“Blow, blow, thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind as man’s ingratitude; Thy tooth is not so keen, because thou art not seen, although thy breath be rude.”
So said my bro’ Willy Shakespeare. Probably after he visited Mallusk one January.
But even he would have been impressed, nay overwhelmed, by the sight of almost 500 headers out in the fields today for the Mathieson Cup and Shield event. But more of that later.

Taking on the parkruns this week were:
Valley parkrun:
Tom Fleming 20:33, Neil Campbell 21:33, Joe Mathers 21:34, Damien Cole 22:13, Stephen Gallagher 22:39, Laura Rose 23:45 (and first female finisher), Karen McKee 24:01 (2nd female finisher), Noel Bloomfield 24:34, Ramunas Stanevicius 24:51, Nuala Muldoon 25:24, Paul Skillen 25:36, Sarah McCafferty 26:08, Gabrielle McMillan 26:08, Pamela McCafferty 26:14, Jim Hewitt 27:08, Frances Kane 30:35, Roisin Brooks 31:16, Karen O’Boyle 32:26, Fidelma McCoppin 33:16, Tracey Whittley 34:15, Alyson Taylor 34:46, Patricia Kane 37:51, Deirdre McCann 43:31

Antrim parkrun:
Alan Kerr 24:42, Tina Steele 26:25, Deborah Ewing 26:26, Leo McAuley 26:33

Waterworks parkrun:
Ryan Clarke 21:06, Susan Thompson 24:54, Ken McAuley 24:55, Suzanne Brennan 26:19, Danny Donaldson 28:55, Tiffany Donaldson 28:55, Jo Smyth 44:39

Victoria parkrun:
Neil McCready 21:08PB, Ryan McCready 28:06

Wallace parkrun:
Jim Guinn 27:49

Comber parkrun:
Elaine HOTM Kennedy 31:08

Stormont parkrun:
David Esler 31:22

Orangefield parkrun:
Dermot Boyd 34:12

Waterworks junior parkrun:
Joseph Eager 9:20, Matthew Hawkins 11:42, Leo McAuley 11:52, Eloise McAuley 11:59

Today, Ramunas Stanevicius took on the latest EAMS half marathon event finishing in 1:31:46.

But the big event of the week was the Harriers’ first event to be part of the XC League.
The overall Mathieson Cup for the men’s team event was won by North Belfast Harriers. The ladies Mathieson’s Shield was won by Acorns AC. A big congratulations to both.

Individually, the ladies’ event was won by Sinead Sweeney (unattached) and the men’s event by Mark McKinstry of NBH.
Full results, including the juniors are available on the Mallusk Cross Country Facebook page.
The Harriers performed as follows:
Ladies’ 6k Race:
Laura Rose 25:54, Karen McKee 27:12, Suzanne Brennan 27:22, Sarah McCafferty 28:08, Sharon Dunn 28:22, Pamela McCafferty 29:09, Gabrielle McMillan 29:10, Janine McNevison 31:59, Maeve Dunseath 32:17, Nikki Fleck 33:11, Leeanne Skillen 33:28, Lisa Kerr 33:38, Laura Campbell 34:06, Roisin Brooks 34:07, Angela Stevens 34:14, Joanne Milne 34:35, Emily Dowling 34:36, Leah Burns 34:42, Anita Piatek 34:45, Frances Kane 35:23, Galina Stanevicius 36:02, Gillian Bainbridge 36:09, Louise Ladd 36:13, Karen O’Boyle 36:18, Tiffany Donaldson 36:18, Fidelma McCoppin 36:46, Mairead O’Hare 39:43, Patricia Kane 43:16
Overall, the ladies’ team finished in 3rd position. A great result!

Men’s 8k Race:
Mark Smith 28:21, Lee O’Boyle 29:06, Alan Ladd 29:35, Neil Campbell 29:39, Joe Mathers 29:41, Chris Speers 31:35, Stephen Gallagher 32:01, Danny Donaldson 33:46, Alastair Houldsworth 34:06, Neil McCready 34:26, Alan Erwin 35:45, Paddy Brooks 36:39, Damien Cole 36:54, Jonny Smith 37:18, Brendan McGeown 37:44, Ciaran Hawkins 38:07, Lord Ian Brennan 38:53, Jim Guinn 39:27, Richard Dunseath 41:08, Eamonn Donaghy 41:57, Neill McGlinchey 43:25, Terry McIvor 43:34, David Esler 43:39, Aidy Hughes 43:56
Overall the men finished 4th. Well done gents!

Full results for the juniors are not available at the time of writing but there was a second place finish for Tom Fleming in the U12 race and a third place finish for Adam McCann in the U14 race.

All those who helped organise the race, provided sponsorship, encouraged participation, set up the course and facilities, tried to wreck the gazebo, baked/provided food and drinks, marshalled, cheered everyone on, did timekeeping, provided results, served food and hot drinks and tidied up afterwards should give themselves a big pat on the back. A job well done folks.

This week’s tune is for all those who were brave enough to take on Mallusk’s weather in January. And won.

https://youtu.be/Eu3CbGyKgiA

Until next week, behave.

CAVILLATOR