending the Races which took place on the Sunday following his death.
The members of East Down AC extend their sincere condolences to Paula, Anthony, Niamh and Grace, to Dessie’s wife Ann and the entire family circle and wish to assure them of our continuing prayers at this very difficult time.
Joe Quinn
27 March 2017