St Annes Athletics Club

nly. We encourage an ethos of ‘Come, try and have a go’. So come join us, all ages welcome! Our athletes are encouraged to try all track and field disciplines: every event except pole vault and steeplechase. Athletes may compete in local, regional, national and international events in track and field, cross country and road races. Our History:
Founded in 1980 by Finaghy sports enthusiasts, John Mageean and Frank Mc Conway, St. Anne’s Athletic Club was initially formed as a section of St. Anne’s Youth Club, and grew through the participation of several families. Following the strong example of the Mageeans and McConways, the Maguire family committed to year-round training and competition, with Anne and Brian Maguire becoming coaches and taking over the reins from John Mageean in 1982. Team members regularly travelled to competitions throughout Ireland tackling track and field events, both indoors and outdoors. The annual circuit featured winter cross country, road races throughout the year, and track and field in the spring and summer. Each year, teams consistently have produced medal winners gaining wide respect for their dedication. Over the years, the club has had many fine athletes. Anne and Brian Maguire, Brian Murphy, Monica Tanney, and John and Karen Marshall, all athletes who have travelled to Masters (over 35’s) events in Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Australia - Karen Marshall becoming World and European 10K and cross country champion. Paul McKee the former World Indoor 400m Bronze medal winner and now Irish Masters champion, started his career at St. Anne was the Northern Ireland event coach for race walking. Anne is a committee member of the Northern Ireland Masters’ Athletics Association and promotes competition for athletes in the Over-35 age groups. The club continues to be run by Anne Maguire and her daughter Lisa Quinn.