Cathal McLaughlin had the honour of being the first athlete to represent Derry City Track Club in open competition since the club's affiliation was accepted by Athletics NI. And he did not disappoint with fine seventh place finish in the NI Master’s trials at QUB Playing Fields. That means he will now lead the province's M45 squad when they compete against the four other home countries at the British & Irish Cross Country Championships in Cardiff next month.
Cathal coming through the field in the later stages |
"It's been a pleasure working with Cathal this year," said his coach Mal McCausland. "We've only really been putting down the foundations for the past year. Cathal will have a bit of downtime after his trip to Cardiff when he will just concentrate on his training. I know that he is going to be even better in 2014 and I'm looking forward already to seeing him compete indoors in January."
Keith Shiels and Cathy McCourt were the impressive winners
of the respective trials. Shiels dominated the men’s race throughout
and was able to coast to an easy 26 seconds victory over Eamon White with Paul
Rowan returning from an absence of several years to take third spot. McCourt left it late in the women’s race to
overhaul long-term leader Denise Toner before going on to win by nine seconds. Next master across the line was Julie Butler
in fourth place overall. For full results click here http://www.nirunning.co.uk/2013NIMAAXC%20Races.xlsx