Newcastle AC
A TALENTED young athlete from Drumee is gaining recognition across the Irish athletics scene after an outstanding year of success in cross country and track.
Harry McVeigh, aged 12, who represents Newcastle and District Athletics Club, attended Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche and is currently a pupil of St Malachy’s High School, has been nominated again for Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2025 in the Newry, Mourne and Down Sports Awards.
The awards recognise the achievements of young athletes who have excelled at provincial, national and international level throughout the year, spanning from January 2025 to December 2025.
Building on last year’s achievements, Harry’s 2025 season has been one of remarkable consistency and achievement, establishing him as one of Ireland’s most promising young distance runners.
Competing across cross country competitions throughout the year, he delivered a series of impressive performances against some of the country’s top young athletes.
One of the highlights of his season came in February at the Flahavan’s Primary School Cross Country League Championship, where Harry produced a dominant performance to successfully defend his title.
Crossing the finish line 26 seconds ahead of the field, he made history as the first athlete to win the championship two years in a row.
His success continued in October at the Northern Ireland and Ulster Age Group and Novice Cross Country Championships, where Harry demonstrated both strength and versatility by claiming an impressive double victory.
Competing across age categories, he secured both the U-13 and U-14 titles, confirming his position among the strongest young runners in the province as he made it five Ulster titles in four years.
Harry also proved his ability on the national stage. At the National Cross Country Championships in Derry, he finished second in the U-14 race despite competing against athletes up to two years older than him.
Just two weeks later in Dublin, he delivered one of the standout performances of his career at the Under-13 National Championships, winning individual gold and playing a key role in helping his provincial team secure the team title.
Those who coach and train alongside Harry say his achievements are the result of dedication, determination and a genuine passion for sport.
He regularly takes on demanding training runs in the Mourne Mountains alongside senior athletes from Newcastle and District AC, building endurance and learning from experienced runners.
Outside formal training, Harry can often be found out running with his brother Connaire Óg or taking his dog Mabel along on training runs, getting in good quality miles whilst also enjoying what he does.
Despite his success in athletics, Harry remains a multi-sport athlete and is actively involved in other local clubs.
He also plays football for Newcastle Town FC and Gaelic games for Bryansford GAC, demonstrating the same energy and enthusiasm across all sports he takes part in.
Newcastle AC coach, Siobhan Grant, who has been involved in coaching Harry from a young age, describes him as a “dedicated and motivated young athlete who approaches every race, training session and game with positivity and determination.”
His work ethic, humility and commitment have also made him a positive influence among his teammates and younger athletes within the club.
With a growing list of championship titles and national medals already to his name, Harry is widely regarded as a young athlete with a very bright future ahead.
Earlier this year, he further strengthened his reputation when he cruised to victory at Mallusk in the Mini Boys race.
That impressive performance secured his place on the Northern Ireland Minor Boys squad for the London Mini Marathon in April.
Once again, Harry has been selected to compete in an age group above his own, an outstanding achievement that highlights both his talent and potential.
The Junior Sportsperson of the Year award will be presented at the Newry, Mourne and Down Sports Awards ceremony, which takes place at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle on Friday.
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