Brothers race to Ulster selections

Brothers race to Ulster selections

29 October 2025

THE Newcastle AC junior athletes produced a series of outstanding performances at the NI & Ulster Cross Country Championships last weekend.

Three-time Ulster Champion Harry McVeigh once again took his place at the top of the podium, while Connaire Óg McVeigh finished a strong 11th, with both brothers earning selection to represent the Ulster U-14 team.

It was a memorable day for the club’s young athletes, as Rossa McAleenan also delivered a determined run, competing an age group above, demonstrating real promise for the future.

For Harry McVeigh, the victory came in dramatic fashion, almost a repeat of last year’s thrilling finish at Billy Neill. 

Racing a year above his age category, he showed great composure and strength to hold off older competitors, many of whom were no doubt relieved he had been a year below in previous seasons. 

Taking the race down to the final 20 metres, Harry was able to find an extra gear in the closing stages, against the reigning All-Ireland Champion, who looked over his shoulder more than once, knowing he had not quite shaken off the determination of the younger McVeigh, who was running the race of his life.

Harry now adds a fourth NI & Ulster Club Championship title to his name, completing a remarkable run of victories at U-10, U-11, U-12, and U-14 level. In two weeks, he will travel to Donegal to defend his title in his own age-group, at the Uneven Age Group Championships, where he will start as the favourite.

While Harry claimed the headlines, Connaire Óg also stood out. Following his rise from the school ranks to international selection last year, his performance on the challenging course was a testament to his progress, securing his first Club Ulster medal.

Coach Siobhan Grant’s reflections were filled with both pride and emotion after the event

“I’ve lost the will to live numerous times with those McVeigh boys over the years,” she joked. “They’ve brought moments of pure elation and a few tough conversations, but one thing’s certain, they always give their all and work hard to achieve such ambitious goals.”

The day began with Maggie Gibson making her club debut and running a very determined race to kick off proceedings. 

She was not the only athlete donning the Newcastle AC vest for the first time. Emily McGreevy, another exciting new addition, has already made a name for herself on the Primary Schools Cross Country circuit, with podium finishes at both the County Championships and the Flahavan’s League. 

Despite only being in P6, Emily showed tremendous focus and composure across the demanding 1500m course, hinting at a bright future ahead. She will also compete in her age group at Finn Valley in a fortnight.

The ever-enthusiastic, longer-serving members of the club also made their mark, proving once again that the social and supportive side of cross country is alive and well at Newcastle AC.

At U-12, Sophie Kerr had an eventful start, finding herself unexpectedly acquainted with the ground after a busy opening scramble. 

Showing impressive resilience, she quickly recovered and worked her way back through the field, displaying her natural talent as she weaved through the pack to finish 88th.

In the U-14 race, Emily Kerr led the Newcastle girls home, supported strongly by Lily McMurray and newcomer Lizzie Houston, both of whom made significant late surges in the closing stages.

A number of U-16 runners also dusted off the spikes and faced extremely competitive fields over a gruelling 3500m course. 

Hermione Sheridan was, as always, composed and focused, covering the course in 12:25 for 17th place, while Mary Houston showed huge improvement and resilience, finishing in 13:51 and 50th.

Jamie O’Flaherty, following his undisputed podium finish at the Dundrum GR8, led the U-16 boys home in 36th place, with Dylan McGreevy embracing his baptism of fire at cross country  in impressive style, finishing 65th. 

Donal McDaid also battled through a few mid-race scuffles to finish strongly, cementing his love for competing on all terrains.

At U-18, Heidi Sheridan and Emily McMullan took on two demanding loops of 2000m. 

Heidi finished a strong 16th in her first cross country race for the club — a performance that will only build her confidence following a successful track season over the shorter, but equally demanding 400m. 

Emily endured a tough start, but, true to form as one of the club’s leading junior mountain runners, refused to give up, navigating the field well and digging deep to finish 33rd.

In the senior races, Ethan McMullan tackled the 8000m men’s race, finishing 11th in 27:36 — almost two minutes quicker than his time last year. 

Angela Kerr represented the senior ladies and also recorded an improved time, perhaps helped by the milder weather.

As the cross-country season gathers pace, Newcastle’s juniors continue to impress with their mix of determination, teamwork and emerging talent — proof that the future of the club remains bright.

This weekend, attention turns to the McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country series in Dromore, where more than 70 Newcastle AC athletes are expected to take to the line.