Another Ulster and NI title for Harry

Another Ulster and NI title for Harry

13 August 2025

HARRY McVeigh, the promising young athlete from Newcastle and District AC and Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche, has once again made waves in the world of junior athletics.

At the Ulster and Northern Ireland Cross Country Championships earlier this year, Harry claimed his third consecutive title, demonstrating both speed and composure under pressure. 

The U-12 boys’ race saw a dramatic final hill duel, with Harry surging in the closing metres to launch himself across the line and win by a mere fraction in the dip, clocking an impressive 4 minutes 14 seconds — some 20 seconds faster than his previous year’s performance.

Not content with provincial dominance, Harry went on to compete in the All-Ireland Cross-Country Championship at Fermanagh’s Castle Irvine Estate. 

With grit and determination, he battled back from mid-pack early in the race, once again showcasing his ability to thrive when the challenge intensifies.

Further adding to his commendable season, Harry performed strongly in the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross-Country League, where he led from start to finish in all three heats. He crossed the line in the final, after conquering a demanding 1600m course and finished first overall, achieving a commanding 15-second victory — a clear sign of his dominance in his age group.

In a fitting finale to his time in primary school sport, Harry capped off his season with victory in the Flahavan’s Endurance Squad Exhibition 1000m Race at the iconic Mary Peters Track on Saturday, August 9, to open the NI and Ulster Senior Championships. 

As he toed the line, there was no need to brief the young man on how to run the race ahead. 

He had already beaten his competitors a number of times and set off cool, calm and collected as he shook off any challenge within the first 400m, before taking the win for the second year in a row.

His finishing time of 3.02 saw him run home another seven seconds quicker than last year. The win not only showcased his versatility on the track, but also marked the perfect closing chapter to a glittering primary school career.

Harry’s achievements are made all the more noteworthy as he continues to excel, not just in athletics, but also within the GAA and soccer — an all-round athlete at the top of his game.

From commanding muddy cross-country fields to excelling on the smooth curves of the track, Harry has shown himself to be a complete athlete. 

With his primary school chapter now closed in emphatic style, the Newcastle AC star looks set to stride confidently into the next stage of his athletic journey, aiming to make his mark on Ulster Schools for St Malachy’s High School and return to defend his Ulster club title in the early winter.