One week later than usual but with the weather we have come to expect on Rollercoaster Day at Downpatrick Racecourse, last Saturday saw another record turnout of 243 children from P3 and upwards take on the Primary School races and bringing with them once more their unique take on competing to this superb setting.
East Down is again indebted to Toals Bookmakers for their sponsorship of this event which enable children across the district to display their sporting talents in an eminently safe environment.
P3 BOYS AND GIRLS – 400 METRES
Winner of the P3 Boys race was Harry Fitzsimons, Cedar Integrated Primary School (IPS) followed by Jack Gibson, St Patrick’s Legamaddy and Daragh McLaughlin, St Mary’s Newcastle. The P3 Girls were led home by Niamh McAllister, Beechmount Harriers from Marlena Lennon, Cedar IPS and Daisy Williams All Children’s IPS Newcastle
P4/5 RACES – 500 METRES
Jana Pobloth of All Children’s IPS Newcastle followed up her 1st place in last year’s P3Girls Race by winning the P4 event this time Can she make it a hat trick next year in P5? Runner up was her classmate Eva Brady with Down High Prep’s Sasha Tindal in third.
In the Boys race Kevin Flynn completed an early day double for Beechmount with Aaron McClelland All Children’s IPS the filling in the Beechmount sandwich ahead of Patrick McCabe
P5 GIRLS AND BOYS – 500 METRES
Being that little bit older the P5 Boys and Girls had an extra 100 metres to run and Anna Gardiner Our Lady’s and St Patrick’s PS but also representing the host club, duly romped home ahead of Alyssa Boyd Kilmaine PS and Jessica Blaney who continued Beechmount’s good day out. The Boys race was won by Daniel Shiel All Children’s IPS with Scott Thomson adding another second for Kilmaine and Noah Kavanagh taking third for Beechmount.
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEAM SHIELDS – 1,000 METRES
The biggest field of the day saw 55 Girls line up at the 1K mark for the P6/7 race, where Cedar IPS were vying to retain the team held they won last year. Set a tremendous example by Emma McComiskey who stormed to victory ahead of Celeste Forde Down High Prep and Kilmaine’s Holly Mooney, the rest of the Cedar squad responded magnificently and with Abbie Ross 4th, Dearbla Curry 7th, and Madison Rafferty 9th the team total of 21 points was unassailable – the Shield returns once more to Cedar. Well done to them.
In the Boys race, 50 runners took up the challenge and Brooklands Dylan McBride went 2 places better than last year as he belted home ahead of Cedar’s Mackenzie Murray with Lewis Green of Our Lady and St Patrick’s in third. With his schoolmates Jack Rogan 4th, Joshua Prendergast 10th and Jack Carson 11th Our Lady and St Patrick’s total of 28 points enabled them to re-claim the John McKeag Shield from Loughview IPS, disappointingly under represented this year.
The Shield and trophies were as ever generously sponsored by Honorary Life Member the sprightly 92 year old John McKeag who later presented the prizes to the winners of the Senior 5K race.
UNDER 13’s – 1,500 METRES
The Boys Under 13 race was won by Newry AC’s Dara O’Callaghan who was only just ahead of the ever improving and inspiring Edie Carroll, with Annabel Magnusson Lagan Valley, Megan Briggs North Down and Libby Maloney Lagan valley all across the line before 2nd and 3rd placed boys Rory Hall-Thompson Orangegrove and Aodhan Short of Beechmount arrived. Superb running
UNDER 15’s – 2,500 METRES
In the Boys Under 15 race East Down’s Owen Edwards had an emphatic win, coming home over half a minute ahead of Paul McLaughlin with Willowfield’s Nathan McBride 15 seconds further back in 3rd.
In the Girls race Aoife Cochrane made it a home club double in equally emphatic style with clubmate Ella Carroll in 2nd and Ciara Murtagh Beechmount in 3rd.
BRENDAN STRIKES AGAIN
In the Senior 5K Brendan Teer again topped the podium, his 16.08 30 seconds faster than last year with David O’ Flaherty again in 2nd with Paul Blaney in 3rd. Over 35 winner was Lee Magennis from Newry AC. Declan Teague celebrated his temporary return from the South Atlantic with victory in the Over 45 category with Norman Mawhinney taking the Over 55 prize for the second year in a row.
REBECCA SCORES FIRST VICTORY FOR DROMORE
In the Ladies Race a new name was added to the winner’s list with Rebecca Murtagh from Dromore taking the first prize ahead of last year’s winner Gerrie Short from Beechmount with Ruth Magill from Lagan Valley AC filling third place again.
Cheryl Denvir was first Over 35 Lady, an uplifting end to what had been a traumatic week following the sad and all too early loss of her father Cyril, a noted basketball player for the famous Ardglass Sharks in his youth. The East Down Club extends its deepest sympathy to Cheryl and brother Ciaran, to their mother, brother and sister and entire family circle at this heartbreaking time.
Lisa Milligan from the host club picked up the Over 45 prize and Virginia Ervine Mourne Runners won the Over 50 prize.
BEN DEARG COAST 10K, 5K …..and 3K!
Sunday 22 February brings us once again (how time flies!) to St Malachy’s Park in Kilclief for the annual 10K along the beautiful coastline to Ballyhornan and back, one of the most scenic races in the country.
This year as well as the 10K and 5K races, both beginning at 1.00pm the forward looking organising committee have added a 3K option for the younger, less experienced participant and another big crowd is expected. Great post race refreshments are provided so all local runners are invited along to enjoy the scenery and the hospitality.
All entries taken on the day. Enquiries to Wattersonpatrick@aol.com
Joe Quinn