NORTH DOWN ATHLETIC CLUB

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT  2007 AGM

 

 

I am pleased to report that North Down Athletic Club has again won all the senior Track and Field competitions in 2007 and we have retained the ESB League of all Ireland for the second year. We have been awarded top track and field club by UKA and have had considerable success on the mainland by finishing 3rd in the BAL Plate and 2nd BAL semi Final “10 in 100”.

 

We again held the New Year Cross Country Relays held on 27 January in Castle Park.  Mark Armstrong, Michael Donaldson and Glenn Willis won the U15 boys race and the Senior Men’s’ team of Jordan Neil, James Budde, Francis Marsh and Robin Brown were 1st.The event was well organised and enjoyed by all the participants but not very well supported.  The Committee has decided that we will not hold this event in 2008.

 

At the Indoor Championships of Ireland we were again asked to provide basket carriers for the 2 day event at the Odyssey.  The athletes really enjoy this event as they get to be near the big stars and have the opportunity to talk to them and ask for autographs. Those who officiate at this marathon event know that it is no mean feat to organise the young people in time slots to ensure that all the events are covered.

 

David Seaton was officially elected as Chairman of the NIAF at its AGM on Wednesday 21 March. David had taken over as Chairman-elect following the untimely death of Bobby Rea on 12 November 2006. We know that David will be an excellent ambassador for our sport.

 

The Mayor of North Down , Alan Leslie. hosted a Civic Reception and presented the club with a print of Bangor on Wednesday 4 April at the Town Hall to recognise the achievement of the Senior Men’s’ Team in winning the Hibernian League of All Ireland in 2006. Sixty athletes, club officials, coaches and partners attended.

 

The Cross Country Awards and Annual Club Handicap was held in Crawfordsburn Park on Saturday 7 April.  Cross Country Awards were presented to Clare Scott, Lauren Scott, Nicola Simpson, Lynne Kerr, Glenn Willis, Mark Armstrong, Brian Barron, Robin Brown, James Budde, Francis Marsh, Pat O’Driscoll, Norman Lellyett, and Kerry Iveston.  The Smith Handicap Shield was won by Brian Barron.

 

The Senior Men’s team, having won the League of All Ireland in 2006, qualified for the European Championships to be held in May 2007.  Unfortunately due to the competition being held on a six lane track we lost out on the paper draw and did not get to compete.  The team was very aware that to travel to such a competition requires a sizeable budget so fundraising ideas were set in motion.  The first event was a rowing competition marathon held in the Flagship Centre on Easter Saturday 7 April.  There were other events held throughout the year including a Cinema Night at the Tudor Cinema in Comber and a Fireside Quiz.  We intend to continue fundraising to support team travel throughout the UK and Europe as we have outgrown NI and Ireland and the athletes need to have a better standard of competition in order to improve.  The Committee is also very keen to encourage the Senior women’s team to progress, following their excellent achievements in 2007, under the strong leadership of Gemma McAnirn.  Any member who has any suggestions or ideas for fundraising should share them with us.

 

The NIAF asked us and Abbey AC to mark the course and Marshal at the Corporate Games 10k.  In return they would equally divide the Management fee between the 2 clubs to assist us with costs of European trip.

 

North Down Sports Advisory Sports Awards were held on Thursday 21 June at the Marine Court Hotel.  Paddy McGrattan received an Award of Merit, Amy Foster was awarded Young Sports Person of the year, collected by her grandmother and Brian Smith was awarded the Bruce Mulligan Award for Service to Sport, collected by Norman Lellyett.

 

The Primary School Sessions were held on Monday evenings through May and June at St Columbanus College and we had over 40 athletes attending aged 8 to 11. Thanks to Ian Atkinson for co-ordinating this promotion.

 

In the June edition of Inspire – the official magazine of UK Athletics the club was featured in the Club focus section, with a very positive article written by Barry.

 

We organised an event for the North Down Sports Advisory Council Youth Games Event on Monday 25 June and held Cross Country relays in Castle Park.  The event was the best supported event of the Games and we had over 80 competitors competing in 4 age group races. Our Monday night Primary School Group attended and thoroughly enjoyed the event.

