Juniors dominate at 5K

Juniors dominate at 5K

20 August 2025

THE younger generation of Newcastle AC made their mark on the local racing scene at the Glassdrumman 5K.

Irish U-20 mountain runner Patrick McDaid, Ulster Schools senior 5000m runner Matthew Sutton and NI and Ulster Club and Schools U-12 

champion Harry McVeigh lined up alongside more seasoned clubmates, ready to prove they could hold their own.

They did more than that, leading the race, driving each other to new course records and locking out the podium for Newcastle AC in style.

Patrick, fresh from his nail-biting adventures at the Youth Skyrunning World Championships in Italy, had planned a light recovery week, until he saw the course. 

With its grind in the second half and a fast descent to the finish, it was made for his strengths. 

He took full advantage, holding off a fierce challenge from Matthew, who, despite being new to the club, has an impressive school racing pedigree, including a 16:27 at the Ulster Schools 5000m and a parkrun best of 17:40 in Castlewellan. 

They crossed the line separated by a handful of seconds, with Patrick posting a time of 16:52 and Matthew finishing in 17:17.

Harry, slight in stature, but huge in determination, was determined to stay in touch with the front two, while keeping his uncle, Brian, behind him. 

Not only did he smash through the 18-minute barrier for the first time, he obliterated it, clocking 17:29 and securing third place alongside two athletes he admires and who now have every reason to be looking over their shoulders. 

Although it was a full men’s podium for the club, there was still much to be excited about further back. 

Not far behind his younger brother, Connaire Óg McVeigh powered through the course with his trademark strength on the climbs, claiming 14th in 20:18 — a PB just as cross-country season beckons. 

Meanwhile, Donal McDaid, partnered with older brother Joseph, delivered a gutsy run to secure his own 5K road PB and prove the McDaid household has no shortage of talent on any terrain.

On a night where the mountains glowed, the sea breeze carried cheers across the finish line, and the club’s younger generation stood tall.