Newcastle juniors perform at Ulster cross country

Newcastle juniors perform at Ulster cross country

26 February 2025

MALLUSK played host to the Ulster Schools Cross Country Championship last Wednesday and there were a number of Newcastle AC juniors toeing the line.

A total of 14 club members qualified from their respective Districts, with students from St Malachy’s High School, Shimna Integrated College, St Louis Grammar School, Assumption Grammar School, Down High School, Wellington College, St Colman’s College and Hunterhouse College in action. 

The mini girls race welcomed Emily Kerr (Down High) and she set off strong. 

Emily battled through the largest field of the day, finishing in 7 min 31 sec for in 51st place.

Harry King (St.Malachy’s) ran a phenomenal race in the mini boys category, finishing 13th overall. 

He competed alongside clubmate Senan Gosling, who crossed the line in 58th and joined his team in gold position on the podium. 

The minor girls race saw three young ladies from Newcastle AC join each other for a warm up, before setting off on a 2,000m course. Saorlaith McAleenan (St Malachy’s) enjoyed a solid run, holding her position in the closing stages and finishing in 31st place. 

She was quickly followed by Mary Houston (Hunterhouse), in 47th, and Lily McMurray (Assumption) in 10 min 21 sec.

The minor boys race brought 3,200m of grit and determination, and it was Connaire Og McVeigh (St.Malachy’s) that displayed his speed. 

He stuck with the lead group for the first half and held on for 10th place, followed by Owen Gilmore (Wellington College) in 35th. 

The Junior girls race brought the largest contingent of Newcastle runners, with Hermione Sheridan (Assumption), Parisa Susay-Quinn, Niamh Watson and Kate Bradley (all Shimna) taking to the line. 

Hermione was up against it, pushed all the way by opponent Cassie Curran, and held her own to claim second place.

The Shimna girls team finished in 9th place, with Parisa in 26th, Kate in 80th and Niamh in 100th. 

The much-anticipated senior races did not disappoint, providing plenty of thrilling action for spectators.

Natalie Cotton (Down High) dug deep and ran home in an impressive 26th place (14 min 32 sec). 

Euan McIntosh (St Louis) marked himself as one to watch for next year, crossing the line in 25 min 11 sec for 33rd place.

Connaire Og McVeigh and Hermione Sheridan will move on to the All-Ireland Championship on Saturday, March 8, in Ballybit, Galway. We wish them the best of luck. 

A series of junior races preceded the NI and Ulster Senior Cross Country in Lurgan on Sunday.

Emily Kerr, fresh from her Ulster performance, maintained a strong pace and crossed the line in second place. 

Rua Gosling also had a phenomenal race, challenging runners two years her senior and navigating the pack with ease and precision. 

Sophie Kerr demonstrated great resilience and finesse, running well in the U-11 age group.

The girls must have shared tips with the elder clubmates, as the senior ladies went on to claim second overall in their championship race.