 

During July we were saddened to learn of the death of Richard Weglarz.  Richard competed in the Olympics for his native Poland and was a throws coach in the early years of the club.  He presented the club with a set of 5 trophies in the 1980s that he had brought back from Poland.  He requested that these trophies are presented to athletes who represent the club, turn out for all events and always give of their best.

 

The Bank of Ireland Corporate Services continues to support our Young Athletes meeting, held this year on one of the worst nights of the summer on 14 August.  The competition was good and competitors and officials enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the evening.   Our athletes won several events with Michael McComb U13, Katie Hewitt U18 and Kerrie Craig U15, winning the overall age group prizes.

 

Northern Ireland Young Athletes League was won this year by City of Derry AC on 962.5 points. We were placed 5th on 442.5 points. Athlete of the Match prizes were awarded throughout the matches to Hannah Lewis, Lewis Atkinson, Kerrie Craig and Mark Armstrong and Niall Robinson.

 

North Down Athletes who hold Young Athletes League records since 1990 are: 

U13 Minors: Kathryn Colwell 75m & 100m, Natasha Paxton, Kathryn Colwell, Jennifer Hatch, Alison Gordan 4x200m relay, Danielle Oliver HJ, Jennifer Kelso LJ, Jenni Oakes 70mh.

U15 Juniors: Hannah Lewis 200m & 300m & LJ, Hannah, Natasha, Kathryn and Kiki 4x100m relay, Hannah, Kim Shaw, Kiki and Katie Hewitt 4 x 200m relay

U17 Intermediates: Amy Foster 100m, Hannah 200m, 4x400m relay, Nichola McCaughey PV, Eva Massey Discus.

U13 Colts: Tom Reynolds 75mh

U15 Boys: Kerrin Young 400m, Peter Abernethy PV, Jonathan Kingsberry Hammer (at the 2002 UK Final)

U17 Youths: Darragh Murphy HJ, Michael McConkey PV, Aaron Sterling Hammer (at the UK Final 2003)

 

The Senior Men’s’ team won the Team Trophy for the seventh year in succession with a convincing win of 117 points to second placed City of Lisburn on 67.  The Senior Women’s team were placed 2nd with 78 points. In the ESB League Division 1 the Senior Ladies were 3rd.

 

We finished the Track and Field season with our Club Championships with over 50 athletes competing on 28 August and had a very enjoyable Barbeque, prize evening and quiz on 7 September with 60 members, parents and friends attending. Awards were presented to Jenny Stevenson, Kerrie Craig, Janine Munnis, Travis Jamison, Roger Dawson, Mark Armstrong, Michael Patterson, John Carlisle, James Budde, Francis Marsh, Gareth Irvine, Eva Massey, Jeremy Harper, Hannah Lewis, Gemma McAnirn, Stephanie Hambling, Jessica McCreery, Matthew Heaney, Mark Patterson and Niall Robinson.

 

The scenic Crawfordsburn 5K Trail Race was held on Wednesday 29 August.  Again in 2007 we were part of the North Down Park Series where competitors are encouraged to compete at Crawfordsburn, the Scrabo Hill Race and Redburn Forest Park Run. The Committee has decided to move our fixture to Saturday 30 August 2008 to encourage more entrants as competitors complained regarding the commuter traffic travelling to Bangor for a 7.00pm start.

 

The Bangor Classic, sponsored by North Down Borough Council was held on 29 September and we very much appreciate their input. This year’s emphasis was to provide a good standard 10k for local runners.  We need to build on this and attract more runners to justify the substantial prize fund. We are ever grateful to the PSNI for giving us permission to run through the streets and providing traffic assistance with the event.

 

At the Veterans International event held at Stormont on Saturday 17 November Francis Marsh was 2nd 040 NI, Debbie Matchett 1st 040 NI and Stephanie Hambling 3rd NI Women O35.  Brian Smith received a NI team bronze medal in the 060 category.

