Sunday, March 15, 2009

Relays.............


Now some may say that Newry AC were last in their two relay events yesterday and while the records may indeed indicate that was the fact of the case, the truth of the matter is that the girls were true champions! The work rate, dedication and enthusiasm that these young ladies showed yesterday and over these past few weeks have made their display yesterday the highlight of the winter season for this coach. The fun and laughter continued all the way home, absolutely what our club should be all about! Thank you girls for all your hard work. Thanks also to Mary McParland and to Damien Feehan of 3Ways AC who stayed on to the end of the day to support our girls.

Gold Medal and Ulster Champion


WooHoo! After a few near misses Lucy Quinn got us over the line and becomes the first Ulster champion for our club. And a good one it is, a track championship from the indoor champs in Magherafelt yesterday. Lucy went to the line in the 2 heat 600 mts race and with there being no final it was imperative that Lucy ran flat out to avoid the second heat being quicker. As has become her trademark Lucy took the race by the scruff of the neck, attacked from the gun and said to the rest "catch me if you can". Only one competitor was able and turning for home it looked ominous for Lucy, but as she has demonstrated in the past catching her is one thing, getting past.............well now that's another thing, and this time was no exception. Lucy fought all the way up the straight and got home by the thickness of her vest! Now it was down to the second heat and again it looked bad as the winner looked to be quicker and indeed dad Rory timed the second heat quicker. Anxious moments later the result had Lucy on top of the rostrum, by hundred's of a second! After having second third and fourth in title races this winter is is hugely satisfying to get a gold medal into the club and hopefully we can build on it. A big thanks to Rory for all his support. Aso competing were Jack O'Hanlon and Niall Conlon. Both lads ran their hearts out and first timer Niall led for most of his heat eventually finishing third. Surely with a bit more time a big improvement will take place. Thanks to John O'Hanlon for transport and support. It all helps.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Anoher medal for Our Ladys duo

Last Saturday Helen & Mairead were again in the medals when they were part of Our Ladys team in the Irish schools xc final at the UUJ. A bronze medal was a good reward for the hard work put in by the girls on a tough 2500mt course, well done.