JUST A PASSING THOUGHT
It’s very easy in this day and age to forget about everyone else as we’re so busy with our own problems, families, commitments etc. so the following is one of those “feel good” stories that will restore your faith in human nature. I heard of it from my very good friend Donal Smith who must rank as one of the most generous and compassionate of all the people that I know.
Quoted from Donal Smith’s account
“Only last Sunday morning during a discussion between Suzy, Jinx and myself about how we could take advantage of the good weather, the emptiness of the 11th night, in the absence of bonfires, and the annual Killough Shore 10K race around the coast by Rossglass, it occurred to us that if we invited a few fiends via social media to join us for a wee 4 mile run from the Minerstown Tavern and asked them to throw a £5 into the bucket for Macmillan Cancer NI, then we could possibly raise £50 or £100 for this worthy cause. So we put it out there and Lo! And Behold! What happened? Well the good people of this lovely part of Co. Down turned up in their dozens, just to demonstrate that you don’t need chipped timing, medals, T-shirts or any other incentive to get runners/ walkers/ couch potatoes/ baked potatoes or any other form of spud to become champ(ions). The total raised in our Minerstown Miles 4 Macmillan was an amazing £571!! You’re all winners!!
But one look at the YouTube video, produced by my pal Big Chris will tell you all you need to know. Amazing work Big Man, it would be very easy to forget to thank one or more of the large number of people that helped turn the event into the hugely successful occasion it turned out to be, so a massive thank you to all involved. “
THANK YOU!!
“Special mentions to Chris and Marion for their time and efforts with the drone and camera, to Brenda and the staff at the Cake Station in Newcastle, (Speciality Cakes for all occasions), for supplying water and pastries for the post race refreshments, to all the runners and walkers that took part especially the members of the local Murlough, Crossgar, Saintfield and East Down Running and Athletics Clubs, to the many others that helped out with the tea, sandwiches, etc. and indeed to everyone who helped out as marshals or in any other capacity.”
I can only say that I was more than pleased and proud to have been a very small part of it, i.e. I was there and sampled the post race refreshments!
All IRELAND JUVENILE TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONHIPS
The East Down juniors were in action yet again this weekend for days two and three of the All Ireland juvenile track and field championships in Tullamore.
Four of the girls qualified in both 1500m and 800m for the All Irelands so for them this was the second week in a row of travel and competition.
On Saturday Kara Trainor kicked off the competition in the U/14 girls 80m sprint. She had a super race yet again clocking 11.51 which equals her PB. Unfortunately this was not fast enough to qualify her for the final but vast experience has been gained yet again at this highly competitive level.
Kara Trainor at Tullamore on Saturday 13 July 2019
SUNDAY SPECTACULAR
On to Sunday and another long trip for the same four who had travelled the previous week for the 800m finals, this time for the 1500m distance. A word of thanks is appropriate here to all the parents out there who continuously drive their children to all parts of the country.to compete in athletics events. They are the unsung heroes and heroines of the sport.
O the racing itself, with the sun well and truly shining it was with much delight the races were earlier in the day and that all were straight finals with 16 in each race.
Anna Gardiner and Lucy Foster ran in the u14 race, with Lucy coming in 5th position in a PB of 4.56.13. Anna followed close behind in 8th clocking 4.58.10. Inspirational performances to start the day!
KIRSTI NAILS IT
Next up were Lauren Madine and Kirsti Foster in the Under 15 Girls race. Kirsti ran a super race keeping herself in the lead pack until the last lap when she moved steadily through the field and with 50m to go she surged past the leader to break the tape and win the gold medal in 4.48.28 ( another PB). A superb effort.
Kirsti Foster on the Winner’s podium after winning the Under 15
All Ireland 1500 metres Championships on Sunday 14 July
Lauren Madine in the same race had a rare off day and never really got to grips with the pace but should not be disappointed as she has had a great season, though it has been a long, hard one, which should not be defined by this performance. Perhaps a few weeks break from running/ training would revive her enthusiasm? Never fear though, She’ll be back.
And so another very successful trip to Co. Offaly for the EDAC juniors marked the end of the competitive track season and all can head off for a well deserved break.
L to R Lucy Foster, Kirsti Foster, Lauren Madine and Ana Gardiner
at Tullamore on Sunday
Joe Quinn & Kirsti Foster
15 July 2019