 

Nominations were sought in 17 categories for the annual UKA Awards this year sponsored by Heidsieck & Co Monopole. The club was very successful in being awarded winners in 6 categories.  The winners received their awards from Ed Warner, Chairman UKA and Adrienne Smyth, President, NIAF at a Champagne Reception at Athletics House on Tuesday 20 November:  Daphne Hamill, Services to Officiating, Brian Smith, Participation Coach, Ian Atkinson, Club Volunteer of the Year, Gillian Weir, Club Development Officer of the Year, Special Olympics Club/NDAC Inclusivity, Men’s Senior Team – Track and Field Team of the year. We are without question the most successful club at all levels in Northern Ireland.

 

The Senior Men’s’ team of Francis Marsh, Simon Seaton, James Budde and John Carlisle won the Malcolm Cup on Saturday November 24th.

 

A very successful Christmas Dinner, organised by Brian Smith was held in Carnalea Golf Club on Monday 10 December with over 40 members attending.

 

The Ken and Lynne Hawtin Trophy was contested at the Crawfordsburn Handicap Race on Saturday 22 December.  The winner was Peter Glass.

 

Francis Marsh and Robin Brown teamed up for the Castlewellan Cracker and finished third.

 

The club is grateful for the assistance we receive from the Sportsplex staff, the Council’s Sports Development Staff Jill Constable and Jonathan Moffett and Director Stephen Reid who are always supportive of our club and events.

 

Since Jeremy Harper was appointed as North Down Athletics Development Officer in August 2006 I have been working closely with him, providing statistical information on the club for UKA and NIAF.

 

A sub committee from the club, David Seaton, Brian Smith, Geoffrey and myself  have held meetings throughout the year with Fred Shaw, John Nolan and Stephen McMaw, NDBC, to try to resolve operational issues with regard to the track and the Sportsplex complex.  These meetings are sometimes frustrating for us, especially as some matters are not within the control of the Council officials. But members can be assured that the representatives have your best interests in mind throughout negotiations.

 

Our officials continue to work hard within the Federation and on various Committees.   Barry has been re-elected as YAL Chairman, with Rodney Brown as Treasurer.  David Seaton having just taken on the position of Chairman of NIAF, Tony Wall has been re-elected as Hon Assistant Secretary, NIAF. Geoffrey has been re-elected as Chairman of NDSAC and David Seaton continues as NDSAC Executive Council member.

 

The officials of the Federation always support our events and promotions and we are grateful to them.  Our own officials continue to work hard to ensure events are run to the highest possible standard.  We pay tribute to Daphne, Eddie, Mike, Pat Moffitt, Pat O’Driscoll, Tony, David, Brian, Paul, Lynne and Roy for their dedication to the sport of athletics.

 

Bangor Historical Society has requested historical information regarding the club and Athletics in Bangor, via Eddie Wilson and Daphne Hamill for a pamphlet they are compiling.

 

The Club is very proud of its coaches, the time given freely, the wealth of knowledge and the commitment each and every one of them contribute to helping our athletes reach their full potential.  This year we are pleased to welcome Kim Shaw to the list, having recently completed her Level 1 award.

 

Each year it is a very difficult task to collect club fees, registration fees and Sportsplex subscriptions from members.  Some members requiring 3 reminders before they pay their dues.  This puts an enormous burden on myself and creates bad feeling for the club with the Sportsplex Management. The Committee has agreed that members who have outstanding fees from 2007 will not be registered with the NIAF for 2008.

 

We are grateful for the time and effort spent in keeping the clubs name to the fore within the Community.  Ian Atkinson took on the mantle of PRO in 2007 assisted by Barry, ensuring that club articles appear in the Spectator each week.

 

Over the years our club website has had many compliments and has won awards.  We are indebted to Barry Scarth for the hours he puts in to updating records, posting articles and photos, sometimes working into the small hours.

 

My report would be 20 pages long if I were to include and record all the achievements of our club members.  Thankfully Barry has already done this on the web-site.  However, I am happy to make amendments or include other items if I have missed (and I am sure I have) important information which needs recording.

 

Ian Atkinson has volunteered to research polo shirts to add to our club kit. He has been exploring ideas and suppliers with the help of Michael Jenkins.

 

Finally I would like to thank our Chairman, Norman Munnis, who has had a successful first year in office and would like to thank the out-going committee for their support, commitment, attending meetings and always making decisions for the good of the club.


