Official opening of all-weather track at Harriers this week

Published: Tue 12 Sep 2023, 1:01 PM

Last updated: Tue 12 Sep 2023, 1:23 PM

This week marks a big milestone in the development of Mullingar Harriers, as they hold the official opening of the new track on Thursday at 6.30pm.

Since the clubhouse was built on a greenfield site back in 1985, the club have continued to invest and steadily improve the grounds and facilities, but the construction of the all-weather six lane track was by far the biggest, most ambitious and most expensive development undertaken to date.

A club spokesperson said: “We’re honoured that John Cronin, president of Athletics Ireland, has agreed to perform the opening ceremony and everyone associated with the club, current and past members and generous sponsors, is invited to attend and witness this memorable occasion and to stay on for some light refreshments after in the clubhouse.”

Westmeath schools cross country in Belvedere

The Westmeath Schools Cross Country is only two weeks away, which means time to get everything ready is limited, and top of the list of jobs to do is to lay out the course.

This weekend the club are looking for a bit of muscle to help put together the course in Belvedere, particularly the start and finish areas.

The more help there is, the quicker the job will be done. If you can spare a couple of hours, let Margaret, Greg, Vera or Declan know at training this week.

Other cross country dates

Just before the Westmeath Schools Cross Country in Belvedere, the cross country season opens in County Meath on Sunday September 24 at the Star of the Sea AC open cross country, which has been the traditional season-opener for many years.

It’s a low-key event and perfect practice for newcomers in particular, ahead of the Westmeath and Leinster cross country.

After that, the championships proper with the Athletics Westmeath cross country over two days in Belvedere, on Sunday October 1 (juvenile even ages and adults) and Sunday October 8 (juvenile uneven ages), which will be used as trials for team selections for the Leinsters.

They’re followed by the Autumn Open in Abbottstown, Dublin on Sunday 15, where a number of the club’s U20 and senior athletes will be looking to put down early markers as they track towards the European cross country in December.

The autumn open also includes the trials for the British and Irish Masters International in Scotland in November.

The open will be preceded by the AAI National Juvenile Cross Country Relays and Harriers hope to enter strong teams in each age group.

The Leinster novice, U20 and juvenile even ages take place on Saturday October 21 in Mountain View Golf Club in Ballyhale, County Kilkenny, followed by the Leinster senior and juvenile uneven ages on Saturday November 4, at a venue to be confirmed.

Further ahead, the All-Ireland senior, U20 and juvenile even ages are in Gowran, County Kilkenny on Sunday November 19 and the All-Ireland novice and juvenile uneven ages on Sunday December 3, at a venue to be confirmed.

Club vests

A reminder to all athletes representing the Club in competition that they have to wear the club colours. Club vests can be purchased any evening at training.