Report on North Down Special Olympics Club

 

The North Down Special Olympics Club was formed in 2004. We meet on Monday evenings in winter at Bangor Grammar School Gym and in summer at the Sportsplex. We currently have 35 members.  We have 1 level 3 coach, 3 level 2 coaches and 5 level 1 coaches. 

 

During 2007 we organised several events for the athletes.  We held an Interclub day at Bangor Grammar School, inviting 2 clubs from Donegal and Omagh.  We entered 2 teams in the Belfast Marathon Relay and we had a Christmas night out on 10 December (over 70 including carers attended) Bowling at the Odyssey followed by a meal at Pizza Hut.

 

Coaches from the club who currently assist are Kim Shaw, Katie Hewitt, Nikki Gregg (past member), Geoffrey and myself.

 

Nikki Gregg was proud to be selected as an Official for the World Games in China, she was previously an official at the World Games in Dublin in 2003.

 

We held a volunteer evening to encourage new volunteers and raise awareness of the club. We have volunteers from all over the Borough some from Bangor Grammar School, Regent House and North Down HFE College.

 

In 2007 we provided tracksuits for athletes and coaches using funds from donations. We intend to provide the athletes with training shoes and socks in 2008.

 

Glenn Aiken was very proud to pick up the club’s first award from UKA for club inclusivity between NDAC and NDSOC.

 

The athletes have made vast improvements in their co-ordination, ability and social skills since they started at the club and all those involved in the club share a great sense of fulfilment. Working with these young people is very rewarding.

 

 

 

 

Athletes of Note 2007

 

Eva Massey

·        GB Shot Putt record (beating Mary Peter’s long time record)

·        AAI Senior Champion

·        European Cup for GB

 

Amy Foster

·        Awarded NDSAC Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2006

·        Irish Universities Indoor champion 60m and relay

·        U23 Irish Champion 100m & 200m

·        NI Senior Champion 100m

 

Jordan Neil

·        Broke 2 Club Records 5000m & 1500m

·        Took 30 seconds off club junior 3,000m record

·        2nd Irish Junior 30000m championships

 

Jeremy Harper

·        Highest Ranked NDAC senior

·        Ranked 17th in UK Shot 4th U23 in UK

·        Highest points scorer in Irish League Final in Shot and Discus

·        Holds Club records for shot and discus

·        Retained Irish Indoor Universities Championship at Shot and Weight for Distance

·        4th AAI Senior in Discus

·        U23 Irish Champion Shot, Discus and 35lb weight for distance

 

Ben Reynolds

·        SINI Selection

·        3rd Pole Vault – Schools International – Newport

·        2nd PV & 100mh Ulster Schools

·        NI Selection for Multi Events – Stoke

·        2nd Irish Schools combined events

·        Celtic Games Selection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah Lewis

·        SINI Selection

·        1st Long Jump, 4th 200m – Schools International – Newport

·        Ulster Schools Champion 200m & LJ

·        Grade 1 100m, 200m & LJ

·        Bronze Medal (LJ) UK School Games PB 5.78m

·        Ranked 1st NI U17 200m

·        Ranked 1st  NI  Senior LJ

·        Ranked 11th Irish Senior 200m

·        Celtic International 200m PB 25.13

·        U17 AAA 1st  LJ

·        4th Schools International 200m

·        Irish Schools champion LJ & 2nd 200m

 

Kerrie Craig – HJ

·        3rd Indoor Championships of Ireland

·        4th Multi Event Championships

·        Age Group Champion

·        Irish Schools Champion

 

Kerry Iveston

·        World Fell Running Championships selection

 

Connor McGrattan

·        Age Group Champion – Javelin

 

Gareth Irvine – Discus

·        Ulster & Irish Schools Champion

 

Mark Patterson

·        Ulster Schools 800m 1st

·        Irish Schools 800m 3rd

·        Repeatedly broke PBs throughout the season

 

Matthew Hamilton

·        Ulster Schools Champion – LJ – Grade 1

 

Katie Hewitt

·        NI Selection for Multi Event Championship - Stoke